“Eternal Torment,” by Bahraini artist Abdullah Al Muharraqi is a tribute to the trials and tribulations of pearl diving. Painted in 1982, it stands as a monument to those that lived and died on the seas. Learn more about this painting in this AJ+ episode by Sultan. https://www.facebook.com/ajplusarabi/videos/1400643426645865/?pnref=story
Abdalla Omari Mediterranean: Bashar Al Assad
Abdalla Omari’s “The Mediterranean” depicts Syria’s Bashar Al Assad in a vulnerable position and comes as part of a series where other world leaders are shown in similarly precarious situations. Learn more in this AJ+ video with Sultan. Read more »
In the Library with Sheikh Sultan Sooud Al Qassemi
Sharjah-based writer and art collector Sultan Sooud Al-Qassemi reveals a selection of his favourite books and talks about using culture to counter the shortcomings of mass and social media. Read more »
Walid Ebeid: Outside Prisoners
Take a closer at Walid Ebeid’s, “Outside Prisoners.” In this episode for AJ+, watch as Sultan analyses the different layers of the piece which examines the daily struggle for food in Egypt. Read more »
Lateefa bint Maktoum: No mere observer of change
Few individuals have had such a direct impact on the arts movement in the UAE as Sheikha Lateefa bint Maktoum. Lateefa transcends the world of art through charity, education and the contemporary identity of the United Arab Emirates. She represents both Emirati women and the country at large through her work, helping forge a 21st century character for the young nation though her distinct imagery. Her efforts have directly contributed into turning the UAE’s emergent art movement into a full-fledged industry. Read more »
13 Degrees East
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 »