This book is designed as an introduction to the work of artist Wael Shawky and focusses on Shawky’s interest in specific narratives. The three short stories by Egyptian writer Mohamed Mustagab were selected by Shawky as scripts in his most recent film series, Al Araba Al Madfuna (2012) and Al Araba Al Madfuna II (2013). These stories are accompanied by a foreword by Serpentine Gallery Directors Julia Peyton-Jones and Hans Ulrich Obrist and an essay by Hoor Al Qasimi.
Drawings by Shawky, some created especially for this book, are interspersed throughout.
About the Artist
In photographs, installations, videos and performances, Wael Shawky mines traditions of entertainment and performance through multilayered historical reconstructions that force viewers to navigate the territory of truth, myth, stereotype and cliché.
About the Author
Egyptian novelist Mohamed Mustagab published his first short story in the magazine Al-Hilal in 1968 and continued to write prolifically throughout the latter half of the twentieth century, receiving numerous prizes throughout his long career.
About the Publishers
Championing new ideas in contemporary art since 1970, the Serpentine has presented pioneering exhibitions for half a century from a wide range of emerging practitioners to the most internationally recognised artists of our time. The Serpentine Galleries present a year-round, free programme of exhibitions, education, live events and technological innovation.
Koenig Books is an imprint of Verlag der Buchhandlung Walther König (VWKG), which was founded in 1968 by Walther and Kasper König. Since 1980, Walther König is the sole publisher of VWKG, which specialises in artists’ books and artist-led catalogues. His son, Franz Koenig, who is based in London, has been publishing under the imprint of Koenig Books since 2001.
Sharjah Art Foundation hosts numerous activities and events throughout the year, from exhibitions featuring the work of Arab and international artists, live music and performances to film screenings and artist talks as well as extensive art education programmes for children, adults and families. Additionally, the Foundation has over the years published a range of books that include Sharjah Biennial and exhibition catalogues, books about the March Meetings and limited-edition artists’ publications.
