Arabicity: Contemporary Arab Art

Arabicity is a stunning exhibition that showcases over 200 artworks by 35 Arab artists, exploring cultural heritage, memory, destruction, and conflict with warmth, humor, and visual poetry. The artists challenge identity boundaries, resist stereotyping, and reshape cultural traditions, reflecting the pulse of the region.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 160 pages
Publication date: 27 August 2019
Publisher: Saqi Books

Arabicity is a captivating exhibition that delves into the rich tapestry of aesthetic, conceptual, and socio-political concerns of contemporary Arab artists over the past four decades. The exhibition is a testament to the immense talent and creativity of these artists, who have emerged as powerful voices in the global art scene.

The exhibition is a visual feast, featuring over 200 artworks created by more than 35 Arab artists. These artists come from diverse backgrounds and cultures, but they share a common passion for exploring their cultural heritage and addressing themes that resonate with the broader Arab community.

One of the standout features of Arabicity is the warmth, humor, and visual poetry that permeate the artworks. The artists use a range of media, including video art, painting, photography, and installation, to convey their messages and engage the viewer. Whether through playful installations that challenge societal norms or poignant paintings that reflect on the effects of conflict, these artists use their art to shed light on the complexities of the Arab world.

One of the themes that emerges prominently in the exhibition is the exploration of memory and identity. Many of the artists use their work to reflect on the challenges of preserving cultural heritage in the face of political and social upheaval. They challenge the notion of fixed identities and explore the ways in which individuals can reshape their own narratives and redefine their place in the world.

Another theme that is explored in depth is the concept of destruction and renewal. The artists use their art to depict the aftermath of conflict and the process of rebuilding and regeneration. They depict the physical destruction of buildings and landscapes, but they also explore the emotional and psychological toll that conflict takes on individuals and communities.

Through their diverse media and subject matter, the artists in Arabicity challenge the confines of their identity and resist stereotyping. They use their art to reshape the parameters of their cultural traditions and to create new ways of understanding and appreciating the Arab world.

The works in Arabicity reflect the pulse of the region, capturing the diversity and complexity of the Arab world. Whether through the use of traditional Arabic calligraphy or contemporary digital techniques, the artists in the exhibition create a visual language that is both accessible and engaging.

In conclusion, Arabicity is a must-see exhibition for anyone interested in contemporary art and the Arab world. The exhibition showcases the immense talent and creativity of Arab artists and provides a platform for them to express their perspectives and engage with a broader audience. Through their diverse media and subject matter, these artists challenge the boundaries of identity and reshape the parameters of cultural tradition, creating a rich and dynamic tapestry of art that reflects the pulse of the region.

Weight: 588g
Dimension: 201 x 249 x 16 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780863566882