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Topic: Art essays

Lebanese artist receives recognition late - perhaps too late - in life

Saloua Raouda Choucair, Self Portrait, 1943. Saloua Raouda Choucair Foundation

Apr 13, 2013

A Tate Modern curator's visit to Beirut has led to international appreciation of the stunning work of 97-year-old Saloua Raouda Choucair, a pioneering Lebanese abstract artist who laboured in obscurity, writes Jonathan Gornall  Read Article Lebanese artist receives recognition late - perhaps too late - in life

The Syrian artists using their medium as a weapon

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Mar 07, 2013

Tahira Yaqoob examines the art emerging from the Syrian uprisings and asks whether it is the role of an artist to pin his or her colours to a political cause. Read Article The Syrian artists using their medium as a weapon

Abu Dhabi gallery exhibit features work of expat artists

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Feb 23, 2013

A new exhibition in the capital trails the talents of the Abu Dhabi Art Squad, a multinational group of modern artists, writes Nick March Read Article Abu Dhabi gallery exhibit features work of expat artists

Sharjah Biennial prepares for its 11th art exhibition

Sheikha Hoor Al Qasimi beside Lara Favaretto's Sunnyside (2012) at the Sharjah Art Foundation. Duncan Chard for The National

Feb 09, 2013

This year's Sharjah Biennial will be centred around the theme of the courtyard, a classic feature of Islamic architecture and a traditional meeting place for friends and family, writes Rym Ghazal  Read Article Sharjah Biennial prepares for its 11th art exhibition

 

Ballet in Egypt enjoying an unexpected resurgence

A ballet class at the Cairo Opera House. JD Perkins for The National

Feb 02, 2013

The Cairo Ballet Company languished in the doldrums after Anwar Sadat severed ties with the Soviet Union four decades ago, but has enjoyed an unlikely renaissance in recent years, writes Mona Abouissa  Read Article Ballet in Egypt enjoying an unexpected resurgence

 

Exhibit reveals all roads led to Arabia, thanks mostly to incense trade

A bronze head from the first or second century BC found at Qaryat Al-Faw, part of the Roads of Arabia exhibit at the Arthur M Sackler Gallery in Washington, DC. Tish Wells / MCT via Getty Images

Jan 26, 2013

A Saudi-backed exhibition of artefacts associated with the incense trade reaches back millennia, revealing much about the little-known cultural past of the Arabian Peninsula and its relationship with the outside world, writes Kanishk Tharoor  Read Article Exhibit reveals all roads led to Arabia, thanks mostly to incense trade

 

Burgeoning art scene in Istanbul despite little state funding

The Museum of Innocence, named after the Orhan Pamuk novel. The museum contains cultural artefacts from the time period in which the novel is set. Bulent Kilic / AFP

Jan 04, 2013

Istanbul is enjoying a cultural renaissance, driven in part by a series of wealthy patrons who have reaped the rewards of Turkey's booming economy, writes Tahira Yaqoob.  Read Article Burgeoning art scene in Istanbul despite little state funding

 

Exhibit in Paris explores spirituality through disparate artists

A sculpture by Reza Aramesh at the Lost In Paradise exhibit at Loft Sévigné in Paris. The work is influenced by 17th-century Spanish sculpture, according to the artist. Courtesy A&E Projects

Dec 22, 2012

An exhibition in Paris exploring spirituality by five artists from different religious and cultural backgrounds is both sincere and authentic, writes Gemma Champ.  Read Article Exhibit in Paris explores spirituality through disparate artists

 

Abu Dhabi Art builds a foundation for the future

British sculptor Anish Kapoor., one of several internationally renowned artists to speak at Abu Dhabi Art. Lee Hoagland / The National

Nov 17, 2012

Returning to Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi Art found a more confident stride this year and delivered some interesting news about Louvre Abu Dhabi, writes Tahira Yaqoob.  Read Article Abu Dhabi Art builds a foundation for the future

 

Engineer's photo exhibit chronicles Sheikh Zayed Bridge construction

Roy Lengweiler at his photo exhibition, Sheikh Zayed Bridge - The Human Angle, at the Ghaf Art Gallery in Abu Dhabi. Silvia Razgova / The National

