Join us for an illustrated talk with contemporary artist Kader Attia.
Artist Talk: Kader Attia
Thursday 20 February 2025, 6.30pm
Hugh Lane Gallery is delighted to welcome Kader Attia, the acclaimed French/Algerian artist known for his thought-provoking installations and sculptures, for an insightful artist talk.
Growing up between Algeria and the suburbs of Paris, Attia’s work delves into themes of colonialism, identity, and historical trauma. Through his explorations of architecture, the human body, literature, and history, he examines how cultural and individual identities continue to be shaped by post-colonial domination. His practice highlights the ongoing struggle to acknowledge and repair historical wounds—contrasting Western modernity’s impulse to conceal scars with traditions in African, Japanese, and pre-modern Western societies that embrace visible repair as a testament to resilience.
Currently artist in residence at the Louvre as part of the museum’s 230th-anniversary celebrations, Attia has established a studio within its walls, where he continues his exploration of colonial histories and their lasting impact. Drawing comparisons between Algeria and post-colonial societies such as Ireland, he explores how nations grapple with the enduring effects of colonialism and how art can serve as a vital tool for slowing down time, fostering reflection, and contributing to societal healing.
His entire oeuvre is rooted in a deep interest in sharing ideas, creating spaces for debate, and animating thoughtful conversations around our collective memory, particularly questions about colonial violence, loss, and trauma that continue to plague our world today. Attia is also developing an exciting project with Hugh Lane Gallery, furthering his engagement with these critical themes.
Don’t miss this opportunity to hear from one of today’s most influential contemporary artists as he discusses his work, ideas, and the urgent themes shaping his practice.
Free, book on Eventbrite or come on the day subject to availability.
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Artist’s Biography
Kader Attia (b. 1970) grew up in Paris and spent several years in Congo and in South America. He studied at the École Supérieure des Arts Appliqués Duperré and the École Nationale Supérieure des Arts Décoratifs in Paris, and at Escola Massana, Centre d’Art i Disseny in Barcelona. In 2016, Attia founded La Colonie, a space in Paris to share ideas and to provide an agora for vivid discussion. Attia was selected as the curator of the 12th Berlin Biennale for Contemporary Art (2022), and he participated in numerous biennial exhibitions as an artist, including Sharjah Biennial 15, (2023); Aichi Triennale, Nagoya, Japan (2022); the 13th and 12th Gwangju Biennial, Gwangju, South Korea (2020 and 2018); 12th Shanghai Biennale, China (2018); Marrakesh Biennial 4 and 6 (2014 and 2016); 8th and 13th Lyon Biennale (2005 and 2015); dOCUMENTA (13), Kassel, Germany (2012); and the 50th and 54th Venice Biennales (2003 and 2011). His work is included in numerous public and private collections around the world. Attia has received several prestigious awards including the 2017 Joan Miró Prize, Fundació Joan Miró, Barcelona, Spain, the 2017 Yanghyun Prize, Seoul, South Korea, and the 2016 Prix Marcel Duchamp, Paris, France.
