Kutubna Cultural Centre, Dubai’s newest independent bookstore and cultural hub, announces the opening of a new art exhibition titled ‘One Hundred Years of Painting: Arab Art from 1916 to 2017.’ The exhibition will launch with an official reception on Saturday, August 17, and will be open daily until October 13.
This exhibition offers a retrospective of Arab art, showcasing 27 selected paintings from two prominent Dubai-based collections: the International House Group and Al Noon Residence collections. Spanning a century from 1916 to 2017, the display captures the evolution of Arab art, featuring diverse genres such as landscapes, still life, abstract works, and calligraphy by celebrated artists from the region. Among the artists featured are Georges Sabbagh, Farid Aouad, Amine El Bacha, Saliba Douaihy, Farghali Abdel Hafez, and many more.
Visitors will have the opportunity to explore various artistic styles, including Shaker Hassan’s cubist masterpiece ‘Red Rooster’ from Iraq and Saliba Douaihy’s abstract ‘View of Qannoubine Valley’ from Lebanon. The exhibition also highlights modern surrealism through the works of Egyptian artist Farghali Abdel Hafez and Syrian artist Fateh Moudarres, as well as a striking three-dimensional piece by Lebanese artist Michel El Mir.
Shatha Almutawa, founder and director of Kutubna Cultural Centre, emphasised the importance of showcasing Arab art, noting that ‘One Hundred Years of Painting’ not only reflects the rich cultural heritage of the Middle East but also challenges the Eurocentric focus of traditional art history. This exhibition marks the first time these significant works are being displayed together, offering the public a rare glimpse into the artistic achievements of the Arab world.
Location: Kutubna Cultural Centre, Dubai.
Dates: 17 August – 13 October, 2024.