The Other Side of Silence: A Conversation with Hrair Sarkissian on Memory, History and Photography

Talk Description

In conjunction with the exhibition Hrair Sarkissian: The Other Side of Silence, on view at Sharjah Art Foundation from 30 October 2021 to 30 January 2022, this conversation between artist Hrair Sarkissian and the curator Dr Omar Kholeif, Director of Collections and Senior Curator, Sharjah Art Foundation, will shed light on the context of this exhibition–the first mid-career survey of the artist’s work. From stories of years spent in his father's photographic studio, ‘Dream Color’, in Damascus, to tales of his encounter with conceptual photography and some of its forerunners, Sarkissian will discuss his heroes, memory and trauma as well as history, loss and belonging. Drawing threads across a life-long practice of working with large-format photography, before the artist’s work evolved into sound, film and installation, this conversation will also discuss Sarkissian’s newly commissioned works featured within the exhibition.

This talk will be followed by a book signing of Sarkissian's first monographic publication edited by Kholeif and Theodor Ringborg (Bonniers Konsthall), featuring original essays and contributions from Sharjah Art Foundation’s Director Hoor Al Qasimi, Kholeif and Ringborg as well as Hannah Feldman (Northwestern University), Marianne Hirsch (Columbia University), Stijn Huijts (The Bonnefanten), Vali Mahlouji (Archaeology of the Final Decade) and Todd Reisz (author, Showpiece City: How Architecture Made Dubai, Stanford University Press, 2020). The publication is produced by Bonniers Konsthall in association with Lenz Press.

Registration

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This event is free and open to the public, but prior registration is encouraged as places are limited.

COVID-19 safety measures

Please note that in line with government health and safety guidelines, visitors are required to wear masks during visits to the exhibition spaces and keep a safe distance from others at all times. Audience capacity at the venue will be limited to ensure adherence to social distancing rules and seating will be arranged accordingly.