Sharjah Biennial
The 14th edition of the Sharjah Biennial (SB14) returns in 2019 with 'Leaving the Echo Chamber'
Organised by Sharjah Art Foundation, the Sharjah Biennial fosters international artistic exchange and dialogue through exhibitions and experimentation. Since 1993, the Sharjah Biennial has commissioned, produced and presented large-scale public installations, performances and films by artists from around the world, bringing a broad range of contemporary art cultural programmes and cultural producers to the communities of Sharjah, the UAE and the region.
Returning in 2019, the 14th edition will showcase three unique exhibitions that explore the possibilities for creating art when history is increasingly fictionalised, when ideas of ’society' are invariably displaced, when borders and beliefs are under constant renegotiation, and our material culture is under the constant threat of human destruction and climate degradation.
Rain Room
Rain Room, an installation by Random International, immerses visitors in continuous rainfall
When visitors enter the room, they are directed to navigate intuitively and carefully through the dark underground space in order to protect themselves from the downpour. As the visitors walk through the room, which uses 1,200 liters of self-cleaning, recycled water, their movements trigger motion sensors that pauses the rainfall when detecting movement.
Founded in 2005, Random International is a London-based collaborative studio for experimental and digital practice within contemporary art. Their work, which includes sculpture, performance and large-scale architectural installations, reflects the relationship between man and machine and centres on audience interaction.
Sharjah Art Foundation is an advocate, catalyst and producer of contemporary art. Through the Sharjah Biennial, the annual March Meeting, year-round exhibitions, education and community outreach programmes, grants, residencies, commissions and publications, the foundation encourages a shared understanding of the transformational role of art.
The Rain Room building in Sharjah has been designed by Sharjah Art Foundation and the UAE-based SpaceContinuum Design Studio in collaboration with Shape Architecture Practice + Research, Sharjah.
Mleiha Visitor Centre
Embark on a journey back through time and experience the history of traditional Emirati life.
Built around the Umm an-Nar tomb, a huge circular Bronze Age grave, the Mleiha Archaeological Centre brings Sharjah’s ancient history to life. There are amazing artefacts and exhibits, interactive displays and guided tours of the surrounding archaeological sites.
Enjoy a meal at the café and the huge range of activities on offer, including trekking and 4WD tours to Fossil Rock and Camel Rock, paragliding from one of Mleiha’s tallest peaks, desert cycling tours and dune buggy rides.
