Middle Eastern art scene develops: 4 top posts

WEST ASIAN ARTISTS ISLAMIC ART

The diversity of West Asian art makes it hard to define. Artists from the region embrace a variety of media and representations, and deal with all manner of subject matter from religion to socio-political ideas. We bring you four posts on this developing region.

Khaled Hafez, 'Mighty Hands', 2008, acrylic on collage, 200 x 250 cm.

Islamic tradition reworked by 10 Jameel Prize finalists – artwork and artists

April 2011

A concise introduction to the artists that were shortlisted for the V&A’s Jameel Prize in 2010, with illustrated images and a short biography on each of the artists. The selected artists have been chosen for the ways in which they represent and interpret the Islamic world through a variety of mediums. Artists include, but are not limited to, Pakistani-born Noor Ali Chagani, Bita Ghezelayagh, Aisha Khalid, who is recognised for her inspiration from the Mughal miniatures, and Algerian-born Rachid Koraïchi.

Click here to read the full post on the Jameel Prize finalists for 2010.

Rachid Koraichi, 'The Invisible Masters', 2008. Courtesy October Gallery. Photo: Jonathan Greet.

Rachid Koraïchi, 'The Invisible Masters', 2008. Courtesy October Gallery. Photo: Jonathan Greet.

First forays for Saudi art in international art market

March 2009

This article provides an insight into the handful of Saudi artists that are now recognised in the international art market, as well as into the unique mediums they use in adherence to Islamic values. Lulwah Al-Homoud is an up-and-coming young artist who does not use figural art to represent her thoughts, but instead cleverly uses the skills of a graphic designer combined with Islamic geomotery to create images that are suitable for the region. In agreement with Al-Homoud is Dr. Ahmed Mater, a doctor by profession. He uses figures in a skeletal form through x-rays on folios which historically have been used to decorate religious scriptures. Through these different and almost “respectful” mediums these two artists are helping change the landscape of the Saudi art market and aiding in scaling new heights on the international art market.

Click here to read the full article on the Saudi International art market.

Abdulnasser Gharem, 'Message/Messenger', 2010, wood and copper, 300 x 200 cm. Sold at Christie's auction in April 2011 for USD842,500.

Five emerging artists from the Middle East – Saatchi Online

August 2008

In an effort to provide a sample of West Asian art, this post contains a succinct, although not an exhaustive, list of five of the top artists from the Middle Eastern region and their reactions to “socio-political issues”. Art from West Asia does not always have to be based on a reaction to suppression of rights or other perceived frustrations, sometimes artists simply offer a contemporary view of the history and culture of a region. It is clear in this post that artist Hayv Karhman takes this approach.

Click here to read the full post on the emerging artists.

Youssef Nabil, 'Ehsan & light, Cairo', 2003, hand-coloured gelatin and print, 40 x 27 cm.

Female Middle Eastern artists trendy thanks to Shirin Neshat – Time Out

December 2008

Based solely on West Asian-born artist Shirin Neshat’s efforts to represent the lack of freedom and women’s movements in the region, widely believed to be a result of Islamic fundamentalism, we would forgive you for thinking that female artists were in vogue in 2008. It is great to read that Neshat aims to raise more awareness of the region and its issues, using China as her platform for the first time.

Click here to read the full article on Neshat and her 1953 works.