Podcasts




Sultan Saud Al Qasimi: I dream of creating a private museum for the Barjeel art collection

Duration: 0:12:27

Greetings to you and our viewers wherever you are in this special episode of the culture program. I have a greeting for you from the city of Shurooq, where you are sitting watching on the iPhone. Today we will get to know the “Generation of Arts” group at the Sharjah Art Museum with Sultan Saudiya, the fiancé of the series Saud Al-Qasimi. Welcome, emphasizing the significance of the first microphones in which you spoke in your city of Shurooq, and I chose to meet here in front of the Sharjah Art Museum. The museum is located in the area where we are now, a historically significant area with houses dating back over a hundred years. This is the area where many museums are located, including the Islamic Museum, the Arabic Calligraphy Museum, the Clock Museum, and also the Arts Museum, which was established in 1995 and the building was inaugurated in 1997. It is the oldest museum in the area for modern art. The visual artist aims to reach you through the phone in the year 1998 or 1999. Now, our art collection has become the most important one. There are collections available in two towers in the Sharjah Art Museum. It includes collections that have been or will be presented by artists from the Arab region, modern and contemporary art. We are talking about the transfer of this collection to the Sharjah Art Museum. The museum is one of the oldest in the area. A significant event was the first transfer of the collection in 2018. They give us one of the four main objectives of the museum, meaning that they welcome the government's efforts and emails about the museum. The museum is considered a relatively large space, 750 square meters, and we entered our artworks permanently or for a long time in 2018. The museum is very interested in achieving equality between works of female and male artists. Why, in fact, the challenge is to personally view the artist. We have heard many times that there are no important female artists in the Arab world. Therefore, the challenge is to visit any museum in Sharjah, where you can see the works of twenty female artists and others. Unfortunately, the Arab world adopted this incorrect idea from the West and repeated it in many museums in the region, resulting in an unequal presentation from a gender perspective. For artists from the Arab world, nowadays it is necessary to have a work that is preferable to be created and preferably from before the 1950s. This is the main standard that tries to restore balance. In the first ten years of the suffocation, so that it was close to what was proposed in the market and the place of the disc, the market was ninety percent with the works of men, who were like dragons' eyes, meaning. I don’t want to mean anything by important male artists, but the works of female artists took a challenging turn and managed to rebalance the group creatively. The works of female artists from the Arab region have many names that we will get to know shortly, but also the state or nationality of the artists are important. There is a great interest in artists from countries that I worked a lot on the map of the art scene in the Arab world such as Yemen and Libya. This is evidenced by the work that there is a presence of artists from Arab countries that are not well-known because they are very conservative in their countries. This was not the case in the Gulf countries, for example, as they were unable to enter the market. Correctly, the most important museums do not depend on them, especially in recent times. In Yemen and Libya, which are countries with a very ancient civilization, the focus has been able to obtain several artistic works by artists who have passed away to be on display. This work is a living example of this, by the work of the Yemeni artist Hakim Al-Haq. Speaking of this Sultan's uncle, Hakim, the most important for symbolic history to the Arab or happy Yemen, is a graduation project for the artist Hakim Al-Aqla when he was studying at the Sura Academy in Syria in the late 1980s and early 1990s. This work through four slides, the viewer can understand or learn the story of Yemen through us if a political action is taken, Sultan's political action. What are the criteria that matter to you in choosing new paintings to enter the Bridal Group? We are talking about the importance of the work for you. This is a painting by the Syrian artist Saeed Tameem, who was the education and important artist as he studied in Iraq, Syria, and Misev, and other parts of the Arab world. He was also a prominent artist, supporter of Arab unity between Syria and Nasser in the 1950s, and in this painting, he reflects the importance of President Jamal Abdel Nasser. He was a man of peace initiatives, but a man of strength, literally making a difference. Can I act? Can we see peoples of the world celebrating it, such as in Africa or South America? These represent countries of non-alignment, which he was part of creating, drawing from the works of art to the works of the butter, there are works that take us to work that makes you feel proud as an artist, or an artist unfortunately who traveled from one of. The most important artworks we have, including the leading Palestinian artist Ashraf al-Saadi, with a small number of her large and important paintings. She was born in 1905 in Jerusalem and studied under the Palestinian artist Gaban Kahlil and placed paintings here in the 1920s, 1930s, and 1940s of this Palestinian and individuals, Palestinian faces and flags. Unfortunately, after the disaster of Damascus and not writing there, she died there in 1988. This program of painting, after your permission, is a very rare program that carries great responsibility on us to preserve and secure it. She is a Palestinian artist, meaning the opposite of the Palestinian identity and history. I consider it one of the most important pieces that I killed in the search for the most recent works in the Arab world. What are the difficulties and challenges facing you in the search for rare artworks? The truth is that there is a lot of luck in old books from the fifties and sixties for this asset and the second is that there is a big migration, as the Arab world became in the mid-twentieth century, and many of the works went to Europe or North America, meaning that they were forgotten in video or offline. I don’t want it to mean that a world where all important works are left behind countries like Palestine, Qatar, Syria, Jordan, and others. I love that many of the works remain in these countries.


