Ali Akay; Art, Politics, and the 6th Mardin Biennial – Further Away

Avant D’art is happy to present the first episode of the documentary series created for 6th Mardin Biennial. Step into Ali Akay’s perspective as he unveils the profound layers of meaning embedded within the Mardin Biennial theme, “Daha Uzaklara” (Further Away). Through his compelling speech, Akay transcends geographical boundaries, inviting us to contemplate Mardin not just as an ancient city but as a nexus of global issues. From the Anthropocene crisis to sociopolitical turmoil and the resurgence of identity politics, Akay weaves together the threads of environmental consciousness, migration dynamics, and the complexities of cultural identity. Drawing parallels between art history and contemporary challenges, he illuminates the role of artists as vanguards in addressing pressing societal issues. With his curation, Akay integrates diverse perspectives into the fabric of the biennial, fostering encounters between local heritage and global discourse. As he envisions a dialogue that transcends traditional boundaries, Akay beckons us to explore the intersection of geography, ideology, and human experience. Through the lens of the Mardin Biennial, Akay beckons us to embrace a holistic understanding of art as a catalyst for social transformation, where every act carries the weight of collective consciousness, and each exhibit becomes a gateway to a more inclusive and enlightened world.

Correction in the subtitles:

18:06 – 18:22 ‘’Afterward, Documenta, with Okwui Enwezor in 2002, similarly advanced the post-colonial issue a step further because…” 22:00 Aimee Cesaire

22:32 Cesaire

23:45 – 23:57 “Today, the white world, known as white supremacy, standing behind Donald Trump in America, rediscovered racism.”