Yara El-Sherbini (b. 1978, London, UK; lives and works in Santa Barbara, CA) is an artist who uses humor and play to address structures of power that inform our everyday existence. From building a mini-golf course hole that represents contested territories under occupation to publicly broadcasting on a PA system questions such as “Does anybody know how to believe in government?”, her accessible works engage viewers with complex social and political issues. El-Sherbini is interested in using these recognizable formats, which also include bar quizzes or word searches, to explore the often invisible systems and processes of knowledge production that influence culture. For her Bloom Projects exhibition at MCASB, the artist will present a new interactive sculpture made of Buzzwire, titled Border Control.
Yara El-Sherbini received her MA from the Slade School of Fine Art, University College London. Her work has been shown at the New Art Exchange (Nottingham), Victoria & Albert (London), Arnolfini (Bristol), National Portrait Gallery (London), IKON gallery (Birmingham), Centre de Cultura Contemporània de Barcelona (Barcelona), Art Dubai (Dubai), Centre d'Art Contemporain (Geneva), Palazzo Papesse (Siena), and this year she will be presenting a new commission at the 56th Venice Biennale. Artist residencies include the Hayward Gallery as part of Wide Open School, in 2012, and at ZKM Center for Art and Media, Germany as part of The Global Contemporary in 2011. Yara El-Sherbini is represented by La Caja Blanca Gallery, Spain and is an Artsadmin Associate Artist.yaraelsherbini.com
Special Thanks to:
Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara (MCASB) exhibition and education programs are generously supported by the National Endowment for the Arts; Nordstrom; Towbes Foundation; Dedalus Foundation; Ann Jackson Family Foundation; Community Events & Festivals Grant Program using funds provided by the City of Santa Barbara in partnership with the Santa Barbara County Arts Commission; Mosher Foundation in honor of Barry Berkus, recommended by Dr. Bruce McFadden; Montecito Bank & Trust; High Tide Foundation; and contributions from our Board of Trustees and many generous individuals. MCASB Curator's Council is gratefully acknowledged for their support. Additional significant support is provided by The James Irvine Foundation; Getty Foundation; Hutton Parker Foundation; Williams-Corbett Foundation; Hutton Parker Foundation/Cox Communications Marketing Grant, and Santa Barbara Foundation.
Additional thanks to: Paseo Nuevo Shopping Center; Santa Barbara Independent; Telegraph Brewery; and Wayne McCall & Associates.
