Wiels | EN

Drawing on his extensive curatorial experience and research into Asian and British art histories, Hammad Nasar will consider how the Christopher Kulendran Thomas engages with and reimagines modernisms, in particular those of Sri Lanka, while addressing urgent questions about the role of art in shaping collective narratives and alternative futures. Nasar's unique perspective, stemming from collaborative, research-driven and exhibition-led inquiry, will illuminate the connections between Kulendran Thomas's practice and larger discussions about identity, belonging, and the evolving relationship between Asian and Western art histories.

BIO I Hammad Nasar is a curator, writer and strategist based in London. Known for collaborative, exhibition-led inquiry, his recent exhibitions include: Beyond the Page: South Asian Miniature Painting and Britain, 1600 to Now (2023-24); Making New Worlds: Li Yuan-chia & Friends (2023-24); British Art Show 9 (2021-22); Turner Prize (2021); and, Rock, Paper, Scissors – the UAE’s national pavilion at the 57^th Venice Biennale (2017).

Nasar was co-founder of the pioneering London art space, Green Cardamom; Head of Research & Programmes at Asia Art Archive, Hong Kong; Executive Director of the Stuart Hall Foundation, London; and has held senior Research Fellowships at UAL’s Decolonising Arts Institute, and Yale University’s Paul Mellon Centre for Studies in British Art. He advises numerous arts organisations and is a Board Member of the Henry Moore Foundation (UK) and Mophradat (Belgium), and a Council Member of Asia Forum. He was awarded an MBE for services to the arts in 2023.