July 04, 2024, 09 am – 12 Noon

Many thanks to the artist & activist Khaled Barakeh for his lecture LESS ART OBJECTS, MORE ARTISTIC ACTION and discussing the works of our participants within the Studio Program at BAI | Berlin Artist Residency, Art School, Arts Incubator, and Live Online Courses & Classes.

“Amidst the global rise of nationalism, populism, and right-wing governments, our contemporary era grapples with multifaceted challenges that profoundly influence the cultural and artistic realms. In response to these pressing issues, a crucial need arises for a paradigm shift within the creative community—transitioning from the traditional emphasis on art objects towards a more dynamic embrace of artistic action. In this evolving socio-political landscape, artists are called upon to become catalysts for change, wielding their creative prowess as potent tools for activism and social transformation. This shift underscores the importance of participatory and socially engaged art practices, where artists actively collaborate with communities and challenge prevailing norms to amplify marginalised voices. Through collaborative initiatives, participatory interventions, and community-driven projects, artists can pave the way for inclusive dialogue, fostering empathy, understanding, and social cohesion in much-needed places.” (Text by courtesy of Khaled Barakeh)

Khaled Barakeh is a Syrian-born Berlin-based multidisciplinary artist, activist, and creative facilitator. Trained as a painter at the Fine Arts Faculty in Damascus, Barakeh shifted his focus to conceptual art practices with his two Master’s degrees at Odense and Frankfurt. Barakeh uses his training and education to challenge structural injustice and voice out marginalized voices. His widely-exhibited works, including the internationally-toured 2020 ‘MUTE’ installation, intervene critically on traditional representations of violence. Shortlisted for the 2023 Exile Visual Arts Award, Barakeh is a speaker and collaborator with international organizations such as Amnesty, the European Center for Constitutional and Human Rights, and the Danish Refugee Council. Barakeh’s  Studio engagement is driven by what he has termed The Practice of Necessity, an ethos that dictates responses to the urgencies of ever-changing realities. That led him to found coculture, a non-profit organization rooted in the intersectionality between art, activism, and community building, to support exiled culture and cultural producers. His work has been exhibited internationally at museums, Biennales, and other institutions and venues.
More information on the Khaled Barakeh & coculture Websites.