Gaza Biennale comes to London in ICA protest
- Text by Cyna Mirzai
- Illustrations by Hamada El Kept, ‘Under Surveillance’, 2024
A viewing of the Gaza Biennale will be presented today (January 14) outside the Institute of Contemporary Art (ICA).
The global project and exhibition, which brings together over 60 Palestinian artists and their work, will be digitally shown as part of a protest against the New Contemporaries exhibition at the London art institution and its funding by Bloomberg Philanthropies.
Bloomberg Philanthropies has been accused of donating money to Israeli development initiatives, which protestors allege have been “directly implicated in facilitating settlement infrastructure in the West Bank”, according to a press statement.
Supported by organisations like ARTCRY and the Palestinian Youth Movement, the Gaza Biennale project began in April 2024 as a way to spotlight the diverse work of Palestinian artists, while calling for an end to ongoing atrocities in Gaza. The collective extend an open invitation to local and international institutions to host and produce exhibitions and work with them as partners.
In a press statement, the artists said the project marks a “creative step outside the traditional frameworks of exhibitions. It reflects the sensitivity and specificity of our situation, making it an urgent and exceptional event. At the heart of the artistic purpose is the struggle of a people to survive.”
The name of the project is a statement of intent that it will be a recurring event and that both Gaza and the artists will still be standing in two years’ time.
Latest on Huck
Bernie Sanders introduces Clairo at Coachella, urging young Americans to “stand up for justice”
Coachella charmed — The Vermont Senator praised the singer-songwriter for her efforts in raising awareness of women’s rights issues and Gaza.
Written by: Isaac Muk
The Changing Face Of Brooklyn, New York’s Most Colourful Borough
After three decades spent capturing stories around the world, Magnum Photographer Alex Webb finally decided to return home to Brooklyn – a place that champions chaos, diversity and community spirit.
Written by: Alex Webb / Magnum Photos
The mundane bliss of New York’s subways in the ’70s
NYC Passengers 1976-1981 — During a very different decade in NYC, which bounced between rich creativity and sketchiness, photographer Joni Sternbach captured the idiosyncratic isolation found on its rail networks.
Written by: Miss Rosen
Analogue Appreciation: lullahush
Ithaca — In an ever more digital, online world, we ask our favourite artists about their most cherished pieces of physical culture. Today, it’s Irish retro-futurist lullahush.
Written by: lullahush
Spyros Rennt captures connection and tenderness among Berlin’s queer youth
Intertwined — In the Greek photographer’s fourth photobook, he lays out spreads of togetherness among his friends and the German capital’s LGBTQ+ party scene.
Written by: Isaac Muk
The rebellious roots of Cornwall’s surfing scene
100 years of waveriding — Despite past attempts to ban the sport from beaches, surfers have remained as integral, conservationist presences in England’s southwestern tip. A new exhibition in Falmouth traces its long history in the area.
Written by: Ella Glossop