Image Courtesy: Barjeel Art Foundation, Sharjah
Over 100 art works are on display for a virtual tour at Sharjah Art Museum. ‘A Century in Flux – Chapter II’ the online exhibition can be accessed through the following link: https://bit.ly/2YVSAEd. Launched in collaboration with Barjeel Art Foundation (BAF) the exhibition also marks the occasion of the International Museums Day, on May 18. On display are 126 art exhibits demonstrating a broad range of styles, techniques, and thematic directions from art practices in Arab countries between the 1880s and 1980s.
The show invites visitors to reflect on the selection strategy, encourages them to pose critical questions and to think about the broader issues of inclusivity. It also aims to question of gender inequality in the art world. “As we become more reliant on technology to help facilitate how people experience art during the current situation. This virtual exhibition will initiate much needed debates beyond the limits of place and time on topics such as that of gender representation in museums that are pertinent and must continue to be emphasized in the curatorial discourse,” said Manal Ataya, Director General of Sharjah Museums Authority.
Works of prolific artists from the Arab World, including Jewad Selim, Shakir Hassan Al Said, Abdul Qader Al Rais, Etel Adnan, Mona Hatoum, Gazbia Sirry, and other lesser known artists are featured in the second chapter of the exhibition that was first launched last November.
Image Courtesy: Barjeel Art Foundation, Sharjah
Art Collector and Founder of BAF, Sultan Sooud Al Qassemi noted that the show, which draws together artists from across the Arab World, is a treasure trove of histories, layered political accounts, and of moving reflections on the human condition.
Image Courtesy: Barjeel Art Foundation, Sharjah
This initiative is part of SMA’s continuous efforts to reach out and engage members of the public during the Coronavirus lockdown. “We are delighted to offer access locally and globally to everyone generally interested or studying art related topics. The Sharjah Art Museum has always been a museum free and open to all, continuing to bring to its audiences world class exhibitions and an extensive calendar of educational programming. This new iteration of A Century in Flux, will allow our audiences to appreciate and understand the impact of artists and their important role in the development of societies notion of their identity and collective history,” Ataya added.
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