Zasha Colah: The curator of the 13th Berlin Biennale for Contemporary Art. Photo: M. Ben Hamouda

Zasha Colah takes the helm as curator of the 13th Berlin Biennale for Contemporary Art with the hope of redefining the future of artistic expression.

BY KAZEEM ADELEKE, ARTCENTRON

Zasha Colah’s appointment as the curator for the 13th edition of the Berlin Biennale for Contemporary Art has sparked anticipation and excitement in the art world. With her extensive experience and unique perspective, Colah brings a fresh approach to the prestigious event. Her background, curatorial style, and the exciting prospects she brings to the upcoming Berlin Biennale have given art lovers the impetus for excitement.

The Berlin Biennale for Contemporary Art holds a significant place in the art world, providing a platform for artists to showcase their works and engage in critical dialogue. The appointment of Zasha Colah as the curator for the 13th edition further elevates the expectations surrounding this esteemed event.

Zasha Colah: A Curator and Writer

Zasha Colah is a curator and writer known for her exploration of artistic imagination under conditions of sustained oppression. Her work delves into the realms of liveliness and restorative laughter as acts of resistance. Colah’s focus extends to various cultural practices that serve as an unspoken infrastructure of counter-expression in challenging environments. She finds the point at which these practices transcend individual efforts to become a collective force intriguing.

Colah’s curatorial style showcases her ability to bridge diverse perspectives and contexts. She believes in creating spaces that allow for meaningful encounters between artists and audiences. Colah’s exhibitions aim to provoke thought, challenge preconceived notions, and initiate conversations about social, political, and environmental issues. Her approach reveals the belief that art has the power to shape narratives and inspire change.

Curatorial Journey

Zasha Colah’s journey as a curator has been all-encompassing and rich with diverse experiences and collaborations. Born and raised in Lusaka, Zambia, and Mumbai, India, Colah’s multicultural background has informed her curatorial practice. She has spent significant periods in Berlin, Germany, and Mumbai, and is currently based in Turin, Italy.

Throughout her career, Zasha Colah has actively participated in several noteworthy curatorial engagements. She co-founded the Clark House Initiative, a collective of artists and curators dedicated to exploring ideas of freedom. Colah has also served as the curator of Indian Modern Art at the JNAF/CSMVS Museum and as the curator of public programs at the National Gallery of Modern Art, both in Mumbai. Her contributions extend to international exhibitions, including the 3rd Pune Biennale and the 2nd Yinchuan Biennale.

The art community warmly received the appointment of Zasha Colah as the curator of the 13th Berlin Biennale for Contemporary Art. Director Gabriele Horn and the entire team of the Berlin Biennale extend a heartfelt welcome to her in her new position.

An international selection committee comprising esteemed art professionals decided the curatorship of the upcoming Berlin Biennale. The committee included Sebastian Cichocki, Elena Filipovic, Krist Gruijthuijsen, Dr. Omar Kholeif, Manuela Moscoso, Olaf Nicolai, and Ugochukwu-Smooth C. Nzewi.

The Future of the Berlin Biennale

The 13th Berlin Biennale for Contemporary Art will take place during the summer of 2025, a departure from its previous scheduling pattern. Organizers will announce the exact dates for the event towards the end of 2023, enabling artists, enthusiasts, and participants to plan their participation accordingly. Moreover, the Berlin Biennale has decided to adopt a new rhythm for its future editions, with subsequent biennales taking place in odd-numbered years. This shift aims to provide a regular and anticipated platform for artists and visitors, fostering a consistent engagement with contemporary art in Berlin.

Zasha Colah: A New Chapter

The appointment of Zasha Colah as the curator of the 13th Berlin Biennale for Contemporary Art signifies a new chapter in the event’s history. Colah’s unique curatorial approach is informed by her exploration of artistic imagination and her commitment to collective expression, which promises to bring fresh perspectives to the art world. The Berlin Biennale also continues to push boundaries and shape the discourse around contemporary art, solidifying its position as a must-attend event in the global art calendar.