Moataz Nasr

Biography

A self-taught Artist with an academic background in economics, Moataz Nasr gained local recognition after receiving several awards, notably the Grand Prix at the International Cairo Biennial (2001). In 2008, Nasr founded Darb 1718, a contemporary art and culture centre in Old Cairo.

Nasr works with a range of artistic mediums including, painting, sculpture, photography and video to explore the complex cultural developments currently unfolding across the Islamic world. Through his practice, he attempts to move beyond geographical borders to emphasise the difficulties and injustices experienced by people all over the African continent. His art is deeply informed by his relationship with Egypt.

Nasr’s solo exhibitions include The Tunnel, Galleria Continua, Beijing, China (2012); In a Nutshell, Selma Feriani Gallery, London(2011); Moataz Nasr – The Maze (The People Want the Fall of the Regime), Mobile Art Production (MAP), Gothenburg, Sweden (2011); Cairo Walk, Sultan Gallery, Sabhan, Kuwait (2008) and Entrapment, Galleria Continua, San Gimignano, Italy (2006).

Nasr has participated in several international group exhibitions including, Thessaloniki Biennale, Greece (2011); Picha Encounters 2010: Lubumbashi Biennial, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ghosts of Self and State, Monash University Museum of Art (MUMA), Melbourne, Australia (2006); Sharjah Biennial 7 (2005), the Busan Biennale, South Korea (2004); São Paulo Biennial, Brazil (2004) and the Venice Biennale, Italy (2003).

Nasr’s video installation Echo (2003) was shown in Sharjah Biennial 7.