UAE Pavilion at Venice Biennale 2026: Exploring the Power of Whispering

14.05.2026

85 мин

14.05.2026 13:31

Exclusive: Washwasha: When meaning moves at low volume

## Introduction to Washwasha

The UAE Pavilion at the 61st Venice Biennale in 2026 presents "Washwasha," an exhibition curated by Bana Kattan and Tala Nassar. The term "washwasha" refers to whispering in Arabic, and the exhibition explores how meaning can be conveyed through subtle, incomplete communication.

## Artists and Themes

The pavilion features works by artists such as Lamya Gargash, Farah Al Qasimi, Jawad Al Malhi, Mays Albaik, Alaa Edris, and Taus Makhacheva. These artists do not adhere to a single visual language, but rather share a common theme of linguistic instability. Their works emphasize speech that is fragmented and meaning that remains open-ended.

## Conceptual Approach

Lamya Gargash highlights the significance of subtlety, suggesting that whispers can be more impactful than loud noises. Her work focuses on the unnoticed and the power of oral traditions to transport and connect people across time and space.

Farah Al Qasimi addresses the impact of capitalism and social media on our ability to focus, advocating for moments of genuine listening and reflection. She emphasizes the diverse cultural landscape of the UAE, where identity is constantly negotiated.

## Artistic Techniques

Jawad Al Malhi uses reconstructed oral histories to reactivate communal memory, while Mays Albaik transforms language into material form, capturing the residue of communication. Alaa Edris explores noise and distortion, challenging the coherence of narratives.

## Conclusion

The pavilion does not offer a definitive interpretation but instead encourages a shift in how we perceive meaning. It suggests that understanding often emerges after the initial encounter, as we reflect on the subtle, lingering effects of the experience.

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