New book ‘The Art of the Emirates’ showcases the Emirati art scene

A seminal publication charting the current state of the UAE's art scene has just been released.

The book features both influential and upcoming artists such as Farah Al Qasimi. Courtesy Admaf Motivate
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An extensive publication charting the state of the Emirati art scene has been released by Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation.

The Art of the Emirates, a large coffee-table book, is a collection of interviews with artists, gallery owners, art foundations and educators across the UAE, alongside many glossy images, and is an attempt to document the key players in the UAE's art environment.

Some of the founding fathers of the art scene appear in the book, including painter Abdul Qader Al Rais, installation artist Mohammed Ahmed Ibrahim and master calligrapher Mohammed Mandi.

It also profiles some of the younger Emirati artists, such as photographer Farah Al Qasimi, designer Shamsa Al Omaira and collage artist Fatema Al Mazrouie.

The book focuses on UAE-based universities as well as primary institutions such as the Sharjah Art Foundation, the Emirates Fine Arts Society, Maraya Art Centre and Barjeel Art Foundation.

The chapter on galleries includes interviews with leading figures such as Salwa Zeidan who, although not an Emirati, was one of the first people to open a gallery in the UAE, which is the only commercial gallery on Saadiyat Island in Abu Dhabi.

Speaking at the book launch last week, Hoda Al Khamis-­Kanoo, founder of Admaf, said: "From artists to gallerists, foundation figures to educators, The Art of the Emirates looks at the driving force behind national artistic expression, from the perspective of the many individuals who have helped to shape it."

Produced in collaboration with Motivate Publishing house and sponsored by Waha Capital, the bilingual publication is not intended to be a single volume, but the first in a series of books under the same title.

“As the UAE arts scene continues to flourish, this publication reflects upon where the UAE has come from, where it is now and where it is going,” said Al Khamis-Kanoo. “I am immensely proud and thankful to all those involved in producing this seminal publication.”

The Art of the Emirates is available in bookstores across the GCC and Lebanon, and online from www.booksarabia.com. For more information, visit www.admaf.org

aseaman@thenational.ae