Latest news with #ArtJameel
Arab News
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Arab News
‘Gulf Art Movements' exhibition showcases history of Arab creatives
JEDDAH: Art Jameel launched the 'Gulf Art Movements' exhibition on Thursday to trace the evolution of modern creatives in the Arabian Gulf from the 1930s to the early 2000s. The exhibition at Hayy Jameel in Jeddah, titled 'Redrawing the Boundaries: Art Movements and Collectives of the 20th Century Khaleej' opened on May 22 and runs until Oct. 15. It features works by more than 50 artists, drawn from 20 state and private collections, and traces the evolution of modern art movements in the Arabian Gulf from the 1930s to the early 2000s. The 'Redrawing the Boundaries' show explores the emergence and development of key art movements across Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. It examines how artists responded to dramatic shifts in their urban environments and societies while engaging with themes including changing landscapes, public and private spheres, and the rise of formal art institutions. The exhibition includes works from the Art Jameel Collection alongside loans from notable public and private collections, including Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art, Barjeel Art Foundation, the Sultanate of Oman's Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth Collection, and the Sharjah Art Foundation. Featuring over 80 works, the exhibition highlights a variety of influences —from local folklore and traditions to Western modernist movements, as well as Egyptian and South Asian visual cultures. From the calligraphic abstraction of Hurufiyya, an artistic movement exploring the potential of Arabic script, to the experimental ethos of collectives such as The Five, The Circle, and the Shatta Collective, the exhibition captures the innovative spirit that defined a generation of artists. These artists not only shaped national art movements but also worked collaboratively, founded institutions, and envisioned new futures for art in the Gulf. The show builds on an earlier exhibition curated by Aisha Stoby titled 'Khaleej Modern: Pioneers and Collectives from the Arabian Peninsula,' which was held at New York University Abu Dhabi Art Gallery in 2022. In an exclusive interview with Arab News, Stoby elaborated on her curatorial approach. 'They were artists who were not just foundational figures within their practices, who are without question leaders of the art movements within their own countries, but were influential through all these criteria.' 'They were establishing institutions, mentoring, and building movements. So it was above and beyond the artwork.' The exhibition is organized into four thematic sections: 'The Landscape and Public Sphere,' 'Identity and Private Space,' 'Abstraction and Ephemerality,' and 'The Conceptual New Wave.' Stoby said: 'For me what became very pronounced is if you look at the material thematically, with it comes chronologies and with it comes geographies.' 'It seemed eventually that the most natural way that these conversations could come out themselves was by putting it into a thematic structure,' she added. The exhibition opens with a pairing of paintings in the first section, dedicated to landscape and public space. The two works, by Abdulkarim Al-Orrayed and Abdulhalim Radwi, set the tone for a dialogue between cities, histories, and artistic legacies. Al-Orrayed, a seminal figure in Bahraini modern art and a founding force behind numerous art institutions and ateliers, presents a large painting capturing the development of Manama — its houses, buildings, and evolving urban identity. In contrast, Radwi's piece captures the vibrancy of Jeddah's historic district, Al-Balad. His depiction of movement and bustle evokes the city's rich cultural rhythm. Displayed side by side, these works create one of Stoby's favorite moments in the exhibition, 'A conversation between two city centers,' reflecting shared regional experiences through local lenses. The second section, features deeply emotional and historical pieces, including two evocative works by Kuwaiti artist Thuraya Al-Baqsami. Created during the Gulf War, one of them is 'Note to the Invasion' and 'The Parting' of two people who are in love and being separated. It explores themes of separation, loss, migration and resilience. 'One piece reflects the devastation of conflict, while the other speaks to the aching tenderness of lovers pulled apart by war. These artworks do more than document — they humanize a collective trauma experienced across the Gulf,' said Stoby. In the third section, themed around abstraction and ephemerality, another wall greets visitors with three interconnected works. Among them is a piece by Abdulhalim Radwi portraying the Hajj, sourced from the Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art. 'It is an act of symbolic homecoming as the artwork returns to Jeddah, the city it represents. Beside it hangs 'Worshippers Leaving the Mosque' by Abdulrahman Al-Soliman. 'Together, these paintings resonate as a spiritual dialogue between two pioneering artists: one rooted in Jeddah, the other in Riyadh. 'The wall extends further with contributions from Khalifa Al-Qattan and Ali Al-Mahmeed, artists who reflect on the multifaceted ways religion is experienced in daily life across the region,' said Stoby. Finally, on the upper floor — where conceptual and new media works take center stage — a deeply symbolic film by Omani artist Anwar Sonya stands out. Known for his landscapes and cross-border artistic relationships, Sonya here turns his lens toward memory and myth. The work began as a documentary about a prominent woman who led an art institution in Kuwait. During filming, a coffee cup reading foretold she would live a long and dynamic life, only for her to pass away shortly thereafter. 'The project transformed into an elegiac reflection on mortality, folklore, and the unseen threads that bind lives and legacies. It became an artwork looking at her memory,' said Stoby. It portrays 'our relationship to myth, what is real, and what meaning we can hold onto,' Stoby added. Nora Razian, Art Jameel's deputy director and head of exhibitions and programs, said that 'Redrawing the Boundaries' offers 'a compelling rethink of modernism.' Razian added that it adds 'significantly to the study and understanding of a distinct aesthetic that developed across the Khaleej with a focus on the 1930s through to the early 2000s, a time of state formation, nation building and social transformation.' She added that the exhibition 'foregrounds the critical and foundational roles artists played in shaping institutions and cultivating creative communities during times of transformation.'
