About
Ali Milad (b.1992) is a Bahraini artist based in London, UK. His practice centers around the critical use of documentary techniques to create visual and sonic regimes that surface and investigate political, social, and cultural realities.
In particular, his current interest lies in questioning ‘Khaleeji Exceptionalism’ as a trend in regional contemporary art by confronting it with emblems of its own decline and decay.
‘Objects in the Mirror Are Closer Than They May Appear’ (2023) marked his gallery debut.
Ali holds a Masters of Design in Strategic Foresight and Innovation from Ontario College of Art and Design University (Toronto, Canada). His thesis investigated the lived experience of Bahraini artmakers to develop policy recommendations for arts sector development.
Exhibitions & participations:
Arab Artists Now: An Anthology – Publication – Kohllective. On art, labor, and revolutionary change with curator Leen Ghassan.
Focal Point 2024 – Zine display – Sharjah Art Foundation, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, 2024. With Akkaz Collective.
Three Tired Tigers – Group – Jameel Arts Centre, Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 2024. Curated by Lucas Morin.
Objects in the Mirror are Closer Than They May Appear – Solo – AlRiwaq Art Space, Bahrain, 2023. Curated by William Wells.
Other relevant experience:
Sound + Fiction Festival / Tasjeelat – Planning and programming team – Manama, Bahrain, 2021-2022. With Museland.