Born in 1970 in Paris, Algerian interdisciplinary artist Kader Attia weaves themes of geography, politics, history and gender into works using a diverse array of media, including installation, photography, video, sculpture and drawing.

Attia sheds light on the complex relationship between East and West and how this has played out in Europe and its immigrant communities, creating relationships that are increasingly strained. Attia’s work is informed by his decidedly multicultural upbringing, which included travels between France and Algeria, and visits to Congo-Kinshasa and Venezuela. His work has drawn parallels between youth in Algeria and France whose dreams for a better life are often entangled with feelings of despair.

Currently living and working in Berlin, Attia also considers the relationship between art and democracy, responding to conflicts facing Europe’s democratic development. But Attia is aware of the limitations of art in affecting societal change. In an interview with Art in America, Attia asks, “Is a political statement in art relevant in regard to the reality of society? I don’t think so.”

Attia participated in the 50th Venice Bienniale in 2003, Art Basel Miami in 2004 and the Sydney Biennial after receiving the Abraaj Capital Art Prize in 2010.