Wassan Al-Khudhairi to Lead Art Basel Qatar 2027
Art Basel has named Iraqi curator Wassan Al-Khudhairi as the artistic director for the 2027 Art Basel Qatar. She will collaborate with Vincenzo de Bellis, the chief artistic officer and global director of fairs at Art Basel, to shape the curatorial vision. Al-Khudhairi takes over from Egyptian artist Wael Shawky, who curated the first edition in February 2025, themed 'Becoming,' showcasing 87 galleries with individual artist presentations. Scheduled from January 28 to 30, 2027, with preview days on January 26 and 27, the fair will focus on the theme 'between / بين,' emphasizing exchange, fluidity, and open dialogue. Al-Khudhairi has significant regional connections, having been the founding director of the Barjeel Art Foundation in Sharjah and chief curator at the Museum of African American Art in Los Angeles.
Key facts
- Wassan Al-Khudhairi appointed artistic director of Art Basel Qatar 2027
- She will work with Vincenzo de Bellis, Art Basel's chief artistic officer
- Al-Khudhairi succeeds Wael Shawky, who led the inaugural 2025 edition
- Inaugural edition featured 87 galleries with solo presentations under theme 'Becoming'
- 2027 fair dates: January 28–30, with previews January 26–27
- Curatorial theme for 2027: 'between / بين'
- Al-Khudhairi previously founded Barjeel Art Foundation in Sharjah
- She was chief curator at Museum of African American Art in Los Angeles
Entities
Artists
- Wassan Al-Khudhairi
- Vincenzo de Bellis
- Wael Shawky
Institutions
- Art Basel
- Art Basel Qatar
- Barjeel Art Foundation
- Museum of African American Art
- Qatar Sports Investments
- QC+
- Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art
Locations
- Qatar
- Sharjah
- United Arab Emirates
- Los Angeles
- United States
- Doha
- Msheireb Downtown Doha