Egyptian artists were deeply involved in spearheading, capturing, and influencing the January 2011 uprising. Today a new generation of Egyptian activist artists carry the mantle of social justice and human rights. At times, their work takes a humorous angle, in the form of cartoons and political satire printed in newspapers, perhaps targeting a niche audience. Read more »
Arts & Culture
The renaissance of Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi’s cultural projects have been a boon to the country and the wider region. They have spurred much-needed reforms that will hopefully be expanded and even replicated in the region. These projects — being built as much of the region’s heritage is lost — are also offering optimism to many in the Middle East that our future can also be full of life, colour and hope. Read more »
Sky Over The East – In Conversation with Sultan Sooud Al Qassimi and Matthew Sansom
In an informative and upbeat discussion preceding the opening of the largest exhibition of modern Arab art in the UAE, Sultan Sooud Al Qassimi looked back on his adventures in art collecting. In addition to gaining a personal insight into the exhibition and the works presented, the audience learnt about the role of a collector, the story behind the Barjeel Art Foundation, the experiences of its founder, and his vision for the future. Read more »
Beyond the Odalisque: a perspective on Algeria’s cultural scene
A few months ago, a controversy erupted after I suggested in an article for Al Monitor that Gulf cities are slowly replacing the traditional Arab capitals of Beirut, Baghdad, Cairo and Damascus as centres of culture in the Arab world. The premise was based on the underinvestment in culture – museums and galleries in these abovementioned cities and by association the production and display of art, is diminishing, while it is expanding in the Gulf cities where museums are being built and cultural programmes developed. Algeria’s art scene, abundant with talent and a rich history of modern and contemporary art, can provide a counter-balance to the burgeoning Gulf art scene. Read more »
Regional strife destroying historical Arab treasures
Sadly, over the past few decades, much of the heritage of the Arab world has come under threat or has been destroyed. During the 1990-1991 Iraqi occupation of Kuwait, the National Museum was ransacked and looted. Even today, hundreds of treasures remain lost, possibly forever. Read more »
Can Mathaf Restore a Pan-Arab Artistic Identity?
In 2010, Mathaf (the Arab Museum of Modern Art) was opened in the Gulf state of Qatar. In his essay, I provide an overview of pan-Arabism in recent decades and looks at what this museum can do to restore a pan-Arab cultural identity that has been neglected and in some cases even vilified for decades. Read more »