Kader Attia

Overview

The Australian Centre for Contemporary Art's latest exhibition presents French-Algerian artist Kader Attia in an exploration of his major installations, which examine ideas of the complex cultural exchange between Europe and non-Western countries after decolonisation. Curated by the MCA's chief curator Rachel Kent, the exhibition includes over a decade of artwork, focusing on his installations, videos and sculptural work.

Attia's 48-minute single-channel film, Reflecting Memory (2016), is a particular highlight of the exhibition. The intimately intense film explores themes of injury, unseen repercussions of trauma and the 'phantom limb' through interviews with psychiatrists, surgeons, trauma specialists and survivors.

Attia began his career working in the Congo, a region deeply affected by on-going conflict. After returning to France, he has worked with activist groups that support migrant communities, including displaced Algerian cross-dressers who faced persecution in their home country. In 2016, Attia was the recipient of the Prix Marcel Duchamp prize — the most prestigious art award in France.

After a run at Sydney's MCA as part of his first exhibition in the southern hemisphere, Attia's installation at ACCA runs from September 30 till November 19.

Image: Kader Attia, MCA installation view, photo by Jacquie Manning.