How does virtual viewing galleries enhance art appreciation? As part of Mid East Art’s ‘Art & Tech’ series, we interviewed Bahraini artist Sheikh Rashid bin Khalifa on his recent work in the quarantine and his early embrace of virtual art display on Google Arts & Culture.
Read MoreJump into week 7 of the quarantine with Emirati artist Hassan Sharif in his early 1980s performances in Dubai and London! Finding a few parallels to our methodical and rather mundane day-to-days in self-isolation, we are reminded of Hassan’s carefully constructed activities rooted in Fluxus and British Constructivist thought. We sit down (virtually) with his nephew Mohamed Sharif to discuss the role of performance in his uncle’s practice and Mohamed’s archival work at the Artist’s Estate.
Read MoreWhile unraveling time-warped thoughts one month into the quarantine, Suzy interviews Munira Al Sayegh on her experience curating ‘Bayn’ with UAE Unlimited in 2017. Reflecting on this shared ‘in-between-ness’ sensation, their conversation trails from their personal lives growing up in Abu Dhabi and New York and Munira’s takeaway moments of her first-ever curated show.
Read MoreIn this interview, uncover the stories of Emirati photography Fatima Albudoor on adapting to college life in Boston as illustrated beautifully and intimately in her artist book ‘Making Cathedrals.’ Exploring the sensations of transience, dislocation and the ‘in-between-ness’ of our life journeys, this emotional read is a must during our quarantine days ahead.
Read MoreDigging into the 2017 archives of the first time I interviewed Ammar Al Attar, we trace the Emirati photographer’s evolution of his four-year-long archival Cinema in the UAE Project. How do we remember what’s lost and give importance to the unwanted and overlooked? Read on!
Read MoreMeet Ali Cha’aban, a Lebanese born, Jeddah based artist who is tackling what it means to be Arab in today’s world. His works are triggering new debates relevant to global politics and social realities, explored through his interactive installations, street and fashion photography. Mid East Art sits down with the artist to discuss his unique inspirations and where he's going.
Read MoreMid East Art unveils never before seen footage and an interview text of the late Saleh Al Ustad, one of the pioneer fine art photographers of the UAE and Gulf region. This feature documents Saleh’s history from Missouri to Southern California in the early 1980s and the establishment of a fine art scene in the UAE.
Read MoreOne of the early pioneer painters and sculptors of the UAE sits down with me to discuss his life and work. From his formative years in Bahrain, Egypt and the UAE, Abdul Raheem Salem recalls the beginnings of the first arts society in the UAE and some of the first exhibitions and important people that marked his career.
Read MoreOne of the first artists from the UAE, Abdul Qader recounts his early years in Kuwait and quest to capture his environment once returning to Dubai.
Read MoreJust in time for her Degree Show at Goldsmiths, Kuwaiti/Ukrainian artist Amani discusses the evolution of the dowry in her work "Codes of Conduct."
Read MoreTaqwa's vision is in line with these older artists, in that she uses materials from her environment and understands the importance of listening to her elders, both at home and in her local art community. A native of Khorfakkan and an artist since a young age, she has now developed a passion for bookbinding and printmaking that uses the stories and materials that are close to her.
Read MoreAs part of our first "Artwork of the Week" spotlight, meet Ayesha, a recent graduate of Zayed University in Abu Dhabi. Her studio space includes the deep waters of Abu Dhabi (yes, she dives as part of her practice!) while also threading her memories and reviving her passions for fashion design with her arts practice.
Read MoreMid East Art travels to Khorfakkan to visit Ibrahim's studio and witness the mountainous and beautiful environment that has inspired the artist throughout.
Read MoreAmidst the dirt, unpaved paths and rusted buildings deep into the farmlands of Sharjah, I uncovered Emirati artist Khalid Al Banna’s oasis: a single room, glistening in color, with bookcases, sofas and objects arranged in careful precision.
Read MoreNouf is an experimental photographer and visual communications designer who uses her background in English Literature and Linguistics to explore identity politics and gender issues from a feminist perspective.
Read MoreDr. Mohammed tells early stories of his arts practice and the challenges in opening the first art society in the UAE
Read MoreKhalil reflects on his time as Hassan Sharif’s student and his perspective on the direction of the UAE art scene. He was part of a progressive and close-knit group that would incorporate Hassan’s practices within their own respective traditions. Image courtesy of Ammar Al Attar.
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