Princess Alia Al-Senussi and curator Laura Egerton on the rise of Middle Eastern art
As you enter the domed canopy of the Louvre, Abu Dhabi, trickles of sunlight pouring in through the perforated steel, it feels like entering an oasis. The Arabian sun fills the halls with varying patterns of shadow and light, while the steady rhythm of the Gulf provides a fluid boundary to this celebration of culture. Alleyways connect the numerous modern-style galleries under the geometrically patterned dome, reminiscent of a traditional Arab village or medina – though constructed using cutting-edge technology.
The architecture here is as much a piece of art as the exhibits inside. In a poetic way, it represents the contemporary aspirations of the Middle East – to be at the forefront of global cultural destinations.
A recent panel discussion at London’s Cromwell Place titled ‘Taking Stock: Global Contexts for the Middle Eastern Arts Scene’ which accompanied a series of exhibitions by artists and galleries based in the region explored this shift further. We caught up with two of the speakers, Princess Alia Al-Senussi and Laura Egerton, to get more insight into where the art scene of the Middle East is headed, and how it is changing global dynamics.
Read the full conversation here.