Alya Al Mulla, curator at the Sharjah Art Museum, discusses the current exhibition Roots and Modernity, a collaboration with the Jordan National Gallery of Fine Arts.
Canvas: How is cultural exchange fostered through this collaborative show?
Alya Al Mulla: At the Sharjah Art Museum and the Sharjah Museums Authority (SMA), we continually seek out partnerships with institutions that share our vision. Through long-term collaborations, we explore new avenues to make art accessible to all. The Roots and Modernity exhibition is a prime example of this approach, born from a cultural exchange between the Sharjah Art Museum and the Jordan National Gallery of Fine Arts. This partnership has facilitated a dialogue that crosses geographical boundaries, bringing together artists from diverse Mediterranean Arab nations. The show demonstrates how the region’s rich cultural diversity – spanning North Africa, Egypt and the Levant – has shaped contemporary Arab art. By blending traditional influences with modern techniques, it highlights the powerful role of shared history and artistic exchange in enriching and broadening the art scene.
Sharjah Art Museum and the Jordan National Gallery of Fine Arts are dedicated to promoting accessibility to art, emphasising the importance of regional collaborations in deepening our collective understanding of artistic heritage. Both institutions also boast expansive collections of contemporary Arab art, making them ideal collaborators. We also share a common approach to curation and public engagement through similar display techniques and educational programmes, further reinforcing the strength of this joint venture.
What aspects of Sharjah’s art scene make it such a fitting venue for this exhibition?
Sharjah is widely recognised as a cultural capital and renowned for its vibrant art scene, which embraces both historical legacies and modern expressions. The Sharjah Art Museum has long been dedicated to promoting Arab and Islamic art, and with its substantial collection of contemporary works, it was the perfect setting for Roots and Modernity. Additionally, Sharjah’s ongoing support for public programmes and exhibitions that delve into Arab identity aligns seamlessly with the exhibition’s mission to explore the diverse artistic practices that define Mediterranean Arab art. This collaboration not only enriches the art world but also strengthens cultural ties across the region.
How do the artworks in Roots and Modernity reflect the cultural and political changes in the Mediterranean Arab region?
The exhibition captures the creative dialogue that emerged from a blending of diverse geographical and cultural influences and the profound cultural and political transformations that have shaped the region. The exchanges that have taken place are evident not only in the styles and subjects of the works, but also in the techniques employed by the artists. Themes such as identity, resistance and heritage are woven throughout the collection, offering a window into defining socio-political narratives. A key example is Sliman Mansour’s Mother Palestine (1986), which poignantly portrays the resilience and enduring spirit of the Palestinian people and symbolises their cultural and political struggle.
Does the exhibition explore the impact of external artistic influences on contemporary Mediterranean Arab Art?
Several artworks in Roots and Modernity draw inspiration from the European abstract art movement, but Arab artists have reinterpreted these influences by infusing them with elements of their own identity and local environments. This fusion of styles has allowed them to create pieces that are both globally inspired and deeply rooted in their cultural context, giving the works new layers of meaning. They speak equally to local and international audiences, bridging cultural boundaries and creating a universal dialogue.
A significant piece in this respect is Feast in the Desert (1957) by Fahrelnissa Zeid. It reflects the artist’s abstract, European modernist influences yet remains firmly grounded in her Arab heritage, capturing the essence of her cultural identity. It exemplifies how Mediterranean Arab artists have not only engaged with international art movements but have also transformed them, using their personal and cultural experiences to redefine these global styles through their unique perspectives.
How do you see the interplay of different modes of expression – painting, sculpture and mixed media – enhancing the visitor experience?
It is essential to showcase art in all its various forms and media, as it ultimately serves as a powerful tool for expression. Artists are free to choose the medium that best allows them to convey their ideas and emotions, whether through painting, sculpture, ceramics or mixed media. The exhibition reflects this variety, demonstrating how Mediterranean Arab artists have embraced different techniques to push the boundaries of traditional methods. This diversity not only enhances the exhibition’s visual appeal but also provides a deeper, more immersive understanding of the rich artistic landscape of the region.
In what ways do you see the exhibition challenging preconceived notions of Arab art?
Roots and Modernity offers a fresh perspective on Arab art, demonstrating how it has never existed in isolation and nor is it a recent phenomenon. Art produced in the Mediterranean Arab world has always been deeply embedded in its material culture, evolving over centuries. This exhibition challenges common misconceptions by presenting Arab art as an integral part of global artistic movements, shaped by continuous interactions with diverse cultural and political influences, both local and international. By showcasing a wide range of themes, techniques and media, the exhibition highlights the complexity and richness of Mediterranean Arab art, dispelling any simplistic or monolithic views of its development. The diversity of artistic expressions on display underscores the depth of the region’s creative history and its significant role in the broader context of global art.
How does the geographical diversity of the featured artists enrich the narrative of the exhibition?
Since the exhibition focuses on the Mediterranean region as a whole, it was essential to incorporate a multitude of voices. These provide an authentic and comprehensive representation of the vision of the curator, Dr Khalid Khreis, as well as showcasing the wide range of cultural perspectives, experiences and histories. Such diversity fosters a more holistic exploration of the region’s artistic heritage, illustrating how artists from different backgrounds have contributed to a shared Mediterranean culture, while still reflecting their distinct local contexts. The result is a nuanced presentation that honours the interconnectedness of Mediterranean art while celebrating the individuality of each artist’s expression.
