Sharjah Museums Authority announces its first collaboration with the Jordan National Gallery of Fine Arts for the upcoming exhibition, “Roots and Modernity: Contemporary Mediterranean Arab Art.”

The exhibition hosted at the Sharjah Art Museum, will run from September 18th to November 24th, 2024.

“Roots and Modernity” will offer visitors an unparalleled opportunity to explore the vibrant world of contemporary art from the Mediterranean Arab region.

The exhibition promises a rich tapestry of artistic expressions, featuring over 80 artworks that encompass painting, sculpture, and mixed media.

This diverse collection highlights the distinctive blend of traditional influences and modern techniques that define the region’s art.

The exhibition will showcase masterpieces from the permanent collections of Jordan National Gallery of Fine Arts, including 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.

“We are delighted to present this landmark exhibition, which underscores our commitment to fostering cultural exchange and showcasing the rich artistic heritage of the Mediterranean Arab world,” said Aisha Rashid Deemas, Director General of Sharjah Museums Authority.

“Through this collaboration with the Jordan National Gallery of Fine Arts, we aim to offer our visitors a deeper understanding of the region’s contemporary art and its roots in tradition”she stated.

Dr. Khalid Khreis, Director General of the Jordan National Gallery of Fine Arts, stated that “Roots and Modernity” is an exhibition from the permanent collection of the Jordan National Gallery of Fine Arts, featuring artworks by the most prominent figures in contemporary Arab art from the Mediterranean region, including the Levant, Egypt, and North Africa. The exhibition reflects diversity and unity, as well as the search for artistic and contemporary identity.

In addition to the exhibition, Sharjah Museums Authority has planned a dynamic lineup of accompanying museum programs to engage audiences of all ages and to develop their artistic skills.

Among the programs is Clay Art, which teaches students, individuals with disabilities, and other participants how to use the properties of clay and stone to express their thoughts and feelings by creating unique artworks.

The Etching Art program, targeting the same groups, allows participants to explore the endless possibilities of etching art with hands-on guidance and direction from a specialized team.

Additionally, the Blending Watercolor and Ink program offers students across varied academic levels and individuals with disabilities, a unique experience in learning how to blend and layer watercolors and ink to create stunning effects using different techniques on Yupo paper.

Held at the Sharjah Art Museum, all these programs are providing an educational and creative environment where visitors can engage with contemporary Arab art in new and innovative ways.

For more details about the exhibition and its accompanying events, visit the Sharjah Museums Authority website at www.sharjahmuseums.ae.

You can also explore the exhibition’s profile on the Jordan National Gallery of Fine Arts website at https://nationalgallery.org/.