Dec 5

Dec 5 Tarek Lakhrissi at Art Basel Miami Beach: Glass-Blown Sculptures and Queer Futurism

Art Basel Miami Beach is known for showcasing groundbreaking artists, and this year, one name you shouldn’t miss is Tarek Lakhrissi. The French artist, whose multidisciplinary work spans installation, film, poetry, and sculpture, is turning heads with his innovative glass-blown sculptures that explore themes of queerness, diaspora, and the complexity of human connections.

SPIT (2024) and the Power of Symbolism

Lakhrissi recently exhibited SPIT (2024) at East London’s Nicoletti gallery, a provocative and deeply personal show inspired by a traumatic yet transformative experience. While carrying Algerian flags at a Pride parade in Paris, Lakhrissi was spat on by individuals offended by his queerness and support for Palestine. This event sparked a deep dive into the physical and emotional meanings of spitting, from sensuality to violence, culminating in his glass-blown tongues and gelatinous door knockers. These pieces evoke a tactile, ASMR-like response, blending fragility with defiance in a stunning display of queer resilience.

A Queer Alien Ballet

For Art Basel Miami Beach, Lakhrissi continues his exploration of glass-blown sculptures with works that are as conceptual as they are visually mesmerizing. According to the artist, the transparency and fluidity of the tongues are deliberate, mimicking the saliva of spitting or kissing. “This results in a peculiar scene that evokes a staged, queer-alien desire,” says Lakhrissi. The tongues perform like a “choreographed ballet,” inviting discussions about race, class, sexuality, and the universal need for belonging.

Lakhrissi’s background in literature plays a pivotal role in his artistry. Influenced by queer and feminist writers such as Jean Genet, Monique Wittig, and José Esteban Muñoz, his work is imbued with a romantic and poetic atmosphere. Each project begins with text or poetry, which he transforms into visual narratives that explore queer futures, performativity, and magic. His practice draws from pop culture and personal experiences, creating art that feels both deeply intimate and widely resonant.

Lakhrissi’s work has earned global acclaim, with exhibitions at renowned institutions such as the Palais de Tokyo, Centre Pompidou, Hayward Gallery, and the 22nd Biennale of Sydney. His ability to merge poignant social commentary with striking visuals makes him a standout artist whose work continues to push boundaries.

Don’t Miss This Experience

If you’re at Art Basel Miami Beach, make time to experience Tarek Lakhrissi’s work. His glass-blown sculptures aren’t just pieces of art—they’re an invitation to reflect on identity, community, and the fluidity of desire. This is art at its most thought-provoking and transformative.

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