Article:
London Prepares for Largest Exhibition of Arab Art
London is gearing up for the largest exhibition of Arab Art to date, as Christie’s presents a groundbreaking exhibition at its Headquarters this summer. The exhibition, titled Modern and Contemporary Art of the Arab World, is a collaboration between Christie’s, the UAE Ministry of Culture and Youth, and the Barjeel Art Foundation in Sharjah, UAE.
Curated by Dr. Ridha Moumni, Deputy Chairman of Christie’s Middle East and North Africa, the exhibition will be divided into two distinctive sections. The first section, Kawkaba: Highlights from the Barjeel Art Foundation, will showcase 100 masterpieces from the renowned collection created by Sultan Soud Al Qassemi in 2010. The exhibition aims to celebrate the diversity and creativity of Arab art by featuring works across various mediums, highlighting both well-known and underrepresented artists from the Middle East and North Africa.
Kawkaba offers visitors an opportunity to immerse themselves in the soul of the Arab world, providing a window into its rich history and unwavering resilience. The exhibition emphasizes the region’s vibrant tapestry of art, paying tribute to its boundless creativity. With a focus on gender balance, Kawkaba aims to amplify the voices of both male and female artists, offering a comprehensive representation of the Arab world’s artistic landscape.
The second section, Emirati Art Reimagined: Hassan Sharif and the Contemporary Voices, is a selling and loan exhibition that showcases the groundbreaking work of Emirati artist Hassan Sharif. Widely regarded as a central figure in contemporary and conceptual art in the region, Sharif’s multi-disciplinary body of work will be displayed alongside pieces by contemporary Emirati artists. The exhibition pays homage to Sharif’s enduring influence on the Emirati art scene while shining a spotlight on emerging talents.
Hassan Sharif’s collection spans paintings, works on paper, sculptures, installations, and textile-based artworks from the 1980s to 2015. As a renowned artist, educator, and mentor, Sharif played a significant role in shaping the contemporary art landscape in the UAE. His work continues to inspire and influence artists across the Gulf region.
Dr. Ridha Moumni expressed his excitement about the exhibition, stating, Modern and Contemporary Art of the region is a unique opportunity to bring together masterpieces by leading artists of the Arab World. The exhibition not only celebrates high-profile artists such as Hassan Sharif but shines a light on the unparalleled creativity, diversity, and rich histories of North African and West Asian cultures.”
Sultan Sooud Al Qassemi, the Founder of the Barjeel Art Foundation, also shared his enthusiasm for the exhibition, stating, The exhibition is a rare opportunity to view in person a selection of artworks from some of the most prominent artists from West Asia and North Africa that have been collected over 20 years. The vast majority of the artworks in the exhibition have never been seen in the UK before.
Londoners and art enthusiasts visiting the city will have the unique opportunity to experience the captivating beauty and artistic depth of Arab Art. This groundbreaking exhibition not only showcases the talent and creativity of Arab artists but also fosters cultural exchange and appreciation. The partnership between Christie’s, the UAE Ministry of Culture and Youth, and the Barjeel Art Foundation exemplifies the commitment to promote Arab art globally and establishes London as a thriving hub for international artistic dialogue.
