The Dawn of Modern Arab Art with Sultan Sooud Al Qassemi

Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi

Arab art has shaped history and culture in profound ways, telling stories that bridge traditions and reflect identity. To celebrate this legacy, join us on 18 January for an inspiring talk featuring Sultan Sooud Al Qassemi, a renowned expert in Arab art and culture.

Get to explore the evolution of modern Arab art during a transformative period: the late 19th to early 20th century. This was a time when artists and cultural pioneers navigated a rapidly changing world, blending the richness of local traditions with modern influences. These figures didn’t just create art, they redefined what it meant to be an Arab during an era of social and political shifts.

This moment in history draws a fascinating parallel as Europe embraced Post-Impressionism, reshaping artistic norms, the Arab world embarked on its own renaissance, known as the Nahda.

As modern nation states were born out of colonial and Ottoman rule, Arab artists and thinkers reimagined their identity and societies. Like their European counterparts, they broke boundaries, but their work spoke uniquely to the power and spirit of the Arab world.