A mountainous landscape with a lake (or river), two undefined flags planted in the ground and a person staring at the water

John AkomfrahArcadia (2023)Sharjah Biennial 15

Video still John Akomfrah, Arcadia (2023), five channel HD Video, colour, black and white, 15.1 surround sound © Smoking Dogs Films. Courtesy Smoking Dogs Films and Lisson Gallery
John AkomfrahArcadia (2023)Sharjah Biennial 157 Feb. — 11 Jun. 2023

The Sharjah Biennial 15 presents the premiere of John Akomfrah’ Arcadia (2023), co-commissioned by Hartwig Art Foundation.  

The multi-screen installation Arcadia delves into the oral and representational history of Indigenous cultures, addressing the ecological implications of settler colonialism, extractive capitalism, and the extinction of microorganisms.  

A mountainous landscape with a lake (or river), two undefined flags planted in the ground and a person staring at the water
A person standing on a wrecked wooden ship on shingle beach, staring at the water
4 persons dressed in black staring at the camera, standing amongst ruins and large clocks, in a deserted rocky landscape
Clothes on hangers hanging in trues, with soap bubbles blowing away
Video still John Akomfrah, Arcadia (2023), five channel HD Video, colour, black and white, 15.1 surround sound © Smoking Dogs Films. Courtesy Smoking Dogs Films and Lisson Gallery.NaN/4

Commissioned by The Box, Plymouth City Council; co-commissioned by Sharjah Art Foundation and Hartwig Art Foundation, Amsterdam; generously supported by Polygreen Culture and Art Initiative (PCAI), Piraeus, Greece, and Arts Council England  

Courtesy of Smoking Dogs Films and Lisson Gallery, London

© Smoking Dogs Films

Sharjah Biennial is organised by the Sharjah Art Foundation.