From March 31 to July 19, 2026, the Institut du Monde Arabe in Paris presents Slaves in the Mediterranean, 17th–18th Century, an exhibition that explores the histories of captivity and slavery across the Mediterranean between the 17th and 19th centuries. In this context, contemporary artist Kevork Mourad takes center stage: his work Suspended in Time engages in a dialogue with historical testimonies, shedding light on the often-forgotten memories of those who were enslaved.
The exhibition brings together an extraordinary collection of historical works and artifacts—drawings, paintings, ship models, weapons, and letters from prisoners—that recount the experiences of Muslims and Christians forced to serve as galley rowers, servants, or musicians in the ports of France, Italy, and Malta. Among the most notable pieces are drawings by Charles LeBrun, sculptures inspired by Pietro Tacca’s Four Moors, and visual accounts of slave uprisings in Malta in 1749.
The inclusion of Kevork Mourad’s Suspended in Time creates a powerful bridge between past and present: the work invites reflection on memory, oblivion, and the representation of slavery in both history and contemporary art, allowing visitors to engage in a living dialogue across eras.
Curated by an international team of historians and specialists, the exhibition takes place in the Espace des Donateurs of the institute, offering audiences a unique experience where historical and contemporary art intersect.