Gulf Today
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Gulf Today
Jameel Arts Centre Dubai wins Medal at first Art Basel Awards
Art Jameel, the organisation that supports artists and creative communities, has announced that its Jameel Arts Centre in Dubai is one of three institutions globally awarded a Medal in the inaugural year of the Art Basel Awards, which recognises those 'shaping the next generation of cutting-edge artistry'. A distinguished jury of leading museum directors awarded this 'gold standard for excellence' to those who 'defy categorisation and challenge conventions'. Alongside Art + Practice (Los Angeles, California) and RAW Material Company (Dakar, Senegal), Jameel Arts Centre was recognised in the Museums and Institutions category. 'From a nominee pool of the world's most influential voices and promising rising talents, an international jury of experts awards 36 medallists for their vanguard vision, skill and impact,' said the organisers of the Art Basel Awards, chaired by Vincenzo de Bellis, Chair, Art Basel Awards and Art Basel's Director of Fairs and Exhibition Platforms. The Medal will be presented on June 19 to Art Jameel Chair and Co-Founder Fady Jameel, at a premier reception during Art Basel's historic flagship fair in Basel, Switzerland, while Art Jameel Director Antonia Carver will present the work of Jameel Arts Centre at the Art Basel Awards Summit on June 20. Children's event at Jameel Arts Centre. Fady Jameel said: 'We are deeply honoured to receive this landmark award for Jameel Arts Centre – this recognition of our work is all the more meaningful in that it comes from the industry itself, and we thank the Art Basel Awards and the jury of highly influential, expert colleagues from around the world. At Art Jameel, our mantra is that the arts are fundamental to life and accessible to all: we are proud to serve as Dubai's contemporary arts museum and to contribute to the region and beyond – collecting, commissioning and exhibiting dynamic artists, providing research and learning programmes and access to contemporary arts and ideas, for everyone.' According to Vincenzo de Bellis, the Art Basel Awards are 'not a competition, but a beacon. They shine a light on those working with radical vision, skill, and commitment to building communities of practice and exchange.' This year's Art Basel Awards jury was challenged to spotlight visionaries creating new narratives, building alternative spaces, and pushing forward cultural conversation. The distinguished jury is composed of leaders from every continent around the world, including Hoor Al-Qasimi, President and Director, Sharjah Art Foundation; Elena Filipovic, Director, Kunstmuseum Basel; Jessica Morgan, Nathalie de Gunzberg Director, Dia Art Foundation, New York; Hans Ulrich Obrist, Artistic Director, Serpentine, London; Adriano Pedrosa, Artistic Director, Museu de Arte de São Paulo (MASP); Suhanya Raffel, Museum Director, M+, Hong Kong; Franklin Sirmans, Director, Pérez Art Museum Miami (PAMM); and Philip Tinari, Director and Chief Executive, UCCA Center for Contemporary Art, Beijing. The Art Basel Awards also pay tribute to jury member Koyo Kouoh (1967-2025), the highly influential Executive Director and Chief Curator, Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (Zeitz MOCAA), Cape Town, and Curator, 61st International Art Exhibition (2026), La Biennale di Venezia. Antonia Carver, Director, Art Jameel. Later this year, the Medalists will pilot a peer-driven process, whereby they will vote to select up to 12 Gold Medalists from among themselves, representing the Art Basel Awards' highest honour and offering a new model of recognition, to be revealed in December 2025 during the Official Night of the Art Basel Awards in Miami Beach. Launched by Art Basel in 2025, the Art Basel Awards are the world's first global honours dedicated to recognising excellence across the contemporary art world. Each year, an International Jury of experts awards the Medals to individuals and organisations spanning the industry, whose practices and contributions shape the future of art. Medalists are selected against four key pillars: vision and innovation, skill and execution, engagement, and broader impact. The Awards confer support in the form of honorariums alongside global networking, philanthropic initiatives, partnerships and high-profile commissions, designed to propel Medalists' work onto new platforms and initiate new networks. Medalists are recognised globally by Art Basel through year-round campaigns and initiatives, including the Art Basel Awards Summit, the annual thought leadership conference for the most influential figures in the global art world and neighbouring creative industries, held in Basel, Switzerland. Founded