How was the Impressionist school born and how did it change the course of art history?

Duration: 0:13:09.312000

Welcome to the celebration of the 100th anniversary of the birth of the Impressionist movement. The museum hosts the largest collection of natural works in the world, showcasing the movement's legacy that changed the course of history. Through the use of color and the absence of defined borders, the Impressionists captured moments frozen in time. On April 15, 2874, an art exhibition was opened on Palestine Street, showcasing the works of the Impressionists. This movement posed a challenge to traditional painting and art exhibitions, emphasizing the beauty of natural landscapes and outdoor scenes. The founder of this movement, Claude Monet, was a visionary who revolutionized the art world with his unique approach to painting. The Impressionists rejected the constraints of traditional artistic conventions and sought to capture the essence of natural beauty in their work. They explored the interplay of light and color, creating vibrant and dynamic paintings that ushered in a new era in the art world. By embracing the outdoors and natural elements, the Impressionists revolutionized the way we perceive art.


Mourad Montazemi presents modern Arab art in the most important museums in Paris

Duration: 0:13:27.978666

In today's cultural segment, we will learn about the first exhibition of its kind hosted by the Museum of Modern Art in Paris. The exhibition sheds light on the relationship of Arab artists with the city in the twentieth century. Arab Revelations is an exploration of the transformations in modern Arab art, from historical narratives to artistic expressions that are largely unknown in Europe. The selected works come from local collections such as the Barjeel Art Foundation in Sharjah, the Ibrahim Foundation in Oman, the Museum of Modern Art in Cairo, and the Museum of Fine Arts in Algeria, as well as private collections. The exhibition aims to familiarize visitors with the artistic history of the Middle East, particularly in relation to Paris in the twentieth century, highlighting the dialogue between Arab artists who came to Paris for training and study. The exhibition discusses the challenges faced in organizing such an event near the Museum of Modern Art in Paris, which plays a significant role in the cultural scene. The exhibition explores the political and artistic dimensions of Arab art, starting from the early 1900s to the late 1980s, marking pivotal moments in the history of modern Arab art.


Algerian artist Mohamed Bourouissa at a retrospective exhibition at the Palais de Tokyo

Duration: 0:13:26

Welcome to "Standing at Any Verse," where Algerian artist Mohammed Ben Khemissa hosts discussions about his first exhibition, "Chemistry of Recovery," dedicated to his parents, which is currently being held in Khalid Tokyo until next month. The exhibition transforms the entrance into a lush garden filled with plants and music, turning ordinary objects into living beings. Ben Khemissa talks about his personal and creative relationship with plants, inspired by his experiences at a psychiatric hospital and a museum. He discusses his uncle, Mohamed Bourescha, who spent 40 years at a psychiatric hospital in Brescia, Italy, and how he influenced Ben Khemissa's interest in plants and gardening. Through personal training, Ben Khemissa learned about garden design and began to focus on plants, their colors, and their interactions. His work eventually led him to collaborate on projects in Sydney in 2020, exploring the relationship between humans and plants in urban environments. Ben Khemissa also delves into the importance of sound in his artwork, drawing on his lifelong connection to music and the impact it has had on his creative process. He explains how his exhibition aims to challenge perceptions and explore the intricate interplay between humans, plants, and the environment. Through innovative technologies, such as the use of electrical impulses to generate sound from plants, Ben Khemissa highlights the interconnectedness of all living beings. The exhibition showcases various moments captured by Ben Khemissa, highlighting the fragility and invisibility of life. He discusses challenging societal issues through his artwork, shedding light on the complex relationships we have with our surroundings. By addressing themes of unemployment, social inequality, and community dynamics, Ben Khemissa's exhibition invites viewers to reflect on their own place in society and the impact of their actions. In conclusion, "Standing at Any Verse" serves as a platform for Ben Khemissa to explore the intersection of art, society, and nature, creating a space for contemplation and dialogue about the interconnectedness of all living beings.


Al Serkal Neighborhood: A beacon of art and creativity in Dubai

Duration: 0:12:17

Welcome to today's culture segment. Today, we will learn about the Alserkal Avenue area in Dubai, which has transformed from an industrial warehouse district to one of the most important creative hubs in the United Arab Emirates. But before we delve into that, let us stop at this report commemorating the 150th anniversary of the Impressionist movement. On April 10, 2002, the 274 Off to a Flying Start exhibition opened in Paris, showcasing over 100 works by 32 artists who revolutionized French painting tradition. One of these artists, Uglo, broke the rules of traditional art by capturing natural scenes spontaneously, giving birth to Impressionism. These artists focused on everyday life rather than mythical or religious themes, creating large-scale paintings outdoors with an Impressionistic style. They emphasized light colors to capture the moment before it changed, freezing time in their artwork. One such painting by John captured modern life in a busy street, showcasing a new style of painting presented in a 2008 exhibition by Nadge. By highlighting the cultural and artistic scene in Alserkal Avenue, we aim to showcase the creativity and talent of artists and art lovers who gather in this vibrant space. Through collaborations with cultural organizations and investors, Alserkal Avenue has become a cultural and artistic center in Dubai, hosting numerous art exhibitions and attracting over a million visitors annually. This area holds a special place in Arab and Middle Eastern art history, with a growing community of artists who contribute to the expanding cultural scene. As Alserkal Avenue continues to evolve with Dubai's development, it remains a unique and harmonious cultural hub that reflects the city's people and history. The ongoing exhibition at Concrete, the Art Museum, is a testament to this cultural unity and artistic excellence.


