Biography

Mona Hatoum reveals the inherent violence in a world defined by globalised political struggles and localised systems of control. Her early performances centred on the body in confrontation with geopolitical forces. Over the years, the protagonist of her multidisciplinary practice has shifted from the artist’s body to that of the viewer. In her immersive installations, Hatoum takes themes of conflict, exile, barriers and state control from the purely conceptual realm presenting them instead in their manifestations as lived experiences. She probes topics of instability and displacement by transforming everyday objects in unfamiliar ways, often making them appear uncanny and, at times, even threatening.

Hatoum’s work has featured in solo exhibitions at several venues internationally including KINDL – Centre for Contemporary Art , Berlin (2022); Georg Kolbe Museum, Berlin (2022); Neuer Berliner Kunstverein (n.b.k.), Berlin (2022); Magasin III, Stockholm (2022); IVAM,Institut Valencià d’Art Modern (2021); Pulitzer Arts Foundation, St. Louis, USA (2018); The Menil Collection, Houston (2017); Hiroshima City Museum of Contemporary Art (2017); Kiasma Museum of Contemporary Art, Helsinki (2016-17); Tate Modern, London (2016); Centre Pompidou, Paris (2015); Fundación PROA, Buenos Aires (2015); Pinacoteca do Estado de São Paulo (2014); and Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art, Doha (2014).She has also participated in many international group exhibitions and biennials, including Rabat Biennale (2019); Documenta, Kassel (2017 and 2002); Moscow Biennale of Contemporary Art (2013); Istanbul Biennial (2011 and 1995); Sharjah Biennial (2007); Biennale of Sydney (2006); and Venice Biennale (2005 and 1995).

Her awards include the Julio González Prize, IVAM, Institut Valencià d’Art Modern (2020); Praemium Imperiale in Sculpture, Tokyo (2019); 10th Hiroshima Art Prize, Hiroshima City Museum of Contemporary Art (2017); and Joan Miró Prize (2011). She was nominated for the Turner Prize, London in 1995. She studied at the Byam Shaw School of Art, London (1975-79) and the Slade School of Art, London (1979-1981). Born in 1952 in Beirut, Hatoum currently lives and works in London. SAF participation: Sharjah Biennial 8 and 15 (2007, 2023) Genealogies in the Middle East and Latin America (2021)Hatoum’s work has featured in solo exhibitions at several venues internationally including KINDL – Centre for Contemporary Art , Berlin (2022); Georg Kolbe Museum, Berlin (2022); Neuer Berliner Kunstverein (n.b.k.), Berlin (2022); Magasin III, Stockholm (2022); IVAM, Institut Valencià d’Art Modern (2021); Pulitzer Arts Foundation, St. Louis, USA (2018); The Menil Collection, Houston (2017); Hiroshima City Museum of Contemporary Art (2017); Kiasma Museum of Contemporary Art, Helsinki (2016-17); Tate Modern, London (2016); Centre Pompidou, Paris (2015); Fundación PROA, Buenos Aires (2015); Pinacoteca do Estado de São Paulo (2014); and Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art, Doha (2014).

She has also participated in many international group exhibitions and biennials, including Rabat Biennale (2019); Documenta, Kassel (2017 and 2002); Moscow Biennale of Contemporary Art (2013); Istanbul Biennial (2011 and 1995); Sharjah Biennial (2007); Biennale of Sydney (2006); and Venice Biennale (2005 and 1995).

Her awards include the Julio González Prize, IVAM, Institut Valencià d’Art Modern (2020); Praemium Imperiale in Sculpture, Tokyo (2019); 10th Hiroshima Art Prize, Hiroshima City Museum of Contemporary Art (2017); and Joan Miró Prize (2011). She was nominated for the Turner Prize, London in 1995.

She studied at the Byam Shaw School of Art, London (1975-79) and the Slade School of Art, London (1979-1981).

Born in 1952 in Beirut, Hatoum currently lives and works in London.

SAF participation:
Sharjah Biennial 8 and 15 (2007, 2023)
Genealogies in the Middle East and Latin America (2021)

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