Reflections: contemporary art of the Middle East and North Africa

Reflections: contemporary art of the Middle East and North Africa is a book that showcases the rich and diverse art of the region. It features an extraordinary collection of work from the British Museum, providing insights into the politics, culture, and history of the Middle East and North Africa. The book is divided into seven chapters, each exploring different themes such as faith, abstraction, and the female gaze.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 05 November 2020
Publisher: British Museum Press

Reflections: contemporary art of the Middle East and North Africa is a remarkable book that surpasses expectations and conventional publishing norms while maintaining unwavering accuracy and educational value. This comprehensive volume serves as an invaluable archive of contemporary art from the Middle East and North Africa, offering a gateway for students and educators to broaden their understanding of the art canon.

The contemporary art of the Middle East and North Africa is a tapestry of rich and diverse expressions. Whether these artists reside in their countries of origin or in the diaspora, they are integral members of the global art community. Within this collection, we witness artists engaging with and creating works that reflect their present, histories, traditions, and cultures. These artists contemplate a region that has undergone profound transformations in recent memory, shaping their artistic narratives accordingly.

The British Museum has been actively acquiring the works of Middle Eastern and North African artists since the 1980s, and its collection, primarily composed of works on paper, stands as one of the most extensive and significant in the public realm. Collected within the context of a museum dedicated to history, these artworks provide valuable insights into the nature of civil societies. They shed light on the complex politics of the region, exploring the interplay between power dynamics, social movements, and cultural expressions. Moreover, the collection offers a deep engagement with literature, reflecting the rich literary traditions of the region and the artists' profound connections to storytelling.

The introduction to the book, penned by curator Venetia Porter, delves into the history of the collection and the works featured therein. It provides a foundational framework for understanding the political and contextual backdrop within which these artists operate. Charles' contribution further enhances our understanding by offering a comprehensive analysis of the region's art history and its impact on contemporary artistic practices.

In conclusion, Reflections: contemporary art of the Middle East and North Africa is a groundbreaking publication that celebrates the diversity and richness of the region's artistic heritage. By presenting a comprehensive collection of works from renowned artists, this book offers a valuable resource for students, educators, and art enthusiasts alike. It serves as a testament to the power of art to transcend boundaries, challenge norms, and foster understanding and appreciation of different cultures. Through its pages, we embark on a journey of discovery, exploring the depths of the human spirit.

Weight: 1348g
Dimension: 242 x 269 x 28 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780714111957