Nada Ghandour: Phoenician Europe represents Lebanon at the Venice Biennale

Duration: 0:12:28

Welcome to today's culture segment. Today we will learn about the Lebanese pavilion participating in the Venice Biennale in its 60th edition. The multimedia exhibition of the artist Mireille Saliba explores the reconciliation between myth and reality through a reinterpretation of the legend of the kidnapping of a princess by Zeus. The exhibition, titled "Dance of her Stories," is hosted by the General Directorate of Cultural Affairs and is curated by Nada Ghandour Ghandour. This is the first time Lebanon is participating twice consecutively in the Venice Biennale, highlighting the importance of this participation within the current political and social context of the country. Lebanese art is making a mark on the global art scene, showcasing the talent and creativity of Lebanese artists. The exhibition delves into themes that are not only important for Lebanon but also resonate globally. Mireille Saliba's work revisits the myth with a contemporary and realistic perspective, exploring issues of femininity and empowerment. The exhibition features a large boat structure symbolizing a journey towards freedom and equality for women. Through sculptures, paintings, embroideries, and videos, Saliba's art conveys a powerful message about history, mythology, and societal norms. The exhibition has received positive feedback and has sparked meaningful conversations about women's rights and liberation. Overall, the exhibition at the Venice Biennale by the Lebanese pavilion is a thought-provoking and visually engaging exploration of mythology, history, and contemporary issues. It sheds light on the rich cultural heritage of Lebanon and the artistic talent of its people, making a significant impact on the global art scene.


Malika Zirari: The play “Arabs of Berlin” returns to the stage 20 years after it was written

Duration: 0:12:49.941333

Welcome to Takafu in today's edition, where we will stop at two plays that were showcased in Paris. The first is "Al-Majnoon" by Tunisian director Taoufik Jebali, based on the text by Gibran Khalil Gibran. The second play is "Al-Arab" which is currently being shown in Paris, directed by the Moroccan Malikah Zarari and written by the actress and playwright Jameela Bakar. The beginning of the journey was when the beloved Habib Bourguiba of Tunisia was commemorated in Paris, sparking a series of shows for "Al-Majnoon" produced by Teatro Theater in Tunisia and directed by Taoufik Jebali. Despite the few differences in the performance compared to its original production almost 20 years ago, the play still holds a touch of spirituality, addressing themes of authority, mistakes, and tyranny that plague the world. We bring you a report from the theater shows in Paris, where the Tunisian artistic community gathered to watch the plays. The play "Majnoon" by Gibran Khalil Gibran captivated the audience for three days, with a strong presence of the Tunisian expatriate community in Paris. The process of bringing the play to Paris was not without its challenges, as there were concerns about misunderstandings regarding its content. However, the director Taoufik Jebali emphasized the literary nature of Gibran's work and the spiritual essence that resonates throughout the play. The reception of the plays in Paris was overwhelmingly positive, with audiences appreciating the artistic and modern approach taken by the directors and playwrights. The plays not only entertained but also provoked thoughts on identity, family, and the impact of suspicion and accusations on individuals and communities. We hope that this season of theater in Paris will continue to bring forth thought-provoking and engaging works that challenge perceptions and inspire audiences.


In Search of Depth...Mark Suskind

Duration: 0:08:50

Ray Ban was encouraging the young girl, who was unknown to him, to continue drawing beautiful paintings in her first exhibition. He praised her talent and eye-catching work, but also pointed out that she lacked depth in her art. The girl initially dismissed his comments, but later, after an interview was published, she revisited her old paintings and realized the importance of depth in her work. Over the following weeks, the girl struggled with her creativity, feeling disconnected and uninspired. She immersed herself in art books, visited galleries, and even joined a value exhibition at a museum. She encountered a painting by Leonardo da Vinci and sought guidance from an art teacher, who encouraged her to focus on developing her skills. As the girl faced personal and artistic challenges, she began to spiral into self-destructive behaviors, neglecting her appearance and falling into a deep depression. Despite attempts to seek help, she continued to isolate herself and reject social invitations. Her art suffered, and she ended up in a state of crisis, both personally and artistically. The media picked up on her story, portraying her struggles and downfall in sensationalized headlines. Critics lamented her tragic end, highlighting the importance of recognizing and supporting talent, particularly in the field of art, to prevent such tragic outcomes. In the end, the story serves as a cautionary tale about the fragile nature of artistic talent and the need for proper support and guidance in the art world. It underscores the importance of nurturing creativity and providing opportunities for young artists to thrive and grow.