The exhibition is a celebration of the diversity and richness of Arab art
More than 150 works of art from across the Arab world are on display at Christie's London headquarters in the largest exhibition of Arab art ever held in the city.
Titled "Modern and Contemporary Art of the Arab World", the show is divided into two sections. The first, "Kawkaba: Highlights from the Barjeel Art Foundation", is a gender-balanced collection of 100 works from the Barjeel Art Foundation, one of the leading private collections of Arab art in the world. The second edition, "Emirati Art Reimagined: Hassan Sharif and the Contemporary Voices", focuses on the work of the late Emirati artist Hassan Sharif and includes a selection of his paintings, sculptures, and installations.
The exhibition features works by a wide range of artists from across the Arab world, including Syrian painter Marwan, Lebanese artist Samia Osseiran Joumblatt, and Egyptian painter and activist Inji Efflatoun. The show also includes a number of younger artists, such as the Emirati artist Ahmed Mater and the Palestinian artist Larissa Sensour.
"The exhibition is a celebration of the diversity and richness of Arab art", said Ridha Moumi, the exhibition curator and Christie's Middle East and North Africa deputy chairman. "It is a chance for people to discover te work of some of the most important artists from the Arab world, both past and present".
The exhibition runs from July 20 to August 23 at Christie's London headquarters. Admission is free.
Key Works On Display
"Head" (1970s) by Syrian painter Marwan
This painting is a powerful depiction of the human face, with its distorted features and vacant expression. Marwan was known for his exploration of the human condition, and this painting is a striking example of his work.
"Formative Radiation" (1969s)" by Lebanese artist Samia Osseiran Joumblatt
This painting is a vibrant and abstract work of art, with its bold colors and swirling shapes. Osseiran Joumblatt was a pioneer of modern art in the Arab world, and this painting is a testament to her creativity and innovation.
"Dreams of the Detainee" (1961) by Egyptian painter and activist Inji Efflatoun
This painting is a powerful political statement, depicting the experiences of Egyptian political prisoners. Efflatoun was a vocal critic of the Egyptian government, and this painting is a reminder of the struggles faced by those who dare to speak out against injustice.
"Untitled" (1974) by Iraqi artist Dia Azzawi
This painting is a powerful depiction of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, with its stark black-and-white colors and anguished figures. Azzawi was a leading figure in the Arab art world, and this painting is a testament to his commitment to social justice.
"Untitled" (1980s) by Egyptian artist Ahmed El-Saqqa
This painting is a stunning example of Egyptian folk art, with its bold colors and intricate designs. El-Saqqa was a master of folk art, and this painting is a reminder of the rich cultural heritage of Egypt.
"Untitled" (2000s) by Emirati artist Hassan Sharif
This sculpture is a playful and thought-provoking exploration of the relationship between art and everyday objects. Sharif was a leading figure in the development of contemporary art in the Arab world, and this sculpture is a reminder of his unique vision.
"Untitled" (2010) by Palestinian artist Larissa Sandour
The video installation is a thought-providing exploration of the Palestinian conflict. Sandour is a rising star in the international art world, and this installation is a testament to her creativity and commitment to social justice.
The Exhibition
The is divided into sections. The first, "Kawkaba: Highlights from the Barjeel Art Foundation", is a gender-balanced collection of 100 works from the Barjeel Art Foundation, one of the leading private collections of Arab art in the world. The second section, "Emirati Art Reimagined: Hassan Sharif and the Contemporary Voices", focuses on the work of the late Emirati artist Hassan Sharif and includes a selection of his paintings, sculptures, and installations.
The exhibition opens with a series of paintings by Syrian artist Marwan. Marwan was known for his exploration of the human condition, and his paintings often depict the alienation and isolation of modern life. One of the most striking paintings in the exhibition is Marwan's "Head" (1970), which depicts a distorted human face with vacant eyes. This painting is a powerful reminder of the fragility of the human condition and the existential anxiety that can plague us all.
The next section of the exhibition features works by Lebanese artist Samia Osseiran Joumblatt. Osseiran Joumplatt was a pioneer of modern art in the Arab world, and her paintings often explore themes of identity, gender, and the natural world. One of the most notable paintings in this section is Osseiran Joumblatt's "Formative Radiation" (1960s), which is a vibrant and abstract work of art that celebrates the power of creativity.
The final section of the exhibition focuses on the work of Emirati artist Hassan Sharif. Shariff was a leading figure in the development of contemporary art in the Arab world, and his work often explores the relationship between art and everyday objects. One of Sharif's most famous works is "Untitled" (2000s), which is a sculpture made from a collection of everyday objects, such as a chair, a table, and a bicycle. This sculpture is a playful and thought-provoking exploration of the relationship between art and everyday life.
The Impact Of The Exhibition
The exhibition has had a significant impact on the London art scene. It has helped to raise awareness of Arab and has introduced many people to the work of some of the most important artists from the region. The exhibition has also been praised for its diversity and its representation of a wide range of Arab artists, both past and present.
The exhibition is a testament to the richness and diversity of Arab art. It is a must-see for anyone interested in learning more about this vibrant and important art form.
Conclusion
The exhibition is a celebration of the diversity and richness of Arab art. It is a chance for people to discover the work of some of the most important artists from the Arab world, both past and present. The exhibition is also a reminder of the importance of art in expressing the human condition and in exploring the challenges and complexities of the modern world.
