Gast: Ali Cherri, Artist and Filmmaker
In this episode, wienerberger CEO Heimo Scheuch and the Lebanese artist and filmmaker Ali Cherri, explore the intersection of architecture, sustainability, art, and cultural transformation and discuss the power of imagination, creative resilience, and societal change.
Ali Cherri reflects on his latest film, The Dam, and its storytelling approach that connects history, human struggle, and artistic creation. Filmed in Sudan, The Dam delves into themes of identity, displacement, and the symbolism of clay and earth as materials of both construction and destruction.
Highlights of this episode:
- How does art inspire new ways of thinking in a rapidly changing world?
- What can we learn from historical narratives and architectural heritage?
- Why is imagination a critical tool for building a better future?
- The significance of clay as a building material as fundamental element in shaping human history.
Creativity, Disruption & The Future of Society
Scheuch and Cherri also touch on the role of disruption in business, politics, and culture, debating whether change can lead to positive transformation. As wienerberger continuously seeks innovative solutions in construction and sustainability, this episode underscores the importance of creative vision in shaping the built environment.
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Discover how art, architecture, and design intersect. Whether you're an architect, builder, artist, or simply passionate about creativity and change, this episode offers valuable insights into how imagination can redefine our future.
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About Ali Cherri
Ali Cherri is a Lebanese artist and filmmaker based in Paris, known for his thought-provoking explorations of history, identity, and the intersection of art and politics. Working across film, sculpture, and mixed-media installations, his work delves into themes of cultural heritage, displacement, and human resilience.
His latest film, The Dam, premiered at the Cannes Film Festival and examines the symbolism of clay and earth as materials of both creation and destruction. Cherri's work has been showcased in prestigious institutions worldwide, including the Louvre, Centre Pompidou, and the Venice Biennale.
In 2023, the Vienna Secession hosted a solo exhibition of his work, further highlighting his exploration of materiality, power structures, and the traces of history embedded in landscapes.
Secession Podcast: Ali Cherri in conversation with Jeanette Pacher
The Secession Podcast is a digital series launched by the Vienna Secession, offering in-depth conversations with artists, curators, and theorists. Each episode provides insights into the contemporary art exhibitions hosted annually by the Secession. In their latest episode, Jeanette Pacher and Ali Cherri talk about power structures, tools of violence and his exhibition "How I Am Monument", that was on view at Secession from December 6, 2024 to February 23, 2025.