Kutubna Cultural Center, Dubai’s newest independent bookstore and cultural hub, is soon launching Women in Contemporary Arab Art (Apr. 26 - May 18). Sponsored by International House Real Estate Project Management L.L.C. and Al Bait Al Duwaliy Real Estate, the show offers a powerful perspective on how Arab women have been depicted in modern and contemporary art, through decades.

“The display features revealing stories of strength, beauty, resilience and cultural transformation outlined by renowned regional artists,” says the Center. The works on display are drawn from the private collection of International House Group, collected over a period of 25 years.

The exhibition presents 35 original works from across the Arab world, including paintings on canvas and paper, highlighting both classic and experimental styles from the 20th and early 21st centuries. Masterworks by celebrated artists Louay Kayali (Syria), Salah Taher (Egypt), Adham Wanly (Egypt) and Khaled al-Jader (Iraq), offer striking, emotional portrayals of Arab women in both public and private spheres. In this context, Women in Contemporary Arab Art invites its viewers to reflect on the evolving presence of women in Arab history.

The artworks also showcase how artists have shaped cultural memory and identity through their individual artistic depiction of the female form. Spanning more than a century, the exhibit takes visitors on a visual journey that explores different experiences, challenges and triumphs of women in the Middle East. The official opening reception will be in the form of a vibrant cultural happening, with the evening welcoming key figures from the UAE’s art and cultural scene. There will be live musical entertainment and during the exhibition period, various community engagement activities at Kutubna will also be announced.

Adham Wanly's Spanish Dancer.

Shatha Almutawa, Founder and Director of Kutubna Cultural Center, said: “Although Arab artists have received recognition in their countries and in important museums around the world, their names remain less known than the names of European and American artists, who appear in every book of art history. We take pride in having a role in introducing our community to Arab artists whose work is recognised and respected internationally — artists whose work is breathtaking and whose impact on the art and museum scenes in the Arab world are undeniable. We want to make sure that children and young adults grow up around Arab art, knowing about the Arab masters and their important roles in their societies and in the world of art.”

Depictions of banal daily struggles and the social and physical deprivation of the masses intertwine the artwork of Syrian painter Louay Kayali, manifested during his prolific yet short-lived career (he died at age 44). Highlighting the individual struggles evident on the fringe of larger socio-political realities in the Arab region, Kayali’s artwork provides a window into the lives of the deprived majority. One of his works, Woman Sewing, captures a fleeting moment of a seamstress’ ascetic routine of stitching clothing.

Salah Taher was an Egyptian painter and educator. His philosophical approach in abstraction left an enduring mark on modern Egyptian art. The art and the career of Adham Wanly reflects the society and the history of modern Egypt. Living in the cosmopolitan city of Alexandria under a pro-British monarchy, he could enrich his knowledge and techniques of Western culture and art. He benefitted from this, and created works related to the cultural and art European scene, but also inherent to the local culture in Egypt. Iraqi artist Khaled al-Jader is seen as a precursor to modern abstract art in Iraq. He was an active participant in the Iraqi modern art movement.

Kutubna Cultural Center was established in 2023 as an independent bookstore and literary nucleus for Dubai and the Gulf region. It offers a community space for visitors, guests and members to enjoy books, art, specialty coffee, and cultural events. Kutubna celebrates the accomplishments of Khaleeji, Arab, Middle Eastern, North African and Muslim writers, poets, thinkers, artists, and researchers. It platforms their voices through lectures, readings, guided conversations, workshops and other activities for people of all ages, and strives to make creative and scholarly pursuits accessible to people who are traditionally at the margins. It also works to make cultural events easier to attend for mothers with young children.

Established in 1998, International House Real Estate Project Management L.L.C (IHRPM) is a privately owned, medium-sized family business based in Dubai. Recognised as a real estate innovator, it is a trusted name in the real estate industry across the UAE. IHRPM builds local communities, attracts international investments, offers strategic management of property assets, raises capital and financing, and provides expertise and guidance to local and international investors in the UAE’s quality property market. IHRPM has over two decades of market experience, providing bespoke, diversified investment opportunities to clients.

Al Bait Al Duwaliy is an award-winning property developer in Dubai. It is a part of International House for Real Estate Project Management. The developer is known for Al Noon Residence, Heritage Building and Alef Noon, as well as commercial projects in Nad Al Hamar and 93-94 Avenues. It has won accolades for incorporating art and creative designs, and by delivering world-class projects that add value and enhance the quality of life in freehold areas of the UAE. Al Bait Al Duwaliy is an industry leader, with innovative and luxury real estate projects in its portfolio, designed and delivered on time by top professionals.