This is a personal story of how some of the leading Emirati artists have worked to fashion a path through an often fast-moving and potentially bewildering landscape of change. Senses of identity and belonging, of heritage and inheritance, loom large under conditions of constant transformation. In a place that is as young as the UAE, artists find themselves grappling with the recent past as they look towards the future.
Read morePainting the Gulf : Abdul Qader Al Rais at Institut du Monde Arabe
In one of the most groundbreaking international shows for an artist from the UAE, Abdulqader Al Rais achieved his first international retrospective at the Institut du Monde Arabe in Paris earlier this September, writes Suzy Sikorski
Read moreRedressing the Renaissance: Review
Seven graduating female architecture students at the American University of Sharjah are challenging the timeless elements of this work out of their love for Renaissance.
Read moreAbdul Raheem Salem: Interview
One 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 moreRest In Peace Saleh Al Ustad
This week the Emirati arts community mourns the passing of Saleh Al Ustad, a beloved photographer and dear friend to many in the creative scene. Read a small post dedicated to my meetings with Saleh throughout the year. May You Rest in Peace our dear Saleh.
Read moreArtwork of the Week #3: "Single Line I "
Drawing connections with the older Kuwaiti art scene, Amira discusses the inspiration for her 16 year career as an artist. She channels her creative impulses from her artistic lineage and global travels onto her works.
Read morePhoto Archive Week #3
Featuring photos from Sultan Gallery's exhibitions during the late 1980s: Photographer Linda Shuaib and painter Shakir Hassan Al Said.
Read moreAbdul Qader Al Rais : Text Interview
Courtesy of Suzy Sikorski.
One 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 morePhoto Archive Week #2: 1969, Sultan Gallery
This week’s focus is on Kuwait during the late 1960s which commemorates a gallery and art scene that became the foundations for arts education and development in the Gulf.
Read moreAmani Al Thuwaini - Interview
Just 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 morePhoto Archive: Week 1: 1990, FIFA World Cup
Dr. Mohamed Yousif and Dr. Najat Makki, 1990. Bologna, Italy. Photo courtesy of the Emirates Fine Art Society.
In 1990 at the 14th FIFA Cup in Bologna, Italy, Emirati artists represented the UAE during a series of cultural exhibitions.
Read moreLetter from the Founder
A letter from founder Suzy Sikorski on the beginnings of Mid East Art
Read moreTaqwa Alnaqbi: Text Interview
Taqwa'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 moreAyesha Hadhir - Interview
As 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 moreMohammed Ahmed Ibrahim: Interview
The artist in his home in Khorfakkan. Courtesy of Suzy Sikorski
Mid East Art travels to Khorfakkan to visit Ibrahim's studio and witness the mountainous and beautiful environment that has inspired the artist throughout.
Read moreFulbrighter: American University of Sharjah
Fulbright Researcher, Suzy Sikorski, recounts her journey from AUS to starting the first online portal for Khaleeji artists. She first came to AUS as an exchange student, only to return two years later under a Fulbright US Student Scholarship.
Read moreFulbright Researcher recounts her journey from AUS to starting the first online portal for Khaleeji artists
Published by American University of Sharjah and Sharjah24
Read moreKhalid Al Banna: Interview
Amidst 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 Alhimiary: Interview
Nouf 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. Mohamed Yousif: Interview
Dr. Mohammed tells early stories of his arts practice and the challenges in opening the first art society in the UAE
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