Isaac Julien’s Once Again…(Statues Never Die) (2022), displayed for the first time last year at Barnes Foundation, Philadelphia, is now part of the 15th Sharjah Biennial curated by Hoor Al Qasimi, Director of Sharjah Art Foundation. For its 30th anniversary, the exhibition reflects on Okwui Enwezor's visionary curatorial work and brings as its theme and title Thinking Historically in the Present. The concept was developed by Al Qasimi by adopting a working methodology that privileges the role of intuition and incidence.
Julien’s work is amongst a group of more than 300 works installed in 5 cities and towns across the emirate. The artist was chosen following the criteria established by the curator, focused on practices that critique monolithic understandings of nationhood, tradition, race, gender, body, and imagination. Alongside the exhibitions, the Biennial hopes to engage audiences through ongoing learning activities and a diverse program of performance, music, and film.
Once Again…(Statues Never Die) results from Julien’s research in the archives of the Barnes Foundation. The multiple-screen installation explores the relationship between Alain Locke’s political philosophy and cultural activities, and Albert E. Barnes’s pioneering art collecting and educational enterprise.
Learn more here.