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Basim Magdy’s multi-faceted practice – spanning video, painting, photography and text – brings to light a hallucinogenic and satirical universe, where notions of past, present and future float within the same realm. His depictions of dreamlike scenarios propose alternative realities, often reflecting on the presence of dogma and authoritarianism. With these rather colourful otherworldly situations, Magdy’s body of work mirrors events and advancements in our own world — whether diplomatic, civic, technological or ritualistic. Neither utopian nor dystopian, and somehow occupying a more ambiguous domain, the images tell us about the literal inability of the human psyche to offer new paths into the future, rather repeating the same ideas and mistakes, over and over, in a banal yet violent cycle of action and defeat.

His solo exhibition at M HKA, titled Asleep in Another Dimension, considers human behaviour, in particular of individuals, but also within societies as perceived from the outside looking in. The configuration of works comprises Magdy’s recent film New Acid (2019) as the central component, together with two wall texts and a selection of new and recent paintings which provide extensions to the ideas of the film. Animals depicted in New Acid engage in an abstract dialogue, asking questions, contemplating their existence and human behaviour, as well as more intrinsic questions about the human constructs of racism, nationalism and tradition. These potent forces are central points of attention for Magdy in this exhibition, as we encounter a cast that display characteristics of fragility and disillusion.

Basim Magdy invites you to a collaboration by altering the pictures and videos you will take of the work in this show. Create your own narratives, parodies, text message conversations. Tell different stories, express how the work made you feel, or simply add filters, stickers or digital doodles.

When finished, please share your creations on Instagram using the #DearBasim hashtag, while mentioning @mhkamuseum and @Basim.Magdy

Magdy’s recent solo exhibitions include: M.A.G.N.E.T, MAAT Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology, Lisbon (2019); Pingpinpoolpong, or How I Learned to Laugh at Failure, South London Gallery (2018); The Stars Were Aligned for a Century of New Beginnings, Deutsche Bank "Artist of the Year 2016", Deutsche Bank KunstHalle, Berlin (2016) and Arnolfini, Bristol (2017); and No Shooting Stars, Jeu de Paume, Paris (2016); amongst many others. Group exhibitions include New Order, Art and Technology in the 21st Century, MoMA, New York (2019); WheredoIendandyoubegin – On Secularity, Göteborg Biennial, Gothenburg (2017); Surround Audience, New Museum Triennial, New Museum, New York (2015); La Biennale de Montreal, Canada (2014); 13th Istanbul Biennial (2013); Sharjah Biennial 11, UAE (2013); and La Triennale, Palais de Tokyo, Paris (2012). He was the winner of Abraaj Art Prize, Dubai in 2014. Magdy was the recipient of the 2016 Deutsche Bank Artist of the Year award. He lives in Basel, Switzerland.

Basim Magdy’s exhibition is organised within the framework of IN SITU/Moussem Collection. In this new innovative collaboration, M HKA and MOUSSEM work together on the development of a solo exhibition with an invited artist, supporting them with the production and joint acquisition of new artwork.