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Sharjah Biennial 10: Political Focus on Underrepresented Regions

festival-fair · 2026-04-23

Running from March 16 to May 16, 2011, the 10th Sharjah Biennial, titled "Plot for a Biennial," is curated by Susanne Cotter, Rasha Salti, and Haig Aivazian across multiple locations. This event highlights political themes, showcasing artists from South Asia, the Middle East, and North Africa. Among the participants, Anna Boghiguian focuses on contemporary issues and immigration through her installations, while Imran Qureshi offers a fresh take on miniature art. Abdullah Al Saadi shares his journeys through 152 watercolor pieces, and Rania Stephan presents a video collage honoring actress Soad Hosni, who passed away in 2001. Noteworthy exhibits include Naeem Mohaiemen's video about a 1977 incident and an installation by the Wilson sisters concerning a Hamas assassination, establishing the biennial as a significant cultural touchstone for both local and global art scenes.

Key facts

  • 10th Sharjah Biennial runs March 16 to May 16, 2011
  • Curated by Susanne Cotter, Rasha Salti, and Haig Aivazian
  • Title: 'Plot for a Biennial'
  • Venues include museum, cinema, and Heritage Area buildings
  • Focus on artists from North Africa, Middle East, and South Asia
  • Anna Boghiguian presents installations on current events and immigration
  • Imran Qureshi reworks miniature decoration tradition
  • Abdullah Al Saadi shows 152 watercolors of travels
  • Rania Stephan creates video collage on Soad Hosni
  • Trisha Donnelly installs marble sculpture with sound in ruined courtyard
  • Naeem Mohaiemen video reconstructs 1977 attack
  • Wilson sisters, Eyal Weizman, Shumon Basar collaborate on CCTV-based installation

Entities

Artists

  • Susanne Cotter
  • Rasha Salti
  • Haig Aivazian
  • Anna Boghiguian
  • Imran Qureshi
  • Abdullah Al Saadi
  • Rania Stephan
  • Soad Hosni
  • Slavs and Tatars
  • Trisha Donnelly
  • Naeem Mohaiemen
  • Wilson sisters
  • Eyal Weizman
  • Shumon Basar
  • Cecilia Alemani

Institutions

  • Sharjah Biennial
  • Heritage Area
  • Manifesta
  • Berlin Biennale
  • Istanbul Biennial

Locations

  • Sharjah
  • United Arab Emirates
  • North Africa
  • Middle East
  • South Asia
  • Egypt
  • Pakistan
  • Lebanon
  • London
  • United Kingdom

Sources