Celebrating Arab Figures: Sharjah Art Museum’s “Minor Marks” Exhibition by Alia Al-Mulla

• Alia Al-Mulla: “Minor Marks” celebrated a number of Arab figures

In the heart of the Capital of Culture, the Sharjah Art Museum stands as a testament to the emirate’s firm commitment to patronizing the arts. The role of this edifice, which opened in 1997, was not only limited to raising the level of appreciation for art among members of society, but also contributed significantly to the development of a society that recognizes the importance of museums not only Not only as cultural destinations, but as fun and attractive educational spaces that enrich society.

The opening of the museum came as an embodiment of the vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, which aims to make art available to everyone, given its ability to unite societies, push them to creativity, and stimulate intellectual and emotional growth. It presented the rich cultural heritage and expressions Contemporary art is at the heart of the museum’s mission, highlighting the dynamic interaction between tradition and innovation in the region’s art scene.

Alia Al Mulla, Curator of the Sharjah Art Museum, said: “The museum, which is the first art museum dedicated to the arts in the Gulf region, had a very important role in shaping the art and culture scene on a large scale, and this is evidenced by its hosting of more than 100 exhibitions by creators from various schools of art, starting with… From classical Islamic art, all the way to modernist works, ensuring that every visitor will find what he likes, in addition to his efforts to promote the works of the region’s artists on the global stage.”

Alia Al-Mulla continued: “As a milestone in its history, the museum launched a series of “milestones” exhibitions that, since its launch in 2010, have celebrated a number of Arab cultural figures, including but not limited to Abdul Qader Al-Rayes, Najat Makki, and Samia Halabi.”

She explained, “The exhibition highlights the contributions of pioneers of Arab art, many of whom would not have had the opportunity to display their works in a museum of this size. Therefore, it is important for us to present their lives and legacy with the highest standards of credibility while simultaneously making them available to all segments of the public and helping them understand and appreciate different forms of art.”

Alia Al-Mulla points out that the museum is proud of its extensive collection that includes works by some of the most famous artists from the Middle East and the Arab region. She says: “Every artistic work goes beyond the aesthetic values ​​it carries, as it tells a story that reflects the artist’s background, past experiences, and social positions regarding the complex history of the region, and Among its most distinguished collections stands out the permanent exhibition dedicated to the works of pioneering Arab artists, including Louay Kayali, along with other greats such as Salwa Raouda Choucair, Faik Hassan, and Ismail Fattah.

Since its establishment, the Sharjah Art Museum has played an active role in bridging the gap between the art world and the public through its educational programmes, workshops and interactive tours, which freed art from its stereotypical image as a static subject and transformed it into an experience that is easy to engage and interact with. During the year 2023, it presented more than 138 A workshop targeted more than 2,661 participants, and more than 117 workshops for more than 876 participants in 2022, while the number of workshops in 2021 exceeded 12 workshops targeting more than 518 participants, all of which were supervised by artists who communicated with connoisseurs of their work, in experiments. Farida contributed to simplifying and bringing the world of art closer to many and linking it to various aspects of life.

It was the result of the museum’s tireless efforts to make it a platform for artists, both professionals and amateurs, to display their work and communicate with a wider audience, through hosting annual events such as the Sharjah Biennial and various exhibitions throughout the year and through cooperation with cultural institutions locally, Gulf, Arab and international, to enhance the communication of cultures and cultural and knowledge exchange. To enhance the museum’s position as a beacon of cultural enlightenment.

As it continues to flourish, the Sharjah Art Museum remains a major destination for everyone who is eager to explore the vibrant world of art in the region, as the museum’s efforts go beyond organizing events, to carefully designing programs to suit all ages and abilities of all members of society, including the elderly, in addition to its keenness to be Its facilities are suitable for all segments of society and are suitable for people with various disabilities, which enhances its reputation as a welcoming space available to all.

The museum is considered a center for spreading hope and strengthening social ties through the use of art and culture to serve the community and promote mental and physical health in cooperation with experts, as art has a significant impact on mental and physical health.