Film Review: “Memory Box” on Lebanon Merges Art & Cinema
Arie Akkersmans-Amaya reviews the latest film by Lebanese artist duo Joana Hadjithomas and Khalil Joreige, whom he interviews.
Art & Photography
Algerian Art on the 60th Anniversary of Algeria’s Independence
Melissa Chemam reviews two major exhibitions devoted to Algerian artists and the rebel leader Abd el-Kader, at Paris and Marseille museums.
Zineb Sedira Triumphs for France/Algeria at 59th Venice Biennale
Melissa Chemam interviews the London-based Franco-Algerian artist whose pavilion won Special Jury Mention in Venice.
Ghosts of Beirut: a Review of “displaced”
Karén Jallatyan reviews the book of Beirut's Armenian community with photography by Ara Oshagan and an essay by Krikor Beledian.
No Sex Please, We’re Syrian: on Syrian Sexual Humor During War
A frank look at the changing social attitudes toward sexuality in war-torn Syria.
On “True Love Leaves No Traces”
From Leonard Cohen to Apollo and Daphne to French philosopher Jean-Lun Nancy, Arie Akkermans-Amaya looks at the influences of an Istanbul exhibition.
Mapping an Escape from Cairo’s Hyperreality through informal Instagram archives
Even as the despotic rulers of post-revolution Egypt attempt to remake greater Cairo, hoping to gloss over the regime's dismal human rights record, one writer sees through the smoke and mirrors.
Children in Search of Refuge: a Photographic Essay
Photographer, documentarian and journalist Iason Athanasiadis shares images from more than 10 years of reporting from Afghanistan to Greece and back.
Refugees of Afghanistan in Iran: a Photo Essay by Peyman Hooshmandzadeh
In Iran, Afghan refugees have been a part our everyday lives for over four decades now.
Hayy Jameel — Jeddah’s Sparkling New Center for the Arts
Jeddah, Saudi Arabia is home to a major new arts and cultural center, opening to the public on December 6, 2021.
Traveling in Contentious Spaces — Saudi Arabia
When friends in Abu Dhabi asked Deborah Williams how she could support MBS by going to “his” festival, she didn’t have an answer, only another question: how do we draw the lines around where we will or won’t go?
Displaced: From Beirut to Los Angeles to Beirut
Ara Oshagan I am walking along the narrow and labyrinthine Armenian neighborhoods of Bourj Hammoud in Beirut—spaces with names like Nor (new) Marash, Nor Sis, Nor Yozgat. These are the… Continue reading Displaced: From Beirut to Los Angeles to Beirut
Hasteem, We Are Here: The Collective for Black Iranians
Twelve Gates Arts and the Collective for Black Iranians are hosting “Hasteem: We Are Here” from September 3-24, 2021. Maryam Sophia Jahanbin Content warning: enslavement, land and labor acknowledgement.… Continue reading Hasteem, We Are Here: The Collective for Black Iranians
For Somalia’s Sagal Ali and Her Country’s Future, Art Triumphs Over War
Art historian Sophie Kazan speaks to Sagal Ali about the importance of art-making for the future of Somalia and her founding of the Somali Arts Foundation. Sophie Kazan… Continue reading For Somalia’s Sagal Ali and Her Country’s Future, Art Triumphs Over War
Gaza’s Shababek Gallery for Contemporary Art
Yara Chaalan looks into the Shababek Gallery for Contemporary Art in Gaza and profiles a few younger, emerging artists.