Jun 9, 2024 <\/p>
On March 1st, Mohamed Almusibli<\/a> assumed the role of director at Kunsthalle Basel<\/a>, one of Switzerland's oldest and most prestigious art institutions. In his new position, he continues his dedication to creating an inclusive space where fundamental questions can be explored. In conversation with Luca B\u00fcchler, they discuss the evolution of Almusibli's curatorial focus, the importance of independent cultural spaces, and the recent transformations within Basel's cultural landscape.<\/p><\/div> Congratulations on your first opening as Director of Kunsthalle Basel a few weeks ago.<\/p><\/div>\n Thank you! It was on May 16, featuring Ghislaine Leung, a British artist known for her conceptual and institutional critique works. I'm very happy with how the exhibition turned out.<\/p><\/div> Let's look back first. We met in 2018 when we both studied at the Zurich University of the Arts, where we both pursued our Bachelor's in Fine Arts. That was a very different time, I assume. How would you describe the period? I remember you were producing artwork yourself.\u00a0<\/p><\/div>\n I initially earned a Bachelor's in History of Art at the University of Geneva before moving to Zurich to study media theory. During that time, one thing led to another, and I started producing artwork, developing a practice focused on texts and writing. The environment was crucial as it allowed me to start curating independently and inviting artists to exhibit. For instance, I organized an exhibition called \"To Whom It May Concern\" in the classrooms of ZHdK, hijacking a classroom for an entire weekend for artists to display their work.<\/p> During that period, I explored different spaces to experiment with artistic practices and curatorial forms. For example, I took over a space called Dynamo for six months, where I organized exhibitions. This experience reinforced my curatorial ambitions and allowed me to develop an approach I continue to pursue. Although I was always more interested in curating than creating art, I saw both as complementary, akin to creating something within a studio practice<\/p><\/div>