in 1970 by gallerists from Basel, Art Basel stages the world's premier art fairs for Modern and contemporary art, sited in Basel, Miami Beach, Hong Kong, and Paris. Art Basel's engagement includes digital platforms including the Art Basel App and initiatives such as the Art Basel and UBS Global Art Market Report, the Art Basel Awards, and the Art Basel Shop. Art Basel's Global Lead Partner is UBS. Known as one of Dubai's hubs for contemporary arts and ideas, Jameel Arts Centre presents curated solo and group exhibitions drawn from the Art Jameel Collection and through regional and international collaborations. The Centre is a 10,000-square-metre, three-storey, multi-disciplinary space designed by UK-based practice, Serie Architects. The building is ornamented by seven gardens, designed by landscape architect Anouk Vogel, which reflect local and global desert biomes. Sitting alongside is the Jaddaf Waterfront Sculpture Park, designed by Waiwai and a collaboration between Art Jameel and Dubai Holding. Located by the creek in Dubai's Jaddaf Waterfront neighbourhood, the Jameel's galleries are complemented by the Jameel Library, an open-access research centre dedicated to artists and cultural movements in the Gulf States and beyond, project and commission spaces, a writer's studio, the artisan seasonal dining concept, Teible, and the Art Jameel Shop.
Broadcast Pro
02-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Broadcast Pro
Red Sea Film Foundation and Art Jameel bring back ‘Documentary Film Days'
Five Saudi documentary highlighting the Kingdom's heritage will be featured in the programme. The Red Sea Film Foundation, in partnership with Art Jameel, has announced the return of Documentary Film Days, now in its third edition, to be held at Hayy Cinema in Jeddah from May 3 to May 7. Hosted at Saudi Arabia's first independent cinema and audiovisual centre, the event promises to deliver a compelling lineup of global and local documentary films, aimed at deepening cultural dialogue and elevating the Kingdom's cinematic landscape. This year's programme features 11 documentaries from across the world, curated to engage audiences with stories of resilience, heritage and creative expression. Among the international highlights is 4 Little Girls by filmmaker Spike Lee, an examination of the 1963 bombing of a Baptist church in Birmingham, Alabama, which claimed the lives of four African-American girls and became a defining moment in the American civil rights movement. Regional narratives are also at the heart of the showcase. Palestinian filmmaker Areeb Zuaiter presents Yalla Parkour, chronicling the journey of a young athlete navigating life and ambition in Gaza. From Saudi Arabia, Ryan AlBishri's When the Light Shines tells the story of HRH Prince Faisal bin Abdullah and the founding of the Layan Cultural Foundation, emphasising the role of art in preserving Saudi heritage. Other standout Saudi documentaries include Aseer Memory by Saeed Tuhatih, capturing the efforts of Mohammed Abdulmutalli to archive the history of the Asir region through rare artifacts and manuscripts; Othman in the Vatican by Yasser bin Ghanem, following the artistic journey of Othman Al-Khuzaim from Al-Kharj to Vatican City; and AlRoshan by Mohammed Ous, which explores the craftsmanship behind traditional roshan windows. The short film Kemokazi by Abdulrahman Batawie delves into the creative conflict of graffiti artist 'Kimo,' caught between conventional and street art forms. The festival also features globally resonant works such as Dahomey by Mati Diop, documenting the repatriation of looted royal treasures from France to Benin; Tell Them About Us by Rand Beiruty, portraying the lives of migrant girls in Germany; and My Way by Thierry Teston and Lisa Azuelos, tracing the legacy of the iconic Frank Sinatra song. Egypt's The Brink of Dreams, directed by Nada Riyadh and Ayman El Amir, follows a group of Coptic women who challenge societal norms by founding an all-female street theatre troupe. Complementing the screenings, the festival will host post-film discussions and Q&A sessions with notable filmmakers such as Spike Lee, Ryan AlBishri, Ahmed Mattar, Yasser bin Ghanem, Mohammed Ous and Saeed Tuhatih. These sessions aim to provide audiences with deeper insights into the filmmaking process and the real-life stories behind the films. The closing weekend will feature a special 'In Conversation' event led by MAFLAM, Saudi Arabia's filmmaking learning platform, focusing on the growing role of women in documentary cinema. With its diverse programming and rich engagement opportunities, this year's Documentary Film Days reaffirms its place as a vital platform for storytelling and cinematic exploration in the Kingdom.
