Biography

Media artist, composer and educator Joe Namy’s practice often addresses identity, memory and power structures embedded in sound and music, such as the politics of bass, the color and tones of militarisation, the migration patterns of instruments and songs, and the complexities of translation—from language to language, from drum to dance, from score to sound.

Namy’s work has been exhibited, screened and amplified at numerous international venues, including Art Night London (2019); Durub Al Tawaya (2014, 2019); Sakakini Cultural Center (2018); Sharjah Biennial 13 (2017); Berlinale (2014, 2016, 2017); Asia Culture Center, Gwangju, South Korea (2016); SALT, Istanbul (2016); March Meeting, Sharjah Art Foundation (2012, 2016); Sursock Museum, Beirut (2015); Theater der Welt, Mannheim, Germany (2014); Home Works 6, Ashkal Alwan, Beirut (2013); Art X Detroit: Kresge Arts Experience, Detroit Science Center, US (2011); Beirut Art Center (2010) and international underground dance floors. He has also been programming radio since 2009 as Electric Kahraba and has released five albums as El Iqaa.

Namy holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, US (2003) and received a Master of Fine Arts from New York University (2010). Namy was a fellow in the inaugural Home Workspace Program (2011–2012) and serves as the Resident Advisor for the current Home Workspace Program (2016–2020).

Born in 1978 in Lansing, US, he now lives and works between Beirut and London.

SAF participation:
’32: Rescore, Air Arabia Curator in Residence Exhibition (2019)
Sharjah Biennial 13 (2017)
March Meeting 2016 and 2012

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