Book Launch: The Rise of Arab Art: Volume 1
Thursday 21 August 2025 at 12 PM
Join us Thursday, 21st August at 12 PM at Sursock Museum for the launch of The Rise of Arab Art: Volume 1, a 600-page publication edited by renowned gallerist and art historian Andrée Sfeir-Semler.
The book brings together 46 contributions from artists, curators, scholars, and cultural practitioners, offering an unprecedented overview of the foundations, structures, and evolution of contemporary art scenes in the Arab world. The launch will be followed by a panel discussion moderated by Antonia Carver, Director at Art Jameel with:
- Andrée Sfeir-Semler; editor of the volume and respected gallerist, who will share her insights on the publication and her personal experience.
- Sultan Sooud Al Qassemi; educator, art collector, and founder of the Barjeel Art Foundation, who will offer valuable perspectives as a leading figure in the Arab art world.
After the discussion, guests are invited to enjoy a saj lunch catered by Al Fundok on the esplanade.
The event is free of charge. To reserve your spot, please send us an email at [email protected]
About the Publication
Edited by Andrée Sfeir-Semler, The Rise of Arab Art: Volume 1 is a reader that brings together 46 contributions by artists, curators, art historians, scholars, critics, and cultural practitioners, in a 600-page volume that offers a comprehensive overview for readers interested in the foundations, structures, and evolution of contemporary art scenes in the region.
Since the 1990s, contemporary art in the Arab world has experienced exponential growth and numerous changes. With the appearance of artists from the region in international exhibitions, the dynamics within the art scenes changed significantly. Museums & art foundations began to collect, biennials were launched, contemporary art galleries, fairs, residencies and schools emerged in many countries, and the governments of the Gulf states launched megaprojects. Combining firsthand accounts with scholarly essays that historicize these moments, the anthology traces the development of artistic practices and institutions across key cities such as Abu Dhabi, Amman, Beirut, Cairo, Doha, or Dubai, while also offering broad chronicles on the scenes in Algeria, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia, and beyond.