In 2003, Egyptian artist Huda Lutfi’s piece was created in opposition to the war on Iraq. Mostly gray, the painting shows Um Kalthoum, wearing a halo formed by the sarcastic words, “Democracy is Coming,” staring at ominous jets in the sky. Watch as Sultan takes a closer look at the piece in this AJ+ Arabic story. Read more »
Videos
Abdullah: Al-Muharraqi Oil Workers
In 1932, oil was discovered in Bahrain, making it the first area in the Gulf in which the precious fossil fuel was discovered. Twenty years later, Bahraini artist Abdullah Al Muhrraqi was commissioned by the national oil company to paint a tribute to its workers. Take a look with Sultan in this AJ+ Arabic story. Read more »
Mona Hatoum: Infinity
A sculpture that embodies the endless war, created by Mona Hatoum. Purposely designed to look like cheap toys, the artist comments on the disposability of soldiers’ lives during war. Take a look with Sultan in this AJ+ Arabic story. Read more »
Faisal Laibi: The Martyrs
Faisal Laibi’s powerful piece, “Martyrs” captures the death brought on to Iraq in the late seventies after the purge of the communists by the Baathists in the country. In this AJ+ Arabic story, Sultan takes a closer look at this piece. Read more »
Mahmoud Hammad: The Muslim Scientists
A Syrian artist pays tribute to a galaxy of leading Islamic scientists and scholars, as he tries to paint an image of Muslims and Islam that is different from what is widely seen today. Take a look with Sultan in this AJ+ Arabic story. Read more »
Dia Azzawi: The Seven Odes (The Mu’allaqāt)
In this AJ+ Arabic story, Sultan discusses Iraqi artist Dia Al Azzawi’s tribute to the Seven Odes, which form a quintessential part of the Arabic poetic repertoire. Watch and take a closer look at this set of twelve paintings. Read more »