RIMA NASSER: CAN YOU DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONAL CONNECTION TO THE DALLOUL ART FOUNDATION AND BASEL DALLOUL? HOW DID THIS CONNECTION COME ABOUT, AND WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO YOU AS AN ARTIST?
ABDUL RAHMAN KATANANI: My relationship with the Dalloul Art Foundation is profound; it’s akin to a friendship. We engage in constant interactions and discussions about the collection, as well as my work and the evolution of the artistic vision in the region.
RN: THE FOUNDATION’S SUPPORT OFTEN EXTENDS BEYOND FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE. CAN YOU SHARE SPECIFIC EXAMPLES OF HOW THEIR MENTORSHIP OR RESOURCES HAVE INFLUENCED YOUR ARTISTRY AND CAREER TRAJECTORY?
AK: Both visual and intellectual support hold great significance. Currently, I am engaged in a project involving Palestinian embroidery. With the resources provided by Basel Dalloul, I discovered that The Dalloul Art Foundation possesses a collection of embroideries. I was able to consult these pieces to inspire some of my works in an upcoming exhibition.
RN: BASEL DALLOUL, AS A PROMINENT FIGURE IN THE ART WORLD, HAS
BEEN INSTRUMENTAL IN SUPPORTING EMERGING AND ESTABLISHED ARTISTS. HOW HAS HIS VISION AND COMMITMENT IMPACTED YOUR WORK AND ARTISTIC ASPIRATIONS?
AK: Basel Dalloul’s vision and commitment have played a crucial role in my work. He provides a broad perspective on Arab art and the works of artists, organised in a way that allows us to trace the historic lineage of art, artists, and artistic movements in the Arab world. This perspective has enabled me to view my own works within the broader context of the region’s art history.
RN: LOOKING AHEAD, WHAT DO YOU ENVISION AS THE CONTINUING ROLE OF THE DALLOUL ART FOUNDATION IN YOUR ARTISTIC JOURNEY AND IN THE BROADER ART COMMUNITY?
AK: Institutions like the Dalloul Art Foundation are essential in our countries; they act as messengers to the world. The Dalloul Art Foundation, and similar institutions, play a significant role in organising and exhibiting our works abroad, producing articles, and documenting artworks. This is of paramount importance, in my opinion. The professional approach of the Dalloul Art Foundation has made it an invaluable resource for artists and art enthusiasts seeking information about the Arab art world.
RN: ARE THERE ANY SPECIFIC PROJECTS OR UPCOMING EXHIBITIONS THAT VIEWERS SHOULD BE AWARE OF, WHERE THEY CAN EXPERIENCE THE FRUITS OF YOUR COLLABORATION WITH THE DALLOUL ART FOUNDATION?
AK: I’m unable to divulge details about my projects at this stage. As mentioned earlier, I am currently working on a project involving Palestinian embroideries and contemplating an idea related to the gates of Galilee. I have been dedicating a considerable amount of time to this project, and I am eagerly looking forward to showcasing it in a future exhibition, to be enjoyed by you and everyone else.