Today's Edition
SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)
On the sidelines of the Post-Impressionism: Beyond Appearances exhibition, which runs until February 9, Louvre Abu Dhabi hosted an art talk.
During the event, on January 18, Sheikh Sultan Sooud Al Qassemi, author, researcher, and founder of the Barjeel Art Foundation, shared his insights on the evolution of Arab art during the Post-Impressionism art movement, as well as how this movement continues to influence the region’s artistic landscape today.
Speaking to Aletihad about the emergence of modern Arab art, Sheikh Sultan Al Qassemi delved into the transformative period.
“We discussed the emergence of modern Arab art at the turn of the 20th century between 1886 and 1906, a period of 20 years which mirrors the era depicted in the exhibition Post-Impressionism, currently at the Louvre Abu Dhabi. We looked at the reasons that this artistic movement emerged and at the major influencers and major artists who played a role in this moment of history,” Sheikh Sultan Al Qassemi explained.
Sheikh Sultan Al Qassemi pointed out the significance of modern Arab art, observing its historical importance. He conveyed that modern Arab art is crucial for understanding the region’s history, including its political, economic, literary, and cultural aspects, with paintings playing a key role in this narrative.
Addressing the impact of Western and Eastern influences on Arab art during that period, he noted: “Arab art was influenced by different schools of art that came from both the West and the East. Many artists studied in Europe, but some artists also studied in countries like Egypt. Thus, you have an interesting dynamic of influences from various places.”
Sheikh Sultan Al Qassemi also drew attention to the challenges faced by Arab artists during this era, notably the delay in formal education.
“The first art school opened in 1908, and schools for women only began in 1939, which caused a significant delay in the education of female artists,” he shared, indicating that traditional art, including painting and sculpture, has evolved with new influences like photography, balancing traditional and contemporary art, despite its limited availability in the early 20th century.
Sheikh Sultan Al Qassemi further brought attention to the inextricable link between political and cultural narratives.
“I think it is important to understand that the history of Arab art or the history of the Arab world cannot be compartmentalised; since it is an integral part, to understand the Arab world, one must understand the political influences in history. But also, the cultural influences in history because in many cases, culture impacted the politics.”
Aisha Al Ahmadi, Curatorial Assistant at Louvre Abu Dhabi, shared her perspective on the Post-Impressionism exhibition with Aletihad, explaining its significance in the context of Arab art.
Al Ahmadi said: “We knew when we were working on this exhibition that it was going to be very popular because we have some of the biggest names like [Vincent] van Gogh, [Georges] Seurat, and so on. But we also wanted to highlight that it goes beyond just the known names. This is why we did this talk, to spotlight some of the lesser known, more obscure names, and continue the dialogue.”
She noted that Louvre Abu Dhabi is rectifying misconceptions of Arab art by highlighting cross-cultural connections, as well as showcasing Arab artists’ unique trajectories alongside the great movements of the West, promoting ongoing dialogue.
“We are committed to showing not just one version of art history – not just Post-Impressionism from one perspective, but also examining it from the Arab side,” Al Ahmadi added.
She pointed to Georges Sabbagh, the Egyptian artist, to show how his dual connection to East and West shaped his artistic vision.
