Iraqi artist Adel Abidin discusses his Ithra Art Prize-winning work 

Adel Abidin’s Ithra Art Prize-winning work ‘On.’ (Photo by Yasir Alqunais)
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Updated 28 September 2023
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Iraqi artist Adel Abidin discusses his Ithra Art Prize-winning work 

  • The artist’s ‘On’ represents an ancient slave rebellion in his homeland  

DUBAI: The Helsinki-based Iraqi artist Adel Abidin’s work “On” (‘Aan’ in Arabic) was unveiled at the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra) this month. His proposal for the work won Abidin the Ithra Art Prize earlier this year. 

The large-scale mural, imbued with abstract inked figures on Japanese rice paper, takes center stage inside Ithra’s Great Hall. It explores the intricate relationship between history, memory and identity while also touching on the intangible and crucial aspects of oral storytelling, particularly, as Abidin emphasizes, in the context of Arab history, much of which is shrouded in ambiguity and differing interpretations. 

Abidin’s design was selected from more than 10,000 submissions by a jury comprising gallerists, academics, curators and artists. His prize was $100,000, in addition to the full funding required to bring his project to fruition. It is now part of Ithra’s permanent art collection.  

Abidin’s work confronts the subjectivity of historical discourses by reexamining oral accounts of the Zanj rebellion against the Abbassid Caliphate, which began in 869 CE in southern Iraq. He has, he says, tried to incorporate greater nuance with the inclusion of previously overlooked perspectives. The repeated stamping of the word “Aan” in Arabic script reflects the word-of-mouth stories that have been lost from historical records, while overlapping visual representations of varied, even contradictory, versions of the tale of the rebellion, result in an abstract work that allows the viewer to interpret it for themselves. 

“The piece examines the intangibility of history through the tradition of oral storytelling and the narration of history. Recently, I have been very interested in studying history, especially its intangible and vulnerable aspects,” Abidin tells Arab News. “But I couldn’t just study history in general; I needed a case to focus on. And I found this very interesting revolt that took place in southern Iraq, with the aim of emancipating slaves. I found this matter to be worth digging deeper into.” 

In 869, slaves (referred to as “Zanj” in numerous sources) — mostly of African origin and enslaved in Basra — rose up against their masters and against the Abbasid caliphate in protest against the harsh conditions in which they lived. 

“When I won the award and began really researching this story, I realized how everyone told a different story about his or her origins,” says Abidin. “It’s almost as if no one really knew where she or he was from. It is fascinating and it makes for great material.” 

Abidin found that the oral reports of the rebellion had been modified. Such ambiguity in the storytelling served as his impetus for naming his artwork “On.” 

“This process creates a vivid representation of the 14-year rebellion against the Abbasid Caliphate and offers a fresh perspective on this significant event in Arab history,” he stated. “The resulting wall installation highlights the ultimate fragility of history and the organic, but unreliable, nature of memory.” 

Abidin, who moved to Finland from Iraq in 2001, has, for much of his career, created works that combine politics, art, memory and identity. He has used various mediums to present his bold and thought-provoking visions, including video, installation, sculpture and painting.  

His Ithra Art Prize-winning work is more delicate in nature — and less ‘edgy’ than the artist’s previous works. But, as Abidin points out, it is equally audacious in its own way.  

“When I began the work, I was out of my comfort zone; I had never worked this way before,” he explains. “I have never used this technique before; I’ve never worked with ink or rice paper in this manner in my entire life."  

Abidin hired a specialist in the use of Japanese rice paper and traditional gluing techniques to teach him. “I learned and now I want to continue,” he says.  

“I wanted to give the piece every sound and sight — the entire story — but I didn’t want to be a historian,” he continues. “The best way to do that was to stamp it with the word ‘on.’ By stamping that word, I am interpreting what happened with my own emotions.” 

Viewing the work, one can see that Abidin pressed down harder with the stamp in some places, so there are a variety of shades within the iterations of “on.”   

“Technically, I was very keen to create a work that gives the feeling of a tapestry of history,” he says.  

He has succeeded. The ethereal yet grand nature of “On” gives it a sense of historical importance — although it is still very much of the present too, with its abstract lines and forms shifting in and out of each other like they are dancing, or fighting, or rebelling, in an echo of the actual uprising that happened so long ago and is now brought back to life through Abidin’s work. 


Hia Hub: Day 2 sees industry leaders discuss evolution of skin care, market opportunities

Updated 31 October 2024
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Hia Hub: Day 2 sees industry leaders discuss evolution of skin care, market opportunities

  • Patrick Chalhoub: Many consumers, particularly men, are not fully engaged in skin care routines
  • Session underscored a collective commitment to enhancing skin care knowledge and practices in the Middle East

RIYADH: Hia Hub, Saudi Arabia’s fashion, beauty and lifestyle conference, is set to run until Nov. 3 and Thursday’s lineup of talks featured a session called “The Current Landscape of Beauty and the Evolution of Skin Care” that saw panelists discuss the desire to grow the skin care segment of the regional beauty industry.

