Emirati “nabati” (vernacular) poetry was for many years initially spoken among a close-knit group and disseminated widely by word of mouth across the Arabian Peninsula by scholars and poets alike. However, with the arrival of newspapers in the early 20th century and advent of technology such as the radio and television in the mid-20th century, a wider audience gained access to this ancient art form that relies on a strong command of the Arabic language as well as quick-witted creativity and passion. Read more »
Arts & Culture
2022 Top 200 Art Collectors: Sultan Sooud Al Qassemi
Sultan Sooud Al Qassemi was named among Top 200 Art Collectors in 2022 by Art News. Read more »
The Arab World Through Art | Sarde (after dinner)
A regular lecturer in the world’s most renowned universities, Emirati columnist, researcher, and Founder of Barjeel Art Foundation, Sultan Sooud Al Qassemi has a #sardeafterdinner with Médéa & Mouin. Read more »
Why art history is being rewritten and what it means for Arab artists and the region
Experts discussed the shadow of the western canon and how to bolster important regional names at the Culture Summit Abu Dhabi. Read more »
A pilgrimage to remember Iraqi artist Jewad Selim
In this article Sultan Sooud Al Qassemi profiles Jewad Selim, who was a central figure in Iraq’s 20th century cultural scene, responsible for some of the country’s most important post-revolution art. Read more »
Investigating the Politics of Modern Middle Eastern Art
Sultan Sooud Al-Qassemi joined the Middle East Initiative as the Kuwait Foundation Visiting Scholar. One of the ways he has engaged with the Harvard community and shared his expertise during the fall semester is through his study group titled “Investigating the Politics of Modern Middle Eastern Art.” The study group provided students and fellows from across Harvard with the opportunity to understand Middle Eastern politics from a unique perspective: through the study of the region’s art production. Read more »