Sharjah Museums Authority And Jordan National Gallery Unveil 'Roots And Modernity' Exhibition

Sharjah Museums Authority has announced its collaboration with the Jordan National Gallery of Fine Arts for an exhibition titled "Roots and Modernity: Contemporary Mediterranean Arab Art." This exhibition will be held at the Sharjah Art Museum from 18th September to 24th November, 2024. It will provide visitors with a unique opportunity to explore contemporary art from the Mediterranean Arab region.

The exhibition will feature over 80 artworks, including paintings, sculptures, and mixed media. These pieces highlight the blend of traditional influences and modern techniques that define the region's art. Masterpieces from the Jordan National Gallery of Fine Arts' permanent collections will be on display, featuring works by renowned artists such as Saliba Douaihy (Lebanon), Fateh Moudarres (Syria), Mohammed Melehi (Morocco), and Suleiman Mansour (Palestine).

Displayed works poignantly reflect the profound cultural, social, and political changes that have shaped the contemporary Mediterranean Arab art scene. Dr. Khalid Khreis, Director-General of the Jordan National Gallery of Fine Arts, stated that "Roots and Modernity" features artworks by prominent figures in contemporary Arab art from regions including the Levant, Egypt, and North Africa.

In addition to the exhibition, Sharjah Museums Authority has organised various museum programmes to engage audiences of all ages and develop their artistic skills. One such programme is Clay Art, which teaches participants how to use clay and stone to express their thoughts and feelings through unique artworks.

The Etching Art programme allows participants to explore etching art with hands-on guidance from a specialised team. This programme targets students, individuals with disabilities, and other participants. Additionally, the Blending Watercolor and Ink programme offers a unique experience in learning how to blend watercolours and ink to create stunning effects using different techniques on Yupo paper.

Cultural Exchange Commitment

Aisha Rashid Deemas, Director-General of Sharjah Museums Authority, expressed delight in presenting this landmark exhibition. She said it underscores their commitment to fostering cultural exchange and showcasing the rich artistic heritage of the Mediterranean Arab world. "Through this collaboration with the Jordan National Gallery of Fine Arts," she added, "we aim to offer our visitors a deeper understanding of the region's contemporary art and its roots in tradition."

This diverse collection highlights both diversity and unity while reflecting a search for artistic identity in contemporary times. The exhibition promises a rich tapestry of artistic expressions that capture the essence of Mediterranean Arab culture.

The event is expected to attract art enthusiasts keen on exploring how traditional influences merge with modern techniques in Mediterranean Arab art. Visitors will have an unparalleled opportunity to witness firsthand the vibrant world of contemporary art from this region.

With inputs from WAM