Kuwaiti artist Sami Mohammed’s sculpture captures a multitude of social dynamics associated with political struggle. Titled, “Penetration,” the piece is the focus of this AJ+ Arabic story, hosted by Sultan. Read more »
Arts & Culture
Dia Azzawi: Good Morning Beirut (Handala)
In 1982, the Israeli siege of Beirut brought with it a world of suffering and destruction. In response to this, Palestinian artist and cartoonist Naji Al Ali, painted “Good Morning Beirut,” which depicted Handala presenting a flower through a hole in the wall to a young woman. This powerful scene of solidarity would later be recreated in a sculpture by Iraqi artist Dia Al Azzawi. Take a look with Sultan in this AJ+ Arabic story. 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 »
Jasim Al Zaini: Our Epic Story (of Qatar)
In 1973, Qatari artist Jassim Al Zaini tries to capture the surge of development that is defining the time in his country. Take a look at this piece with Sultan in this AJ+ Arabic story. Read more »
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 »
Dia Azzawi: Sabra & Shatila (the “Arab Guernica”)
On September 16, 1982, radio news bulletins described an Israeli sanctioned massacre in the Palestinian camps in Sabra and Shatilla, west of Beirut, Lebanon. One of those listening was Iraqi artist Dia Al Azzawi. Take a look at his response to the massacre in this AJ+ Arabic story, with Sultan. Read more »