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Conceived by the late Okwui Enwezor and curated by Hoor Al Qasimi, Director of Sharjah Art Foundation, Sharjah Biennial 15: Thinking Historically in the Present (SB15) reflects on Enwezor’s visionary work, which transformed contemporary art and established an ambitious intellectual project that has influenced the evolution of institutions and biennials around the world. Opening from 7 February to 11 June 2023, the Sharjah Biennial celebrates its 30th anniversary edition positioning Sharjah’s own lived past within the transcultural universe of thought furthered by over 300 works by over 150 artists and collectives, which will be installed in 5 cities and towns across the emirate. Click here to learn more about SB15.

Abstract

Open Conversation between Gnawa and Capoeira is a panel that brings together Gnawa musicians Maalem Marouane and Maalem Younes as well as capoeira practitioners Mestre Pastel and Mestre Americano.

The artists—featured in Hassan Hajjaj’s documentary Gnawa Capoeira Brothahood—and Hajjaj discuss the layered cultural histories of these practices in a conversation moderated by Surafel Wondimu Abebe, Assistant Professor of Performance Studies and Theory, The Africa Institute on Sunday, February 12, 2023 at Gallery 1 & 2 courtyard, Al Mureijah Square, Sharjah.

Despite sharing a similar history and spirituality, both Gnawa music and capoeira possess a unique cultural identity. Rooted in the ancient Moroccan and West-African heritage of the Gnawa people, Gnawa music is a rich blend of traditional and spiritual melodies, rhythms, dance and ritual poetry that can be traced back to the time of slavery. Capoeira is an Afro-Brazilian martial art form that blends acrobatic movements, music and dance, and was originally practiced by enslaved Africans at the beginning of the sixteenth century. This session will take us on a journey into the enchanting worlds of Gnawa and Capoeira.

Translation from Arabic and Portuguese to English will be provided.

Click here to register. For more information, please email adultlearning@sharjahart.org or call 06 568 5050.

This event is free and open to the public.

Conceived by the late Okwui Enwezor and curated by Hoor Al Qasimi, Director of Sharjah Art Foundation, Sharjah Biennial 15: Thinking Historically in the Present (SB15) reflects on Enwezor’s visionary work, which transformed contemporary art and established an ambitious intellectual project that has influenced the evolution of institutions and biennials around the world. Opening from 7 February to 11 June 2023, the Sharjah Biennial celebrates its 30th anniversary edition positioning Sharjah’s own lived past within the transcultural universe of thought furthered by over 300 works by over 150 artists and collectives, which will be installed in 5 cities and towns across the emirate. Click here to learn more about SB15.

Conceived by the late Okwui Enwezor and curated by Hoor Al Qasimi, Director of Sharjah Art Foundation, Sharjah Biennial 15: Thinking Historically in the Present (SB15) reflects on Enwezor’s visionary work, which transformed contemporary art and established an ambitious intellectual project that has influenced the evolution of institutions and biennials around the world. Opening from 7 February to 11 June 2023, the Sharjah Biennial celebrates its 30th anniversary edition positioning Sharjah’s own lived past within the transcultural universe of thought furthered by over 300 works by over 150 artists and collectives, which will be installed in 5 cities and towns across the emirate. Click here to learn more about SB15.

Abstract

Open Conversation between Gnawa and Capoeira is a panel that brings together Gnawa musicians Maalem Marouane and Maalem Younes as well as capoeira practitioners Mestre Pastel and Mestre Americano.

The artists—featured in Hassan Hajjaj’s documentary Gnawa Capoeira Brothahood—and Hajjaj discuss the layered cultural histories of these practices in a conversation moderated by Surafel Wondimu Abebe, Assistant Professor of Performance Studies and Theory, The Africa Institute on Sunday, February 12, 2023 at Gallery 1 & 2 courtyard, Al Mureijah Square, Sharjah.

Despite sharing a similar history and spirituality, both Gnawa music and capoeira possess a unique cultural identity. Rooted in the ancient Moroccan and West-African heritage of the Gnawa people, Gnawa music is a rich blend of traditional and spiritual melodies, rhythms, dance and ritual poetry that can be traced back to the time of slavery. Capoeira is an Afro-Brazilian martial art form that blends acrobatic movements, music and dance, and was originally practiced by enslaved Africans at the beginning of the sixteenth century. This session will take us on a journey into the enchanting worlds of Gnawa and Capoeira.

Translation from Arabic and Portuguese to English will be provided.

Click here to register. For more information, please email adultlearning@sharjahart.org or call 06 568 5050.

This event is free and open to the public.

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