1

Abstract Variations

Abstraction signals a focus on form rather than subject, without necessarily fully abandoning narrative, as a specific Arab trend for most of the twentieth century and continues today. Discussion among Arab artists during the mid and second half of …

2

Societies in Transition

A description of the section by exhibition curator Dr. Nada Shabout

As part of the main modernist concern of the twentieth century, Arab artists delved into investigating society, history, family, mythologies, as well as exploring culture and articulating particularities and connections. They negotiated the notion …

3

Evoking the Environment

Cities of the Arab world express continuity as well as change. At times, painting cities became a method of constructing, and documenting, an ideal imaginary: the nation. At other times, it registered the ongoing transformations of small towns and …