Farah Al Qasimi & Amal Khalaf in conversation

Coproduced between KADIST and Sharjah Art Foundation in the context of Sharjah Biennial 15: Thinking Historically in the Present, Farah Al Qasimi’s Um Al Dhabaab (Mother of Fog) challenges colonial myths upheld by Western academia and the lingering imperialist interests at play across Asia’s modern-day trade hubs.

This topic is explored through a multitude of figures and times, including perspectives of an ancient jinn, the spectre of an Al Qasimi pirate, two RAK-based sisters, a Jack Sparrow Impersonator and Ship Captain, as well as an 1819 British naval officer.

Following the screening of the short film, the conversation with photographer and filmmaker Farah Al Qasimi and curator Amal Khalaf unpacked the artist’s expansive practice and further reflect on shared experiences of growing up in the Gulf, challenging modes of storytelling, imperialist histories and speaking with and through ghosts.

Image and Editing: Vincent Peugnet

Sound: Carol Simony

Production: Pierre-Antoine Lalande