we refuse_d

we refuse_d brings together fifteen artists whose practices explore refusal, endurance, and action—asking what it means to persist, resist, and create under conditions of silencing, censorship, and displacement.

Developed through ongoing dialogue between artists and curators, we refuse_d is both a collective statement and a space for solidarity. It resonates with the spirit of the nineteenth-century Parisian Salon des Refusés, drawing attention to the fragile optimism and resilience that emerge in times of crisis.

Most of the works are new commissions, presented by artists who affirm the necessity of art as presence. Through the lens of refusal, their works trace paths of persistence, resistance, heritage, community, collective care, and repair.

Above all, we refuse_d is an exhibition about life, persistence, and the necessity of making art.

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Artists: Jumana Manna, Barış Doğrusöz, Nour Shantout, Samia Halaby, Emily Jacir, Taysir Batniji, yasmine eid-sabbagh (with Tabara Korka Ndiaye and Ndeye Debo Seck), Khalil Rabah, Oraib Toukan, DAAR (Sandi Hilal, Alessandro Petti), Abdul Hay Mosallam Zarara, Majd Abdelhamid, Dima Srouji, Suha Shoman, and Walid Raad (with Pierre Huyghebaert).

Curated by Nadia Radwan and Vasif Kortun.

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we refuse_d is produced by Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art, Doha, on the occasion of their 15th anniversary, and presented in partnership with M HKA.