Introduction to Global Art: Middle East and North Africa

This intensive three day course looks at the artistic traditions, institutions, networks and ideas that have framed a generation of artists and redefined the international art world. While addressing local histories of the region, we look at ideas of faith, displacement and myth through the work of key artist figures such as Etel Adnan, Mona Hatoum and Wael Shawky among others. We discuss the aesthetics of conflict and the contested space of art in politics, learn about patronage and cultural infrastructure including institutions, collections and biennales and in turn public perception, art markets and beyond. Chaired by Omar Kholeif, Curator, Whitechapel Gallery, he will be joined by expert guest speakers including Daniella Rose King (writer, curator),Maryam Eisler (philanthropist), Dr Anthony Downey (Director, Contemporary Art, Sotheby’s Institute of Art, and Editor in Chief, Ibraaz), Sultan Al Qassemi (scholar, columnist, commentator) Aaron Cezar (Director, Delfina Foundation) and Ben Rawlingson-Plant (Partner, Brunswick Arts) among many others, for a rich programme of informative discussion and lively debate to enable a deep understanding of one of the world’s richest and most historic art scenes.

For any queries or for more information on the course, please contact [email protected]