Jun 30, 2012

Twenty of the Swiss expatriate's black-and-white images of the construction of Sheikh Zayed Bridge adorn the Ghaf Art Gallery's whitewashed walls. Read Article Engineer's photo exhibit chronicles Sheikh Zayed Bridge construction

 

Art exhibitions move Doha closer to cultural forefront

A giant self-portrait of Takashi Murakami greets visitors at Doha's Al Riwaq Exhibition Hall. Courtesy of Takashi Murakami / Kaikai Kiki Co

Jun 02, 2012

A citywide showing of works by a trio of acclaimed artists has pushed the Qatari capital closer to the forefront of the region's cultural landscape. Read Article Art exhibitions move Doha closer to cultural forefront

 

Lebanese Rocket Society reaches for the stars

Restaging 3. All images courtesy of Khalil Joreige, Joana Hadjithomas and The Third Line

Apr 06, 2012

Joana Hadjithomas and Khalil Joreige's latest works evoke the hopes and dreams of a bygone era. Read Article Lebanese Rocket Society reaches for the stars

 

With a nod from Oscar, the UAE's film industry comes of age

A scene from the UAE film Sea Shadow. Courtesy of Image Nation

Mar 02, 2012

Hollywood's biggest night turned into something of a showcase for regional cinematic talent. The Gulf is not only funding films, it is also beginning to tell its own story on the silver screen.  Read Article With a nod from Oscar, the UAE's film industry comes of age

 

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Editor's Picks

Clumsy Syrian National Coalition needs to prove it is made of the right stuff

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Something of a miracle will be needed for the coveted unity and effectiveness of the Syrian opposition to materialise. Analysis by Phil Sands from the SNC's Istanbul summit  Clumsy Syrian National Coalition needs to prove it is made of the right stuff

UAE rugby hope the kids are all right

JJ Fanucci of Dubai Exiles during the Jebel Ali Sevens Rugby at the Jebel Ali Centre of Excellence, Jebel Ali on the 16th November 2012. Credit: Jake Badger for The National

Freshly relegated, no better time for a youth movement than the present, writes Paul Radley.  UAE rugby hope the kids are all right

Global shift in North American sport

A Nintendo DS Lite portable game system is displayed at Safeco Field in Seattle, Friday, June 29, 2007, prior to an MLB baseball game between the Toronto Blue Jays and the Seattle Mariners. Nintento is making a pitch to use its portable DS Lite to allow fans to order food and drinks, watch the live television feed of the game, access stats and scores and play trivia, from their seats during the game. (AP Photo/John Froschauer)

In 1992, Major League Baseball commissioner Fay Vincent initially opposed an effort by a Japanese mogul to purchase the Seattle Mariners. Expect more to come.  Global shift in North American sport

Flying cars roar into reality

The Terrafugia Transition lets you fly over traffic and point-to-point between more than 5,000 community airports around the United States. Courtesy Terrafugia

The flying car concept took a while to become reality but in America a company is on the verge of offering a version to the public. While the cost may be high, so is confidence that there is a viable market.  Flying cars roar into reality

Mashallah: what it means, when to say it and why you should

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With Muslim families, you must say "mashallah" with every compliment lest someone think you are jealous and have the evil eye.  Mashallah: what it means, when to say it and why you should

Region in Focus - May 23

National View blog looks at the best images from the last seven days from around the Gulf and across the Middle East.  Region in Focus - May 23

Sound & Vision

Video: Talking Shehhi – a dialect from RAK's mountain tribes

Video: Talking Shehhi – a dialect from RAK's mountain tribes(Video)

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Video: Tracing UAE families through genealogy

Video: tracing UAE families through genealogy(Video)

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In pictures: Swarovski studded tub

The Swarovski Crystal Saracen bath from Catchpole & Rye.(Photos)

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In pictures: Maldives a piece of heaven on earth

Maldives a piece of heaven on earth(Photos)

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In pictures: Sir Bu Nair Island

Sir Bu Nair Island in charge of Sharjah government. One of the UAE’s untouched, natural islands is to be partially developed under new plans by Sharjah to promote eco-tourism.(Photos)

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