Sheikha Hoor Al Qasimi. Photo: Ziga Mihelcic
Former Vogue Arabia cover star and patron of regional creative talent Sheikha Hoor Al-Qasimi is once again being recognized for her achievements internationally. The prestigious Aichi Triennale’s sixth edition, to be held in 2025 in Japan, has just announced the International Biennale Association president as the festival’s artistic director.
It is no surprise that the Emirati royal was selected for her curatorial accomplishments and her global connections. From curating a Biennale in Lahore, Pakistan to establishing Sharjah as a renowned hub for the arts – her work as director of the Sharjah Biennale has been of paramount importance – Sheikha Hoor is an icon for curators around the world. Her roles on the board of directors for MoMA PS1 in New York, Kunst-Werke Berlin e. V. in Germany, and Ashkal Alwan in Beirut are only some of the many hats she has worn.
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Now that she becomes the first non-Japanese person to lead the Aichi Triennale, visitors can expect her distinct taste and expertise to permeate the festival. This new perspective from beyond Japanese borders is in line with the philosophy of the Triennale. Speaking to Vogue Arabia in March 202o, the Sheikha reminisced about a trip to the Documenta11 contemporary art exhibition in Berlin with her father, “I was inspired by the way contemporary art connected with the real world, politics, and social issues.” This fascination became the basis for her work in Sharjah, an ethos that the Aichi Triennale shares with its focus on contemporary art.
In a statement detailing her achievements and leading position within the world of art the Aichi Triennale stated, “With these exceptional qualities, Hoor Al Qasimi is poised to lead the Aichi Triennale towards artistic excellence, igniting inspiration and captivating audiences worldwide.”
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