QUICK FACTS
Date of Birth
1983
Kuwait
Place of Birth
Why Featured?
Alsharif's innovative approach to addressing the legacy of colonialism and cyclical political conflicts through art has made her a pivotal figure in contemporary art, offering immersive, satirical, and lyrical works that challenge and engage audiences globally.
BRIEF BIO
Basma Alsharif, born to Palestinian parents and raised between France, the US, and the Gaza Strip, is an artist and filmmaker whose work delves into the complexities of political landscapes and the human condition. With a nomadic development of her practice, Alsharif’s work is characterized by a subjective, non-geographical viewpoint that seeks to confront and interrogate the legacy of colonialism and the enduring impact of cyclical conflicts.
LAST UPDATED
DATE
Monday, January 26, 2026
MAJOR MILESTONES
Key dates & turning points
MFA Graduation: Completed her MFA from the University of Illinois at Chicago in 2007 (MacDowell) .
Residencies Participation: Engaged in prestigious residencies, including Fondazione Antonio Ratti in 2009 and Pavillon Neuflize OBC at the Palais de Tokyo in 2014-15 (Galerie Imane Farès) .
Award Accolades: Earned a Jury Prize at the 9th Sharjah Biennial and received the Visual Arts Grant from the Fundación Botín in 2010 (Galerie Imane Farès) .
Global Exhibitions: Featured in major exhibitions and film festivals worldwide, such as the Kochi-Muziris Biennale and the Whitney Biennial (MacDowell) (Sound Image Culture) .
Berlin Artistic Research Grant Programme Fellowship: Currently a fellow for the 2022-2023 period (Galerie Imane Farès) .
CONTRIBUTIONS
What they did, and why it matters
Filmography: Produced thought-provoking films such as "Ouroboros," an homage to Gaza that intertwines various historical narratives with the concept of eternal return...See More
Installation Art: Created immersive installations that challenge perceptions of political and personal identity, such as the acclaimed "Deep Sleep"...See More
Photography and Cinema: Utilized these mediums to explore and communicate the complexities of displacement and the global condition...See More
International Recognition: Her work has received international acclaim, featuring in biennials, film festivals, and exhibitions across the globe, broadening the discourse on Palestinian issues and the impact of colonialism.
Educational Contributions: Through her innovative use of visual language and participation in residencies and fellowships, Alsharif contributes to the ongoing education and dialogue around contemporary art and political history.
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Last updated
Jan 26, 2026
DISCOVER
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