Zawya
01-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
ECC Contracting builds sustainable prototype home in Dubai using DesertBoard's PSB
Abu Dhabi, UAE – DesertBoard UAE, the region's pioneer in sustainable construction solutions, has announced the successful completion of a full-scale mock-up home in Dubai Creek Harbour—built entirely from its proprietary PSB® (Palm Strand Board) panels. This achievement marks a major milestone for the UAE-based manufacturer, demonstrating both the design versatility and structural integrity of PSB® for residential applications. Constructed as a temporary model for developer approvals, the 240m² structure features one- and two-bedroom apartment layouts, complete with a lobby and main entrance. More than 350 DesertBoard PSB® panels were used in the build, highlighting the material's strength, water resistance, and industry-leading fire resistance —a critical factor for long-term performance in diverse climate conditions. Notably, and in addition to manufacturing the region's most sustainable wooden board, DesertBoard is also the only manufacturer in the region that produces sustainable fire-rated door cores. Designed and manufactured in less than one month, the structure includes external and internal walls, ceiling, doors, vanities, kitchens, and pergolas, all fabricated from PSB®. The build also features high-quality finishes such as porcelain flooring, aluminium-framed glass curtain walls and windows, and custom joinery by Abanos Interiors using DesertBoard materials. This project further cements DesertBoard's leadership in sustainable building practices and underscores the scalability of PSB® building material across a range of climate zones. The structure attracted significant international attention at the Dubai Wood Show, with inquiries from clients globally who recognised the potential of PSB® in high-moisture and cold-weather environments. Thanks to its durability, waterproof properties, and fire-rating, PSB® is a viable and resilient material for global construction needs. In addition to this innovation, DesertBoard continues to receive international recognition. The company recently won the Big See Award for its contribution to the Tarabot Project – Weaving a Living Forum, a pavilion commissioned by Art Jameel. The project explored the interplay between natural ecosystems and built environments, engaging communities in dialogue around climate change and showcasing innovation in architecture, material research, and sustainable design. DesertBoard contributed with locally sourced materials, including palm bio-ecological residue mass. Most recently, DesertBoard was honoured with the CSR Commitment Award at the April Dubai Wood Show Awards, in recognition of its ongoing efforts to champion sustainability and social responsibility within the construction industry. The show welcomed over 780 exhibitors from more than 50 countries, underscoring the growing global significance of the sector. Dedicated pavilions showcased the latest technologies and innovations from across the international wood industry, with participation from countries including Portugal, Gabon, China, the United States, India, Italy, Türkiye, Russia, France, Germany, Austria, and Egypt. 'As the demand for sustainable, durable, and adaptable building solutions continues to rise, we're proud to position DesertBoard at the forefront of a new era in green construction. ' said Mr Kareem Farah, spokesperson for DesertBoard UAE. 'This prototype home is just the beginning. We hope it, along with our recent industry recognition, serves as a catalyst for change - inspiring the construction sector to innovate and evolve in response to the ecological and business challenges of our time. Our company has always been inspired by Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nayhan's profound admiration for the palm tree and this is why we were inspired to find innovative methods to recycle biomass.' Key Benefits of PSB®: Sustainable & Renewable – Utilizes naturally occurring palm fronds, reducing reliance on traditional timber sources. PSB® is not reliant on deforestation and only uses naturally occurring bio-ecological residual mass. Mass deforestation has been a significant factor in accelerating climate change leading to soil erosion, fewer crops, flooding, increased greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, and a host of problems for local communities. Fire-Rated Door Cores – Designed for enhanced fire safety, PSB Fire-Rated Door Cores are engineered to meet stringent fire resistance requirements. It holds accredited certifications for fire-rated performance by the Ministry of Interior Civil Defence (G.H.Q) as well as British, European and American standards. High Durability & Strength – Engineered for structural integrity and longevity, ideal for engineering & construction, interior design, landscape, and events and exhibitions. Resistant to Moisture & Pests – Outperforms engineered wood panels in humid and termite-prone environments. Eco-Friendly Manufacturing – Designed for sustainability, DesertBoard minimises its carbon footprint through an industry-leading value-added product, responsible sourcing process and innovative production approach. The factory sources 30% of its energy from renewable resources. Formaldehyde Free - PSB® contains zero Formaldehyde. This chemical is a colorless, strong-smelling, carcinogenic, flammable binding resin, commonly found in wood-based products. DesertBoard's PSB® boards are manufactured with zero Formaldehyde glue as per the Al Sa'fat and Estidama certificates of product conformity. About DesertBoard UAE DesertBoard UAE is dedicated to pioneering sustainable building materials that meet modern construction demands while minimising environmental impact. By leveraging renewable resources and innovative engineering, the company provides high-quality, eco-friendly building material alternatives that redefine the future of sustainable cities.
