Artist Judy Chicago's presentation at Sharjah Biennial 16 explores the theme of art as a means to convene communities and shed light on hidden realities in today's world. Her work "In Mourning and In Rage" (1977) critiques media sensationalism and public services' handling of violence against women, while also highlighting themes of civic participation and resistance. Chicago's subsequent project, "The Crystal Quilt" (1985-1987), involved 430 women over 60 in Minnesota seated on a quilt-like rug, underscoring her focus on intimate and mass communications as channels for collective expression and solidarity.
https://www.gulftoday.ae/culture/2024/12/22/us-artist-catalyst-suzzane-lacy-on-board-for-sharjah-biennial-16The Bengal Biennale is an art exhibition that showcases a diverse range of artistic practices in Bengal, India. The event features a collective frame with various singular projects unfolding within it, allowing visitors to engage with the region's cultural practice through entangled narratives and tensions between past and present. Curator Tarini Malik praised the biennial for its poignant theme, which highlights the interconnected nature of Indian art ecology by including both historical and contemporary artists such as Jamini Roy and Rabindranath Tagore alongside artists like Sudhir Patwardhan and Dayanita Singh. The event has also drawn in new audiences from the region and beyond, with venues like Arthashila hosting exhibitions on notable figures such as Arundhati Devi.
https://www.theartnewspaper.com/2024/12/21/bengal-biennale-debuts-sprawling-inaugural-editionThe Baltimore Museum of Art is currently hosting an exhibition called Preoccupied, which features contemporary Native American and First Nations art from leading practitioners such as Dana Claxton, Dyani White Hawk, Laura Ortman, Nicholas Galanin, and others. The exhibition includes a solo presentation by each artist, with works displayed in various galleries throughout the museum, including a video program that is particularly notable for its immersive quality.
https://hyperallergic.com/974112/top-50-exhibitions-around-the-world-2024/A Pilbara scarf was presented to Gisèle Pelicot as a gesture of solidarity. The presentation is related to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-12-20/gisele-pelicot-rape-drugging-trial-dominique-pelicot/104692012The Ramallah Art Fair (RAF) is hosting its annual event, featuring a diverse collection of artworks by Palestinian artists. The fair has three distinct sections: Photography, Contemporary art, and Rare artworks. Notable artists participating in the Contemporary section include Alaa Albaba, Bashar Khalaf, and Karim Abu Shakra, while the Rare artworks section showcases iconic Palestinian artists such as Fathi Ghaben and Ismail Shammout.
https://www.gulftoday.ae/culture/2024/12/19/face-of-art-in-place-of-war-ramallah-art-fair-flashes-palestinian-resilienceSheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice-President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has recognized the contributions of artist Dia Al Azzawi to contemporary Arab art on X. Al Azzawi's work combines visual art, Arabic calligraphy, and sculpture to highlight pressing issues in the Arab world, making it a global message. His innovative approach blends text and imagery, integrating Arabic letters and poetry into modern artistic expressions.
https://www.khaleejtimes.com/uae/inspired-generations-dubai-ruler-recognises-artist-who-uses-art-to-highlight-arab-issuesCamille Claudel, a French sculptor, faced significant challenges in her career due to societal attitudes towards women artists and mental health issues. Despite these obstacles, she continued to create art that was highly regarded by critics and collectors. Her work is now considered an important part of the history of modern sculpture.
https://www.theartnewspaper.com/2024/12/18/camille-claudel-sculpture-discovered-in-abandoned-paris-apartmentLibyan multidisciplinary artist Malak Elghuel reflects on the work of Reem R., who presents a world suspended between reality and illusion in her art pieces. In these works, fragments are transformed into artifacts that reflect her desire to preserve what might otherwise be lost. The use of illusion is not just playful but a deliberate effort to peel back the constructed facades of reality. R.'s work has been exhibited at various locations including LA, Paris, Qatar, and Dubai, and she has received commissions from several organizations in Qatar. Her art often incorporates recurring themes such as oranges, which symbolize nostalgia and a home held close to one's heart.
https://www.gulftoday.ae/culture/2024/12/16/palestinian-artist-reem-rs-lilies-droop-with-loss-bloom-with-resistanceA panel discussion was held in Pakistan featuring notable artists and intellectuals, including Professor Salima Hashmi, Quddus Mirza, Nazish Ata, and others. The event was moderated by Rabeya Jalil and focused on the work of artist Resham Syed, who explores themes such as social, political, economic, and cultural issues through her art.
https://www.brecorder.com/news/40337736/artist-talk-organised