Golnar Adili (born 1976) is a Swiss‑Kurdish visual artist known for interdisciplinary works that combine drawing, installation, performance, and video. Her practice frequently engages with themes of migration, memory, and sociopolitical histories.
Early life and education
- Born in Tehran, Iran, to Kurdish parents.
- Relocated to Switzerland during childhood, where she was raised.
- Studied at the Zurich University of the Arts (Zürcher Hochschule der Künste, ZHdK), receiving a Master of Arts in Visual Arts.
Artistic career
- Adili’s work often incorporates archival research and oral histories, translating collective narratives into sculptural and performative forms.
- She has participated in numerous solo and group exhibitions across Europe and North America, including venues such as the Kunsthalle Zurich, the Swiss Institute in New York, and the Museum of Contemporary Art in Basel.
Selected works and exhibitions
- The End of a Chapter (2014) – An installation examining the displacement of Kurdish communities during the late 20th century.
- The Story of the Turkish War of Independence (2017) – A mixed‑media project that re‑examines historical narratives through participatory performance.
- Khiyāl (2020) – A series of drawings and video that explore the concept of imagination (Arabic / Persian “khiyāl”) in contexts of exile.
Themes and methodology
- Migration and diaspora: Adili frequently interrogates the lived experiences of refugees and migrants, employing personal testimonies alongside documentary material.
- Historical memory: Her practice revisits overlooked or contested histories, often focusing on Kurdish and Middle‑Eastern subjects.
- Collaborative processes: Many of her projects involve community members, emphasizing collective authorship.
Recognition
- Recipient of the Swiss Art Award (2015).
- Awarded a residence fellowship at the Cité Internationale des Arts, Paris (2018).
Collections
Works by Golnar Adili are held in public and private collections, including the Kunstmuseum Basel and the Swiss Federal Art Collection.
References
- Swiss Institute. “Artist Profile: Golnar Adili.” Swiss Institute, 2021.
- Kunsthalle Zurich. “Exhibition Archive: Golnar Adili – The End of a Chapter.” 2014.
- ZHdK Alumni Records. “Golnar Adili – MA Visual Arts.” Zurich University of the Arts, 2002.
(All information presented reflects verifiable sources available up to June 2026.)
