Khalil Rabah

Biography

Khalil Rabah is best known for rewriting and inventing history. Emerging from his deep involvement and background in architecture, his works aim to provide an alternative vision that challenges public perceptions and expectations. Rabah reflects and draws on different methodologies to engage with themes of displacement, memory and identity to examine the relationship between humans and their surroundings as well as the nature of global human suffering.

Solo exhibitions of his work have been presented at Sfeir-Semler Gallery, Beirut (2018); Casa Árabe, Madrid (2016); Kunsthaus Hamburg (2015); e-flux, New York (2013); Beirut Art Centre (2012); The London Office, Artist Studio (2007); Brunei Gallery, School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London (2007); and Khalil Sakakini Cultural Centre, Ramallah (2004), among others. His work has also been shown in international group exhibitions at Kunstverein Hamburg (2021); Centre Pompidou, Paris (2020); Lahore Biennale (2020); Jameel Arts Centre, Dubai (2019); Manifesta 12 Palermo (2018); Darat al Funun, Amman (2018); Sharjah Biennial 13 (2017); Marrakech Biennale 6 (2016); Cartagena Biennial, Colombia (2014); Kochi-Muziris Biennale (2014); Thessaloniki Biennial (2013); Mori Art Museum, Tokyo (2012); Sharjah Biennial 10 (2011); Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art, Doha (2010); Venice Biennale (2009); Liverpool Biennial (2008); Tate Modern, London (2007); British Museum, London (2006); 9th Istanbul Biennale (2004); XXIV Biennale de São Paolo (1998); Sydney Biennial (1998); and Gwangju Biennale (1995), among others.

Rabah’s works can be found in the collections of MACRO, Rome; British Museum, London; Guggenheim, Abu Dhabi; Mathaf, Doha; Kunsthaus Zurich; and Sharjah Art Foundation.

He is the artistic director of Riwaq Biennale, Ramallah, founder of the Palestinian Museum of Natural History and Humankind and co-founder of Al Ma’mal Foundation for Contemporary Art, Jerusalem. He has also served on the advisory board of the Delfina Foundation, London, and the curricular committee of Ashkal Alwan Home Workspace Programme, Beirut.


Born in 1961 in Jerusalem, Rabah lives and works in Ramallah.

SAF participation:
March Meeting 2022
Sharjah Biennial 10 and 13
The Time is Out of Joint (2016)
do it بالعربي (2016)