On November 11, 2023, the Sharjah Architecture Triennial welcomed visitors with its grand opening. This edition stands out for its diverse group of curators and participants, showcasing a myriad of perspectives. The event emphasizes works from the Global South, providing a profound exploration of architectural evolution. Moreover, the curatorial team symbolizes diversity, reflecting the region’s significant role in the global architectural discourse and its ongoing development.
Tosin Oshinowo
Tosin Oshinowo is a distinguished Lagos-based Nigerian architect, designer, and curator. She has seamlessly woven innovation into residential and commercial spaces rooted in Yoruba culture. These spaces represent a modernized perspective of African design and Afro-minimalism, offering a responsive reflection of past, present, and future architectural designs.
With sustainability, poise, and meditation as her guiding themes, Oshinowo’s architectural creations are an eloquent narrative of her artistic journey. Her profound love for architecture and creativity took root in high school, where her passion for drawings blossomed. Over time, she has established diverse platforms like InDesign Atelier and Sho-n-Tell to foster dynamic conversations and collaborations within the architecture and academic realms.
She is the leading curator of SAT 2023, guiding the artistic narrative with her distinctive vision. Oshinowo’s multifaceted approach to architecture and design enriches the built environment and amplifies the dialogue surrounding the intersection of culture, sustainability, and architectural innovation.
Matthew Maganga
Matthew Maganga is a Tanzanian writer focusing on land, artistic practice, and architecture. His work explores topics related to land, artistic traditions, and architecture, providing valuable insights into these fields. He was previously a writer for Arch Daily and is currently writing for Frieze London.
His work reflects a commitment to promoting and understanding the intersection of culture, art, and the built environment in East Africa and the world. Maganga is the curatorial assistant for this year’s Sharjah Architecture Triennial. His participation underscores his dedication to advancing discourse and exploration within architecture and the arts.
Suha Hassan
Paying homage to her African heritage, Suha Hasan’s work delves into the intricate realms of obscure histories, material conditions, and environmental impacts associated with the built environment, emphasizing archaeological and heritage sites. Suha is a versatile educator who has lectured in universities spanning Bahrain, Egypt, Singapore, Sweden, Sudan, and the UK. She is the Regional Research Consultant for SAT, 2023.
In addition to her architectural pursuits, she is the visionary behind Mawane, a Bahrain-based platform for urban research. She is also the founding member of the MSc (Modern Sudan Collective). Her work fosters research dissemination through engaging mediums like public art exhibitions, talks, and workshops.
Her works continue to shape the discourse on architecture and memory in post-colonial cities. She holds a distinguished PhD from KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, and is navigating her professional journey across Bahrain and Khartoum.
Julie Bonzon
Born in Switzerland, Julie Bonzon is a London-based art historian, educator, and curator. After earning her Master’s in History of Art at the Courtauld Institute of Art (2015), she pursued a Ph.D. in History of Art at University College London (2020), focusing on South African photography. Bonzon has spearheaded curatorial and education initiatives at Magnum Photos, The Photographer’s Gallery, The Ian Parry Scholarship, and Phillips Auction House. Her role as Director of Photography at Messums London added another dimension to her diverse experience.
In June 2020, Bonzon established The Photographic Collective, a platform showcasing lens-based artists residing and working in Africa. Her groundbreaking research culminated in the publication of ‘The Market Photo Workshop in South Africa and the ‘Born Free’ Generation: Remaking Histories’ by Routledge Photography in 2023. She is the current Public Programme Event Organiser for SAT 2023.
Myles Igwebuike
Myles Igwebuike is a Nigerian artist, designer, and founder of Nteje Studios. he is the current Music Programme Consultant and multidisciplinary designer for SAT, 2023. His work embodies disruption, divergence, and innovation work. He is passionate about shaping African design by rejecting a singular medium. Instead, he opts for a multidisciplinary approach to explore novel concepts and push artistic boundaries. Infused with inspiration from Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage, his creations defy preconceived notions, seamlessly fusing form and concept.
Myles seeks to create designs that radiate aesthetic beauty and compel personalized engagement, stimulating unique responses. He aspires to redefine the narrative of African design, fostering a dynamic exchange of ideas and techniques that bridge local traditions with global influences.
The ongoing Sharjah Triennial is a spectacular event curated by a diverse and extensive team. As the fair continues until March 24, 2024, interested individuals can gain valuable insights into this artistic showcase by visiting today’s Sharjah Trienniale website. Don’t miss the opportunity to explore the richness and diversity of creative expression brought forth by this dynamic curatorial team.
