More than thirty years after its opening the Institut du Monde Arabe continues to be a visionary and unique project that is still relevant to France but perhaps even more relevant to the Arab World itself. It was in Paris that I truly connected to the Arab world, says Sultan in this personal essay about Arab art, culture and identity. Read more »
Articles
Sharjah Art Museum: The Bellwether of Gulf Art Museums
Since its inception the Sharjah Art Museum has been the diamond in the necklace of pearls that are the emirate’s museums. It has played a role in educating the public, documenting the artistic past and present, and has helped to cement Sharjah’s position as the capital of culture for the Arab world and beyond. Read more »
My 350 on Donald Trump: Widening the Gulf
The Gulf Arab states will welcome the end of Obama’s administration. But there are no guarantees that Trump will be a better partner. Read more »
How art can help diffuse Middle East tensions
Some Gulf Arab cities led by Dubai have defied the regional swing into sectarianism and suspicion by publicly displaying art from across the Middle East. With its vibrant 90,000-strong Iranian community active in cultural and commercial sectors, Dubai is today an essential link between communities on both sides. Read more »
Liberals sidelined in a polarised Arab world
Amongst the casualties of the post-Arab Spring era are the Arab world’s dwindling number of individuals who identify themselves as Liberal. Six years on, Liberals are increasingly squeezed out of the (almost non-existent) political scene. Today Liberal thought in the Arab world is under siege. Read more »
eL Seed: The Writing’s On The Wall
Few artists of their generation have left a global mark as French-Tunisian artist eL Seed. At thirty-five years old his monumental canvases are instantly recognizable and can be seen in cities across the world. Walls in cities as varied as Montreal, Sao Paolo, Paris, Doha, New York and Sharjah have been transformed with his magic spray can into open air galleries. Much like Banksy one never knows where next eL Seed artwork will appear. The world is his canvas. Read more »