Mo Reda (Mohamed Reda) is a Kuwait-born Dutch artist and curator of Persian, Kurdish, and Russian heritage whose multifaceted career bridges performance art, curatorial innovation, and intercultural dialogue. Born in 1977 in Kuwait City, Reda grew up amidst diverse cultural influences that profoundly shaped his artistic vision. He graduated from the HKU Academy of the Arts Utrecht in 2006 with a specialization in performance art, installation, and drawing. His graduation project was awarded the prestigious Adrie Piek Prize for Best Monumental Work, marking the beginning of a distinguished career.

Early Career and Artistic Foundations

Reda's early achievements include national grants and a notable solo exhibition at the Armando Museum in 2009. That same year, he joined the Zina platform, a theatre company led by the internationally acclaimed director and artist Adelheid Roosen. His collaboration with Zina laid the foundation for his deep engagement with community-based art practices.

Expanding Horizons in the Gulf and Beyond

In 2011, Reda returned to the Gulf after nearly two decades, collaborating with the Al-Riwaq Art Space in Bahrain to curate and produce Alwan 338, an open-air public festival and group exhibition. This marked the beginning of a series of influential projects across the Gulf and South Asia, including artist leadership programs and innovative performance art projects at Albareh Gallery in Bahrain, Makan Art Space in Jordan, and the Contemporary Art Platform (CAP) in Kuwait.

Curatorial Excellence

Mo Reda is renowned for his curatorial work, which explores the tension between individual non-reality and collective agreements. His projects span the globe, featuring collaborations with acclaimed artists such as Shirin Neshat, Sama Al Shaibi, and Larissa Sansour. Among his notable curatorial endeavors are:

• The Fourth Wall Exhibition (2020), Santa Cruz de la Sierra Biennale, Bolivia

• Residual Volumes of Narcissism (2016–2017), Kochi Biennale, India

• The Blue Hour (2016), Santa Cruz de la Sierra Biennale, Bolivia

• The Black River Project (2015), Jogja Biennale, Indonesia

• Per/From (2014), CAP, Kuwait

These projects highlight Reda’s ability to weave compelling narratives that resonate across cultural and geographical boundaries.

Residencies and Collaborative Research

A committed advocate for cross-cultural exchange, Reda has participated in numerous residencies, including the Theertha Art Foundation in Colombo, 1st Shanthi Road Residency in Bengaluru, and the Kochi Biennale Research Residency. His residency projects often focus on fostering dialogue between artists from the Gulf, South Asia, and Southeast Asia.

Recognitions and Legacy

Throughout his career, Reda has been recognized for his innovative contributions to the arts. In addition to the Adrie Piek Prize, he has received funding for key projects like the Trans Indian Ocean Artists Exchange and the Artist Leadership Programme at Albareh Gallery. His work continues to push the boundaries of contemporary art and curatorial practice, reflecting his deep commitment to creating spaces for critical engagement and cultural exchange.

Currently, Mo Reda divides his time between Europe, the Middle East, South Asia, and Southeast Asia, where he continues to influence the art world through his visionary projects and collaborations.