The Development of An Art History in the UAE

The National News The question of the polarity between Emirati traditions and a globalised world drives the book. Calligraphy is also given prominence, and Kazan Makhlouf shows the way that these cultural forms saturate daily life in a way that “visual art” does not.—The National ‘This volume is an essential guide for anyone interested in learning about the UAE’s unique, and very dynamic cultural landscape, whose impact extends far beyond the country’s borders. The book offers a wealth of perspectives from key practitioners in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah, and outlines some of the most significant artistic and institutional histories of the UAE.’ — Sultan Sooud Al Qassemi, Founder of Barjeel Art Foundation, Sharjah; Instructor at the American University of Sharjah; and Research Associate at SOAS Middle East Institute, London ‘A thought-provoking text that explores the UAE’s art history from before the birth of the nation to the early 2020s, highlighting its fascinating pioneering potential. Richly documented and illustrated, Sophie Kazan Makhlouf’s insightful work provides the retrospective needed to better understand the ongoing development of a distinct Emirati art practice.’ — Manuel Rabaté, Director, Louvre Abu Dhabi ‘As a designer who constantly crosses culture between the Arab world and the West, this is an important book for people (Emiratis, Arabs and non-Arabs) interested in global art and creativity outside of the accepted Western traditions. A new way of seeing!’ — Rana Salam, Founder & Art Director of Rana Salam Design Studio, Beirut ‘From Sheikh Zayed’s “curated” national branding to Hassan Sharif, the father of conceptual art in the Gulf, and the influential Sharjah Biennale, Sophie Kazan’s The Development of An Art History in the UAE is the first book to chart the formation of Emirati identity through art and visual culture.’ — Malu Halasa, writer, critic and literary editor of The Markaz Review