MIGRASOPHIA - (MIGRATION + PHILOSOPHY)

'Migrasophia’ is the first curatorial exhibition and public programme to be staged at the Maraya Art Centre in the emirate of Sharjah, which explores contemporary art practices emerging from the post-Soviet terrain of Central Asia, Caucasus and the Caspian region and its subsequent diaspora.

The exhibition’s title takes its inspiration from Azerbaijani contemporary artist and philosopher Zeigam Azizov who In 2000 coined the term ‘Migrasophia’ as the study into the complex relationship between migration and philosophy. Within a curatorial context, Azizov’s concept forms a reworked synthesis for an appraisal of works by 17 artists, including collaborations and collectives, who are exploring migratory visual aesthetics since the collapse of the former USSR in 1991 and reflecting on the impact of globalization on contemporary art, society and current thinking.

The featured artists include: Lida Abdul, Zeigam Azizov, Babi Badalov, Farhad Ahrarnia, Erbossyn Meldibekov, Slavs and Tatars, Galim Madanov & Zauresh Terekbay, Said Atabekov, Gulnara Kasmalieva & Muratbek Djumaliev, Ergin Cavusoglu, Karen Sargasyn, Reza Aramesh, Sonia Balassanian, Sophia Tabatadze, Koka Ramishvilli, Taus Makhacheva and Diyor Razaikov. The works have been curated by Sara Raza, who is an independent curator and editor for ArtAsiaPacific (West and Central Asia) and Ibraaz.

The artists whose works have been included in the exhibition are mixed media practitioners who employ film, video, sculpture, drawing, photography and installation within their art practices. Most of them have widely exhibited both regionally and internationally in biennials, art fairs and museums, but for many it will be their debut in the UAE.

For more information visit the Maraya Art Centre website.