Special Features
Word into Art:Artists of the Modern Middle East
Dates: 7 February – 30 April 2008 Venue: Dubai International Financial Centre - The Atrium (between buildings five and six) Timings: Open daily: 12.00-21.00 Tickets: Admission free About the Exhibition An exhibition that celebrates the creativity of Middle Eastern artists by focusing on the way writing has been used in modern art. From traditional Arabic scripts to present day graffiti, artists across the region have found innovative ways of using script. They write verses from the Qur’an, lines of poetry, use texts to highlight their preoccupation with politics, or simply show their delight in the shape of the Arabic letter. It is this rich diversity of approaches that this exhibition seeks to examine.The exhibition includes the work of 90 artists from across the Middle East and North Africa.
Following a very successful run at the British Museum in May 2006, the British Museum and Dubai Holding are pleased to announce that the exhibition Word into Art: Artists of the Modern Middle East is being showcased in Dubai.
Word into Art is a significant and much anticipated exhibition. Other programmes such as Art Dubai, which takes place 18-22 March 2008, will further stimulate interest in art in the Middle East.
Over the last 25 years, the British Museum has built up a collection of contemporary art from the Middle East, in line with its original edict of 1753, "to enable citizens to think about the world they live in." Word into Art: Artists of the Modern Middle East is an exhibition that faces this challenge head on.
Neil MacGregor, Director of the British Museum comments: “This will be the first time that the British Museum has sent an exhibition to the Middle East. Dubai is the perfect choice as it is a thriving centre for contemporary art. It is wonderful that Dubai Holding have given us the opportunity to stage this important exhibition in such an important city." Mohammad Al Gergawi, Executive Chairman of Dubai Holding says: “I’m glad that Dubai Holding has taken this opportunity to partner with the British Museum to host such an excellent exhibition. In the Middle East, Dubai Holding is committed to encouraging innovation in all aspects of our society and developing the talents of the artistic community in the region is a very important part of this goal. This exhibition demonstrates just how impressive these talents are.”
Website: http://www.artdubai.ae
