Media Majlis Museum (mm:museum) at Northwestern University in Qatar has inaugurated its eighth mixed-media exhibition, The limits of my language are the limits of my world, exploring the Arabic language, its imprints from the past, its multifaceted present and precarious future. Curated by cultural producer and Northwestern Qatar alumna Amal Zeyad Ali, it will run until December 5, 2024.
In line with the museum’s mission, the new exhibition combines art, media, and technology to examine the present representations, historical impacts, and future of the Arabic language. Throughout history, Arabic has shaped tastes, perceptions, and narratives worldwide across culture, politics, social relations, trade and science. Nowadays, however, Arabic faces challenges of misrepresentation, especially in a digital and globalised world where English increasingly prevails. This exhibition invites visitors to explore the rich history and influence of the Arabic language and to reflect on its place in the future.
“The inauguration of the new exhibition on Arabic language is a powerful testament to our commitment to excellence, collaboration, and intellectual exploration,” said Marwan M. Kraidy, dean and CEO of Northwestern Qatar. “By delving into the complexities and evolving influence of Arabic, this exhibition not only celebrates the richness of our cultural heritage but also sparks meaningful dialogue on its future. It aligns seamlessly with our academic mission, providing a platform for critical discussions that resonate deeply within our community and beyond.”
The exhibition revolves around four key themes that offer an immersive journey and thoughtful reflection. The first theme, “Always another side?,” introduces the Arabic language and its complexities, challenging the often negative stereotypes associated with it by highlighting its beauty, diversity, and cultural richness. It allows for a re-framing of the language and showcases that there is always another side.
The second theme, “An influential and powerful language?,” explores Arabic’s influence as a powerful language that has shaped politics, religion, science and culture worldwide, illustrating its impact through linguistic borrowing and cultural exchange. It demonstrates that this process is not always seamless.
The third theme, “Does media representation matter?,” examines the portrayal of Arabic in contemporary media, questioning how the language is represented and its prominence in a rapidly globalising, tech-driven world. It asses the availability of and access to Arabic content and media, as well as its quality and quantity.
The final theme, “Is Arabic a language of the future?,” discusses the future of Arabic, questioning whether current efforts to preserve, protect, and conserve the language are effective and how they can be improved or rethought.
“The limits of my language are the limits of my world is more than just an exhibition; it is a bold statement on the critical importance of the Arabic language in our global narrative. This exhibition challenges us to
confront the forces that threaten to diminish the richness of Arabic and instead celebrate its enduring influence on culture, politics, and thought,” said Alfredo Cramerotti, director of mm:museum.
He added, “We are committed to pushing the boundaries of conventional discourse, and this exhibition exemplifies our dedication to fostering a deeper understanding of the media’s role in shaping the future of one of the world’s most vital languages.”
Curator Amal Zeyad Ali said, “The Arabic language is a living testament to our rich cultural heritage, yet it faces unprecedented challenges in today’s globalised, digital landscape. With this exhibition, I aim to spark meaningful dialogue about these challenges and inspire a renewed appreciation for the beauty, diversity, and resilience of Arabic. I hope that visitors leave with a deeper understanding of the language’s pivotal role in our past, present, and future, and feel empowered to contribute to its preservation and
evolution.”
The exhibition features a range of commissioned artworks and interactive content that explore the richness and evolution of the Arabic language and culture. Notable works include
● “Breaths of a Dialog” by Qatar-based Jordanian artist Hala Amer, which traces the linguistic
journey of the Arabic word for “orange” to demonstrate exchanges between East and West
● “Letter by Letter” by Bahraini artist Latifa Al Ali, which offers an innovative tool for learning and interacting with the Arabic script
● “Clear Truth” by Jordan-based Syrian artist Hussein Alazaat, which abstracts traditional Arabic calligraphy to question transparency in the digital age
● “Lines” by Bahraini artist Zainab Alsabba, which reflects personal suffering and self-expression in the Arabic language through text-based installation
● “Skateboard series” by Saudi artist Yusef Alahmad, which blends counterculture with Islamic design
● “No Limits,” “Right to Left,” “Round Puff,” “Learn,” “Build,” and “Lentils” by Saudi-based British artist Simon Mortimer, which use metaphors like a falcon and Arabic proverbs to explore language, multiculturalism, and education from the perspective of a non-speaker
● “The Language of Time” by Tunisian artist Karim Jabbari, which celebrates ancient Arabic poetry and calligraphy through a poetic installation
The exhibition also features a Takween Mural, a life-size modular magnetic block developed in collaboration with Akwan and designer Lujain Abulfaraj. This set allows visitors of all ages to form Arabic letters and words through play, fostering a deeper connection with the language.
In addition to art pieces, the exhibition also features spoken word performances by Egyptian-Australian poet Salwa Sadek and Palestinian poet Dana Dajani, who explore themes of identity in dialogue with voices of prominent content creators such as Salam Katanani and Qasem Elhato from Jordan, exploring why they create content in Arabic and draw audiences.
A selection of digital content, including music videos, comedy skits from American comedians Maz Jobrani and Mo Amer, animations from the Qatar Foundation, documentaries, and talks from TED and TEDx, are
also featured. These were provided by partners Al Jazeera, BBC Arabic, and Al Araby TV, adding a multimedia dimension to the exploration of Arabic language and culture.
A filmed debate titled “Where do you stand?,” moderated by Qatari stand-up comedian and presenter Hamad Al-Amari, features discussions on the role of the Arabic language in modern society, with participants from diverse backgrounds.
Accompanying the exhibition is a special edition of the museum’s publication, Voices and Conversations, titled The beauty, complexity and diversity of Arabic proverbs and sayings, featuring a foreword by Dean Kraidy and an epilogue by curator Amal Zeyad Ali. The publication is an edited volume, edited by Amal
Zeyad Ali and Jack Thomas Taylor, who serves as curator of art, media and technology at the museum.
The museum will also organise a public program in collaboration with afikra (عفكرة(, which is a global community dedicated to cultivating curiosity around the histories and cultures of the Arab World, focusing on the use of Arabic in storytelling in aspects such as artificial intelligence, visual arts, film, publishing and social media. It will take place on October 26, 2024, and feature panel discussions, performances, and activations by local and regional voices. Leading up to the program, afikra will run a podcast series in partnership with the museum on their platform.
As the first museum in Arab world dedicated to media and communication, mm:museum celebrates innovation, promotes open dialogue and fosters intellectual research for the next generation. The Museum offers visitors transformative, interactive experiences that shatter traditional boundaries.
Press Release from Media Majlis Museum
Image: Karim Jabbari. The Language of Time. 2024. Ink on paper. Image courtesy of the artist and Media Majlis Museum
