Visual artist Wael Shawky (° 1971) has presented works with narratives where fact and fiction intermingle through a variety of media including drawings, paintings, performances, and installations, with a focus on films. Reinterpreting existing historical narratives, the artist has addressed concepts regarding artistic, religious, and transnational identities based on extensive research and enquiry on history and mythology. Shawky’s films turn a broad range of themes and abstruse issues into fascinating epic poems. In addition to providing profound reflections on history and tradition, the lyrical visual language that he uses serves to translate the history of the Arabs and the Middle East, which have become fixed through a Western perspective, into contemporary narratives. Wael Shawky studied Fine Art at the University of Alexandria and at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. His major recent solo exhibitions have been held at venues including the Tate Modern (2022), Louvre Abu Dhabi (2020), Castello di Rivoli (2016), Fondazione Merz (2016), MoMA PS1 (2015). His major recent group exhibitions include the Desert X AlUla (2020), the 14th Sharjah Biennial (2019). Since 2010, Shawky has established MASS Alexandria, an educational program in his hometown to provide support for young local artists.