Palestine at Japan’s Aichi Triennale is the main theme brought forward by Sheikha Hoor Al Qasimi this year. She is the first non-Japanese artistic director of the festival. She is also the president of the Sharjah Art Foundation, which she founded in 2009.
The festival is Japan’s largest international art event. Its theme is A Time Between Ashes and Roses, inspired by a poem by Adonis. Sheikha Hoor says the title has always been connected to Palestine. She believes poetry can connect people and open deeper meaning.
At the opening press conference, Sheikha Hoor linked the festival to Palestine at Japan’s Aichi Triennale. She spoke about the Naksa of 1967 and today’s crisis, which she called genocide and ethnic cleansing. She told the audience: “None of us will be free until all of us are free. So, free Palestine.”
Some Palestinian artists could not attend due to visa issues. Still, Basel Abbas and Ruanne Abou-Rahme performed in Nagoya with strong support from local musicians. Their work added a powerful Palestinian voice to the event.
Sheikha Hoor also highlighted Emirati artists. Mohammed Kazem showed works on Dubai’s growth and his Directions series. Afra Al Dhaheri used her own hair in art. Shaikha Al Mazrou turned an empty fountain into a sculptural pool. Maitha Abdalla presented new paintings on motherhood.
Sheikha Hoor worked with Japanese curators and city officials. She wanted the festival to be collaborative and connected to local experiences. She said the exhibition shows that all people live under one sky and share struggles.
The Aichi Triennale runs in Nagoya, Aichi and Seto until November 30.
