Events

Wael Shawky - Larvae Channel Series

The Delfina Foundation

June 29 - July 23, 2011
 The Delfina Foundation 29 Catherine Place London SW1E 6DY - United Kingdom

The Delfina Foundation is delighted to announce a forthcoming solo exhibition by the Alexandria-based artist, Wael Shawky.

Shawky’s most recent work deals with the dichotomies and contradictions of social norms, primarily relating to culture and religion. The Larvae Channel series explores a variety of issues that are rooted in local concerns, yet have profound international relevance. The weight of environmental issues of literal existence in Larvae Channel (2008) is juxtaposed with those of religious conflict and historical legacy in Larvae Channel 2 (2009). Shown together for the first time ever, the two videos reflect on micro-communities in Egypt and Jordan and consider how marginalization, cultural hybridization, migration and modernization can be platforms for self-perception.

The exhibition is part of The Knowledge - Stop 3: Alexandria.Taking its title from London's famous black cab drivers' training, The Knowledge is a journey through visual culture, one city at a time. After Damascus and Tehran, our third stop - Alexandria - focuses on emerging artistic practices and networks in Egypt's second largest city. Our next event in the series will take place on 6th July 2011 with Céline Condorelli discussing her work Il n'y a Plus Rien (There is Nothing Left) for Manifesta 8 and upcoming projects in Egypt and Norway, developed in Alexandria.

Larvae Channel and The Knowledge - Stop 3: Alexandria are presented as part of Shubbak: A Window on Contemporary Arab Culture, a festival presented by the Mayor of London. London's first ever celebration of contemporary culture from across the Arab world.