Paul Maheke

Paul Maheke lives and works in Montpellier. Through various artistic forms and disciplines, Maheke has undertaken a sustained exploration of the ways marginalized bodies, narratives, and histories are rendered visible and invisible. Resisting an approach to identity that remains confined within the framework of identity politics, Maheke’s practice is channeled through spectral sensations. The artist calls upon ghosts, spirits, and non-human entities in their works to encourage a reorientation of perception, inviting audiences to reconsider how they see, feel, and listen.

In reconfiguring the sensible, Maheke seeks to disrupt dominant systems of discourse that prioritize representation, visibility, and legibility as ultimate markers of truth, value, and power. Instead, the artist cultivates a self in a state of in-betweenness—where esoteric, spiritual, queer, and embodied knowledge(s) create potential for prophecy.

Paul Maheke works across video, installation, sculpture, interventions, dance, and public conversations. His solo exhibitions include Mercer Union, Toronto (2024); Mostyn, Llandudno Wales (2024); Kunsthalle, Bratislava (2023); High Line Art, New York (2022); The Renaissance Society, Chicago (2021); Collection Pinault, Paris (2021); Vleeshal Centre for Contemporary Art, Middelburg (2019); Chisenhale Gallery, London (2018); and South London Art Gallery, London (2016).

Maheke has participated in group exhibitions and festivals at institutions including Tate Modern, England (2024); Rudolfinum, Prague (2023); ICA Miami, Florida (2019); Centre Pompidou, Paris (2018); and Serpentine Galleries, London (2016). His work has been featured in major international exhibitions, such as the Biennale du Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo (2022); Glasgow International, Scotland (2021); 58th Venice Biennale, Italy (2019); Performa, New York (2019); Baltic Triennial 13, Estonia (2018); and Manifesta 12, Palermo (2018).