H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, yesterday opened the 12th edition of the Sharjah Biennial (SB12), the longest running and perhaps the most influential contemporary art event in the Gulf, being held under the title "The Past, The Present, The Possible." The event is being organised by the Sharjah Art Foundation at Al Mareija, Sharjah.
Upon his arrival to the event, Sheikh Sultan was received by Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Culture, Youth and Community Development, Sheikh Essam bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Adviser at the Office of the Ruler of Sharjah, and a number of senior officials.
Sheikh Sultan toured the Biennial and was briefed by Eungie Joo, a former curator at the New Museum of Contemporary Art in New York regarding this edition's shows, which include performances, film screenings, tours and workshops.
The Ruler's tour also included the artistic buildings in Mareija. He also expressed his happiness at the performances and the showcased works as well as the efforts exerted by the Biennial teamwork. The inauguration activities of the artistic building will continue till 7th March, 2015. The meeting will feature a rich programme that will have performances and films in various areas in the Emirate of Sharjah.
Sharjah Biennial 12: The past, the present, the possible (SB12) invites over 50 artists and cultural practitioners from over 25 countries to introduce their ideas of the possible through their art and work. The exhibition is taking place in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, across the emirate at sites in and around the city as well as in the city of Kalba on the Gulf of Oman. Over two-thirds of the participant artists will present new works and commissions.
Programming for SB12 includes monthly lectures and workshops in various locations around Sharjah from September 2014 to February 2015.