Essays
Featuring a collection of essays offering critical perspectives on the ideas, movements, events, and figures that have defined modern and contemporary art in the SWANA region, these texts—written by scholars and experts—combine rigorous research with thoughtful analysis, providing readers with deeper insight into the region’s artistic landscape.
14 essays
Artists in Context
Discover the works of five pioneering artists who redefined modern art in the Arab world by intertwining personal experience, cultural heritage, and bold artistic innovation.
Saliba Douaihy: Autobiography and Artistic Views
Badr El-Hage, co-founder of Lebanon's Nabu Museum, tells of his conversations with the late, and extraordinary, Lebanese artist Saliba Douaihy in this retelling.
Hamed Abdalla
Learn about Egyptian artist Hamed Abdalla in this Mathaf Encyclopedia entry.
Jellal Ben Abdallah
Explore self-taught Tunisian artist Jellal Ben Abdallah's life and career trajectory in this Mathaf Encyclopedia entry.
Yousef Ahmad
Read about artist Yousef Ahmad, a pioneering figure of modern and contemporary art in Qatar, in this Mathaf Encyclopedia entry.
Tamam al-Akhal
Delve into the life and work of Tamam al-Akhal, a foundational figure in modern Palestinian art, in this Mathaf Encyclopedia entry.
Nancy Adajania
Learn about the curatorial journey of Nancy Adajania and her exhibitions including one that showcased the first-ever mapping the women’s movement in India.
Brahim Alaoui
Find out more about art historian, curator, and artistic director Brahim Alaoui in this Mathaf Encyclopedia entry.
Zahra A. Hussein Ali
Discover the work of Zahra A. Hussein Ali, whose research explores comparative literature and visual culture, in this Mathaf Encyclopedia entry.
Anahi Alviso-Marino
Explore the work of multifaceted political scientist Anahi Alviso-Marino, including varied multimedia research-creation contributions.