Art Basel Qatar

For the first edition of Art Basel Qatar, Almine Rech is pleased to present 'Becoming Animal', a solo presentation by Ali Cherri. 

Working across a range of mediums, lebanese artist Ali Cherri looks at the relationship between art, time, and the creation and propagation of histories through his striking, pertinent works, exploring  the temporal shifts between ancient worlds and contemporary societies.

Cherri’s sculptural practice, incorporating clay, mud, and artifacts, examines materiality while engaging with longstanding archaeological and museological methods. Through the reuse and recontextualization of artifacts, the artist confronts legacies of colonial power, spoliation, and systemic violence. His films, presented at major festivals and institutions worldwide, further reveal how the past continues to shape the present.

For Art Basel Qatar, Cherri has assembled a body of work that explores the blurry lines between humanity and animality, engaging with the idea of what it means to "become animal." Drawing from philosophy, Cherri blends myth, sculpture, and symbolism to challenge how we see ourselves in relation to animals. His poetic works evoke vulnerability, instability, and interconnectedness. Through immersive installation and public programs, his Becoming Animal series encourages a deeper understanding of our shared existence with the natural world. Featuring works made with mediums such as clay and bronze, the exhibition invites reflection on nature, transformation, and primal connection.

Exploring the intricate boundary between human and non-human forms, Ali Cherri’s artistic practice profoundly engages with the philosophical and aesthetic concept of "becoming animal." This thematic exhibition gathers significant works by Cherri to present an immersive meditation on the fluidity of identities and the primal connections linking humans to the animal world. Rooted in philosophical inquiry, notably Gilles Deleuze and Félix Guattari’s conception of "becoming animal," Cherri’s work does not simply represent animals or humans separately. Rather, his sculptures, installations, and multimedia pieces interrogate the porous boundaries between species, identities, and states of being. Through uncanny juxtapositions, subtle hybridisation, and an evocation of mythical narratives, Cherri unsettles traditional anthropocentric perspectives, prompting viewers to reconsider their own relationships with the non-human.

In this display, Cherri presents an unsettling yet delicate sculpture exploring corporeal hybridity. The presence of animal limbs on a partially human form destabilises familiar categorisations, suggesting a shared vulnerability and interdependency between species. The sculptures include ambiguous figures,  zoomorphic representations. Between human consciousness and animalistic instinct, these works explore liminal spaces of transformation and hybridisation.

'Becoming Animal' will be designed as an immersive journey, guiding viewers through distinct yet interconnected stages of reflection and discovery. The works will be installed to create an unfolding dialogue, highlighting each piece's unique commentary while maintaining a coherent narrative. Ultimately, this exhibition invites audiences not just to look but to enter into an active dialogue with the works, contemplating the question of what it means to exist within—and beyond—our human boundaries.

First Choice VIPs
Tuesday, February 3, 2026, 11 am — 7 pm
Wednesday, February 4, 2026, 11 am – 7 pm

Preview VIPs
Wednesday, February 4, 2026, 3 — 7 pm
Thursday, February 5, 2026, 11 am — 12 pm
Saturday, February 7, 2026, 11 am — 12 pm 

Public Days
Thursday, February 5, 2026, 12 — 7 pm
Friday, February 6, 2026, 12:30 — 8:30 pm
Saturday, February 7, 2026, 12 — 7 pm