Meet the Artist Behind the Silver Lion at Venice Biennale 2024

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Karimah Ashadu (b. 1985) is a British-born Nigerian artist featured in this year's Venice Biennale. This year she had her debut at the 60th International Art Exhibition at La Biennale di Venezia (check out the highlights!) and previously had exhibitions and screenings in places such as London, Vienna, and MoMA New York. Known for her multi-disciplinary approach to art, Ashadu’s work centers around the social, economic, and cultural self-determination practices of Nigeria and the African diaspora.

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Known to be very intentional about her work, Ashadu uses instinct to create her work exactly how she envisions to ensure her perspective is shown to viewers through her work. Originally trained in painting at the University of Reading School of Arts and Communication Design, her skills further evolved and transcended beyond painting into sculptures and films.

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Highlights:

• Karimah was awarded the Silver Lion’s Promising Young Artist in the International Exhibition at this year’s (2024) La Biennale di Venezia.
• Karimah’s debut piece at this year’s Biennale was a bronze sculpture titled “Wreath” pictured below. The piece was referenced to the motorcyclist she’d observed in Lagos. Inspired, she created not only the sculpture but also a film titled “Machine Boys”.
• Click here to see how to see “Wreath” in person at this year’s La Biennale di Venezia.
• Click the links to learn more about Karimah and her work through her portfolio and social media

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