Venice Biennale Showcases Qatar’s Powerful Exhibition “Your Ghosts Are Mine”
In a stunning display at the Venice Biennale, Qatar presents the exhibition “Your Ghosts Are Mine: Expanded Cinemas, Amplified Voices” that delves deep into the film and video art of Arab, South Asian, and African filmmakers over the past decade.
Taking over the historic Palazzo Cavalli-Franchetti on the Grand Canal, Qatar brings together works from Mathaf: Arab Museum of Contemporary Art, the Doha Film Institute, and the upcoming Art Mill Museum. Curated by film expert Matthieu Orlean, the exhibition is divided into ten galleries exploring themes such as ruins, women’s voices, borders, and exile, offering a unique perspective on contemporary issues. The exhibition will captivate audiences until November 2024.
Zeina Arida, Director of Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Arab Art, emphasizes the importance of film in documenting and sharing the stories of underrepresented societies. The works on display by filmmakers like Shirin Neshat, Larissa Sansour, and Hassan Khan provide a powerful narrative on migration, social differences, and exile.
One standout piece is Ali Cherri’s “The Dam,” a political fable depicting the story of a Darfuri worker during the Sudanese revolution. Qatari artist Sophia Al-Maria’s “Black Friday” and Hassan Khan’s “Jewel” also offer unique perspectives on culture and history.
The exhibition offers a glimpse into the rich tapestry of voices and stories from regions often overlooked in mainstream media, providing a platform for filmmakers to share their personal and collective experiences with the world.