A Portrait of Kuwaiti Artist Monira Al Qadiri
Monira Al Qadiri`s diverse background and personal history are reflected in much of her work, yet in the most unexpected ways. Her parents--an ex-diplomat and a visual artist--had lived in Russia before she was born in Senegal. Al Qadiri grew up in Kuwait, and at the age of sixteen set off to Japan to study animation. She now lives in Beirut, Lebanon.
Al Qadiri has spent years studying the aesthetics of sadness in Eastern cultures. Her work in animation, film, performance, and mixed media continues to evoke an eerie sense of humor while reflecting on her surroundings and the region`s history and various social norms, "visually." Her latest project Muhawwil (Transformer) will open on 21 January at the Sultan Gallery, Kuwait, and explores the murals designed by religious groups on public generators in her native country.
In this video, Al Qadiri talks about the development of Muhawwil as well as the interests that have guided much of her work over the past decade with a discussion of Visual Violence, Wa Waila, Abu Athiyya, Rumors of Affluence, and Behind the Sun.
[This video is produced by Medrar TV and is featured in partnership with Jadaliyya Culture.]