Wael Shawky delves into a dramatic scene from history during his Edinburgh presentation
Wael Shawky's Exhibitions at Edinburgh International Festival and LUMA Arles
Wael Shawky, a leading contemporary artist, is making waves in the art world with his latest exhibitions in Edinburgh and Arles.
In Edinburgh, Shawky's solo exhibition at Talbot Rice Gallery is part of the Edinburgh International Festival for the first time. The exhibition, running until 28th September 2025, showcases Shawky's latest work, including the film "I Am Hymns of the New Temples". It also revisits his acclaimed Crusades Cabaret trilogy, offering a nuanced perspective on the relationships between the West, Egypt, and the Middle East. The exhibition includes drawings and mixed-media works, lesser-seen aspects of Shawky's practice.
The films Drama 1882 and The Secrets of Karbala are also being shown in Edinburgh. Drama 1882 explores the events of the Urabi revolt (1879-1882) against the British colonial power in Egypt, while The Secrets of Karbala is a two-hour epic that traces the history leading up to the Venetian attack on Constantinople (in 1204) and explores the period between the Second and Third Crusades in the 12th century. The glass puppets from The Secrets of Karbala, made in Murano to represent Venice's role in the story, are a highlight of the exhibition.
Meanwhile, at LUMA Arles, Shawky's exhibition features a film of the same name and stages it as a monumental site-specific installation. The exhibition follows the goddess Gaia through Pompeii where she encounters many ancient figures under the shadow of Mount Vesuvius.
Shawky's participation in the 2025 Edinburgh International Festival and his appointment as artistic director of the inaugural Art Basel Qatar in 2026 mark significant milestones in his career. These developments underscore Shawky's growing influence in both the global art scene and the representation of Middle Eastern history and culture in contemporary art institutions and platforms. His work and leadership connect artistic innovation with cultural diplomacy, particularly between the Middle East and the Western art world.
The Edinburgh International Festival will take place from 1st August to 24th August. For more information about the exhibition in Edinburgh, visit trg.ed.ac.uk.
[1] Source: The Art Newspaper, 2023.
The Secrets of Karbala is an epic film by Wael Shawky that traces the history leading up to the Venetian attack on Constantinople (in 1204) and explores the period between the Second and Third Crusades in the 12th century. The film is part of Shawky's Crusades Cabaret trilogy, which shows the Crusades story from the Arab point of view. Shawky composes music only for his films and believes anyone can make art.
Drama 1882 is an eight-part opera by Wael Shawky that was one of the most popular works at the Venice Biennale 2024. The opera explores the events of the Urabi revolt (1879-1882) against the British colonial power in Egypt. Unlike Shawky's other works, Drama 1882 features adult actors instead of puppets or children.
In addition to his exhibitions in Edinburgh and Arles, Shawky is the artistic director of the inaugural Art Basel Qatar in 2026. This role will likely enable him to influence how the region's art is presented globally and expand cultural dialogues around Middle Eastern history and identities.
Wael Shawky's exhibitions in Edinburgh and Arles, along with his appointment as artistic director of Art Basel Qatar, underscore his growing influence in the art world and his commitment to exploring historical narratives through diverse media such as film, music, puppetry, and performance. His work and leadership connect artistic innovation with cultural diplomacy, particularly between the Middle East and the Western art world.
- The film "I Am Hymns of the New Temples" by Wael Shawky, which is part of his current solo exhibition in Edinburgh, features an original soundtrack, exemplifying Shawky's belief that music is an essential element in art.
- Wael Shawky's opera, Drama 1882, which was one of the most popular works at the Venice Biennale 2024, not only showcases historic narratives but also incorporates live performance, further demonstrating Shawky's exploration of various artistic mediums including music.
