Biography

Both process-oriented and multidisciplinary, Mahmoud Khaled’s work traces the boundaries between what is real and what is hidden, disguised or staged. The impact of his training as an academic painter can be seen in his concern with form, which is at once extravagant and austere. Mixing photography, video and wall painting with sculptural forms, sound and text, his works can be regarded as formal and philosophical ruminations on art as a form of political activism, an object of desire and a space for critical reflection.

His work has been presented in solo and group exhibitions throughout Europe and the Middle East at such institutions as Whitechapel Gallery, London (2016); Edith-Ruth-Haus für Medienkunst, Oldenburg, Germany (2016); Centre Pompidou, Malaga, Spain (2016); Galpão-Videobrasil, São Paulo (2013); Stedelijk Museum Bureau Amsterdam (2011); Contemporary Image Collective (CIC), Cairo (2010); BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art, Gateshead, UK (2010); Unge Kunstneres Samfund (UKS), Oslo (2009) and Salzburger Kunstverein, Austria (2007). His projects have also been featured in several international biennials, including Sharjah Biennial 13 (2017); Manifesta 8: European Biennial of Contemporary Art, Murcia, Spain (2010); Bienal Internacional de Arte Contemporáneo, Seville (2008) and First Canary Islands Biennale (2006).

Khaled was shortlisted for the Abraaj Art Prize (2016) and received the Videobrasil in Context Prize (2012). He has participated in residencies at Hyde Park Arts Center, Chicago (2015); Delfina Foundation, London (2012); Casa Tomada, São Paulo (2012) and BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art, Gateshead, UK. He was also a member of the Alexandria Contemporary Arts Forum (ACAF), Egypt (2006-2012).

He received a bachelor’s degree from the Faculty of Fine Arts, Alexandria University, Egypt and an MFA from the Trondheim Academy of Fine Art, Norway. He also took part in the Home Workspace Independent Study Program, Ashkal Alwan, Beirut (2012).

Born in 1982 in Alexandria, Egypt, Khaled currently lives and works between Egypt and Norway.

This person was part of Sharjah Biennial 13.