How does language affect the way we see the world? This is the question that the upcoming exhibition at the Media Majlis Museum "The limits of my language are the limits of my world" seeks to address. For the first episode of this podcast powered by afikra, we sat down with Amal Ali, curatorial exhibition manager at Northwestern University Qatar, to dig deep ... Show More
Nov 22
Narcy | Keeping It Real: Deepfakes, Power & the Internet
<p>This conversation is an essential guide for anyone navigating the dualities of Arab identity, artistic integrity, and the unpredictable forces of the viral age. Multidisciplinary artist and professor Narcy (Yassin Alsalman) dives deep into the complex relationship between art, ... Show More
1h 6m
Nov 6
Memes in Morocco: Darija, Rap & Digital Activism | Dr Cristina Moreno Almeida
<p>We explore why certain cultural productions thrive exclusively online, the debate around meme humor versus emotional resonance, and how memes can serve as a form of social critique. Dr. Cristina Moreno Almeida, from Queen Mary University of London, joins us and discusses her r ... Show More
53m 39s
Jul 2025
Maknana at DAF: Glossary of New Media Art From the Arab World | Ala Younis & Haytham Nawar
<p>Live from Diriyah Art Futures in Riyadh, we're joined by Haytham Nawar, the director of Diriyah Art Futures, and Ala Younis who co-curated its latest exhibition, which delves into the New Media Art scene in the Arab world. They explore the lack of recognition for Arab names in ... Show More
1h 2m
May 2023
Unraveling the Etymology of Arabic Words & Expressions With Fadi Boukaram aka @cedrusk
Fadi Bou Karam talks about the history of Levantine etymologies and their possible origins. He discusses the influence of the Ottomans on the way certain words are pronounced, notably in Lebanese Arabic. The words include fruits and vegetables, such as artichoke, orange, loquat & ... Show More
59m 54s
May 2025
Data-Driven Storytelling & Anti-Authoritarian Journalism | Mona Chalabi
<p>In this episode of The afikra Podcast, we're joined by renowned journalist Mona Chalabi who discusses her latest animated series "#1 Happy Family USA" with comedian Ramy Youssef, her unique data-driven and illustrated approach to journalism, and the use of humor as an effectiv ... Show More
45m 27s
Feb 2025
Curating Art Shows at Jaou Tunis & Navigating Artistic & Cultural Politics | Taous Dahmani
<p>In this episode of The afikra Podcast, host Mikey Muhanna chats with Dr Taous Dahmani, a London-based art historian, writer, and curator. She discusses her career, her ties to Tunis, and curating the exhibitions Unstable Point and Assembly at Jaou Tunis. She explores the socio ... Show More
50m 47s
Aug 25
Smita Prabhakar on Ishara Art Foundation & Nurturing South Asian Art in the UAE
<p>We challenge the conventional perceptions of home and identity in a diasporic context and delve into South Asian art. An art collector, entrepreneur, and the founder and chairperson of the Ishara Art Foundation, Smita Prabhakar shares personal anecdotes, including her move to ... Show More
57m 20s
Apr 2025
Short Stories from Arab Cities | Exploring Urban Narratives With the Co-Editors of "Mudun" Reem Khorshid & Faris Bseiso
In this episode of Ehkili, we speak with Reem Khorshid and Faris Bseiso about their literary project Mudun, published by Kaph Books and supported by the Barjeel Art Foundation. They trace the origins of this anthology of short stories about Arab cities, which began as a pandemic ... Show More
48m 37s
Sep 15
Sustainability in Qatar & the GCC: Environmental Challenges & Opportunities
<p>The author of "Sustainable Qatar: Social, Political and Environmental Perspectives" delves into the multifaceted meaning of sustainability, especially within the context of the Arabian Peninsula. Our guest unpacks the region's unique environmental challenges, including sea lev ... Show More
56m 13s