The Facts
On October 1, 2026, Lisson Gallery announced that artists Dana Awartani, Josh Kline, and Wael Shawky have been named to the inaugural TIME100 Art: The Most Influential People in Art of 2026, a list recognizing individuals shaping the art world. Awartani, profiled by Sarah Cascone, is noted for her immersive installations combining contemporary art with traditional crafts, often addressing sites affected by conflict; her work for the Saudi Arabia Pavilion at the 2024 Venice Biennale featured 29,000 handmade clay bricks referencing 23 damaged heritage sites. She will present a solo exhibition at Lisson Gallery London from November 19, 2026. Wael Shawky, profiled by Kate Brown, is recognized for reimagining Arab history through film, theatre, and puppetry, including his opera "Drama 1882" at the 2024 Venice Biennale and the film "I Am Hymns of the New Temples," currently on view at M+ in Hong Kong. Shawky was also recently appointed artistic director of Art Basel’s inaugural fair in Qatar. Josh Kline, profiled by Julia Halperin, is cited for his sustained engagement with class, labor, and technology through sculpture, video, and writing, with highlights including his 2023 solo exhibition at the Whitney Museum of American Art and his essay on New York real estate’s impact on artists.
The Signal
The TIME100 Art list signals a growing institutional recognition of artists who address geopolitical and economic themes through hybrid media. For collectors, Awartani’s inclusion ahead of her November solo show at Lisson may elevate demand for her installation works, while Shawky’s dual role as artist and artistic director of Art Basel Qatar positions him as a key cultural broker in the Middle East. Kline’s focus on labor and real estate pressures resonates with ongoing debates about artist sustainability, potentially reinforcing interest in his politically charged practice.
- Artists: Dana Awartani, Josh Kline, Wael Shawky
- People: Sarah Cascone, Kate Brown, Julia Halperin
- Galleries: Lisson Gallery
- Museums: Whitney Museum of American Art, M+
- Locations: London, New York, Hong Kong
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