Arab News
30-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Arab News
Kef Hayyak? Seeing Saudi neighborhoods through the eyes of emerging filmmakers
JEDDAH: Eighteen aspiring filmmakers have taken to the streets of their neighborhoods armed with nothing but their phones and a vision for the grassroots documentary challenge, 'Kef Hayyak?' The project, initiated by Art Jameel in collaboration with the Red Sea International Film Festival, invited participants to reflect the spirit of their communities in short documentaries. Months after the February 2025 open call, the winners have been announced, and their films will premiere as part of the Red Sea Documentary Days this May at Hayy Cinema. A post shared by Hayy Cinema | سينما حي (@hayycinema) The program, which began as a concept in 2021 and has since grown into an annual platform, continues to break down barriers in filmmaking by expanding access to wider creative communities across Saudi Arabia. For the first time, the 2025 event also welcomed participants from Makkah, with one of the city's filmmakers making it to the jury-selected top three. The initiative culminates in a public screening at Hayy Cinema, featuring the three jury-selected winners — Eyad Al-Zahrani's 'Between,' Asia Lajam & Nad's 'A World Between Buildings,' and Alisha Khan's 'Nam Ghar, Jeddah' — alongside two audience favorites, 'Hay Alakaber' by Amal Al-Zahrani and Othoub Al-Bedaiwi, and 'From the Olives to the Sea' by Haya Al-Bhaisi and Mohammed Khalid. A jury, comprising head of Hayy Cinema, Zohra Ait El-Jamar, director and actress, Fatima Al-Banawi, and director and actress, Ophelie Legris — evaluated the films based on creativity, relevance and narrative strength. El-Jamar told Arab News: ''Kef Hayyak?' draws its essence from the name of Hayy Jameel and reflects our ongoing mission to connect with new audiences in meaningful ways. The project was first imagined in 2021, and after the success of its first edition, it has grown into an annual platform that empowers emerging filmmakers. 'Through this short documentary film competition, we invite aspiring talents to explore their neighborhoods using just their phones. I created the concept with the vision of breaking down barriers in filmmaking and expanding access to a wider creative community. It's also a powerful way to document the ever-changing urban fabric of Jeddah — and now Makkah. 'We see this as a powerful launchpad for emerging talent, and we're actively working to expand the program with deeper mentorship and professional opportunities in the years to come,' she added. Audience Choice Award winner, Al-Zahrani, who hails from Makkah, said: 'The movie covers a neighborhood that lacks identity and how it affects me and the residents in our day-to-day lives. Winning was such a heartwarming experience, seeing my work acknowledged and the story of my people and neighborhood embraced and loved. I plan to keep improving my documentary skills and hope to release a movie about a lawyer later this year.' Khan's winning documentary explores the Musrefah neighborhood of Jeddah and its vibrant Desi (Pakistani and Indian) community. 'My film 'Naam Ghar, Jeddah' is a documentary film which acts as a time capsule for me to look back on not only my neighborhood but the people living in it, especially the often-overlooked Desi community in Jeddah, where even the people themselves think the outer world is not interested in them,' Khan said. 'It aims to explore their dreams, identities and quiet resilience through simple, human questions, like what is your favorite color or what gives you happiness.' Khan believes in the power of cinema to humanize and connect communities, emphasizing how platforms such as Hayy Jameel empower storytellers like herself. Her goal is to keep documenting life in Jeddah, capturing its present for future generations. Al-Bhaisi told Arab News: ''From the Olives to the Sea' is a short documentary that explores the contrast and emotional connection between two places — Jeddah, where I feel a deep sense of belonging, and Gaza, the place I'm originally from but never fully connected with. 'Winning the Audience Choice Award honestly means the world to us. It shows that people connected with our story, and that's all we ever wanted — to be heard, and to make others feel something real.'
