Nour Malas, a Syrian Canadian artist is now represented by Carbon Malas who has called various places home, seeks solace in the ordinary. With a background in the United Arab Emirates, her artistic practice is shaped by the diverse cities and cultures that have influenced her upbringing.
Maya El Khalil, a distinguished art advisor and curator with a focus on the MENA region, and Marcello Dantas, an award-winning curator known for innovative interdisciplinary practices linking science, history, and technology in engaging exhibition experiences, contribute their expertise to shaping the exhibition. Fostering cultural dialogue, the collaboration between Desert X and the Royal Commission for AlUla highlights site-responsive exhibitions as a dialogue with nature.
Part of a nine-month design development program, these pieces reflect sustainable practices and upcycling initiatives. The podcast features diverse perspectives on contemporary art from Asia, Africa, and beyond, presenting in-depth conversations with influential artists and curators. Delving into the impact of their work on the current moment and its historical significance, each episode is accompanied by a Backstory video exploring the genesis, context, and meaning of an artwork.
The debut episode includes a discussion with Pritzker Prize-winning architect Jacques Herzog. Image courtesy Sharjah Art Foundation. Taking place from December 9, , to January 20, , Bait Al Shamsi Nights offers workshops and excursions with a specific focus on visual arts. The seven-week initiative includes diverse workshops, covering bookbinding, drawing, sound art, creative writing, and riso printing in collaboration with Fikra Studio.
Facilitated in both English and Arabic, these sessions, led by professional artists and practitioners, are free of charge, with materials provided. Hosted at Dubai Expo City, United Arab Emirates, the event provided QM with a platform to spotlight its commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainability.