Moderated by Lynn Al-Khatib, vice president of communications at luxury goods retailer and distributor Chalhoub Group, the session featured the likes of Patrick Chalhoub, group president of the Chalhoub Group; Franck Marilly, chairman of Shiseido EMEA; Hasmik Panossian, regional general manager of Sephora Middle East; Laurent Duffier, managing director of L’Oreal Middle East; and Henk van der Mark, vice president of retail, commercial and business development at Estee Lauder Companies EMEA.

Patrick Chalhoub spoke of the responsibility that comes with being a market leader, saying: “As a market leader in the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) and Saudi Arabia, we carry a significant responsibility to grow the beauty market.”

Notably, while fragrances dominate the market, skin care usage lags behind at only 10 percent, compared to 35 percent globally and 50 percent in Asia.

This, according to the panelists, indicates a substantial opportunity for growth.

Chalhoub highlighted the potential growth area, saying: “Many consumers, particularly men, are not fully engaged in skin care routines, often using just one or two products daily.”

Marilly added to the discussion, reflecting on the cultural differences in skin care practices.

He said: “In Asia, skin care accounts for 50 percent of a $35 billion market. While the Middle East represents a smaller segment, we have ambitious goals.”

Marilly also underscored the importance of education, saying that “utilizing advanced technologies like skin analysis and DNA testing can greatly enhance consumer knowledge.”

The importance of technology was mirrored in the contribution of Duffier, who said that L’Oreal “harnesses scientific formulas and cutting-edge technology to deliver exceptional results,” while referencing tools that analyze skin to suggest appropriate treatments.

He added: “The rising interest in cosmetic procedures among younger demographics indicates a strong demand for effective solutions.”

The importance of education and raising awareness about the power of skin care came up again and again.

Van der Mark said: “In Europe and Asia skin care is deeply embedded in cultural practices. In contrast, the Middle East shows a gap in skin care education and usage.”

He pointed out that with 60 percent of the population under 30 in the Middle East, North Africa and Pakistan, according to the International Monetary Fund, there was a significant potential to engage younger consumers who prioritized health and wellness.

Panossian spoke of the importance of understanding customer needs, adding: “With over 3,000 Sephora stores globally, we gather valuable feedback on products and ingredients … consumers are increasingly focused on ingredients, so we prioritize transparency and authenticity in our communications.”

The session underscored a collective commitment to enhancing skin care knowledge and practices in the Middle East, with industry leaders agreeing on the need for collaboration, education, and innovation to drive growth in the market.

As the beauty landscape continues to evolve, these efforts will be essential in shaping a more informed and engaged consumer base.


AlUla, Ferrandi Paris team up to open culinary training college

Updated 31 October 2024
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AlUla, Ferrandi Paris team up to open culinary training college

  • Ferrandi Paris AlUla Campus will open later this year, with an inaugural intake of 100 students

ALULA: The Royal Commission for AlUla has partnered with Ferrandi Paris to establish a culinary arts, tourism and hospitality training college in the city.

Announced on Thursday at the Future Investment Initiative in Riyadh, the Ferrandi Paris AlUla Campus will open later this year, with an inaugural intake of 100 students.

It will offer three-year diploma programs in culinary arts, hospitality and tourism, taught by professionals from the Saudi Arabia-based Colleges of Excellence and following the Ferrandi Paris curriculum.

Open to high school graduates from AlUla and across the Kingdom, the program aims to equip students with vital skills to support the city’s growth as a global tourism and investment destination.

The partnership is in line with both the RCU’s broader goals of upskilling the AlUla community in sectors such as culture, heritage and tourism and Saudi Vision 2030, the commission said.

Ferrandi Paris is a prestigious culinary institution with more than a century of expertise in hospitality training. It said it would bring its hallmark high standards to the new college, enhancing AlUla’s educational and vocational offerings and fostering stronger Saudi-French cooperation.


Four Abu Dhabi restaurants retain Michelin stars in 2025 guide

The ceremony was held at the Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental. (Arab News)
Updated 31 October 2024
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Four Abu Dhabi restaurants retain Michelin stars in 2025 guide

ABU DHABI : Four restaurants in Abu Dhabi on Thursday retained their previously awarded Michelin star in the guide’s third edition for the Emirati city.

The third edition of the ceremony celebrated the city’s vibrant culinary scene.

The ceremony, which was held at the Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental, did not see any new stars awarded to the city’s restaurants.  

Instead, 99 Sushi Bar, Talea by Antonio Guida, Erth and Hakkasan all retained their Michelin stars.

Michelin star award criteria ranks the quality of ingredients, harmony of flavor, consistency over time and across the menu as well as the chef's personality in cooking.

Meanwhile, the new restaurants added to the Michelin Abu Dhabi guide were Bord’O by Nicolas Isnard, Broadway, Em Sherif Sea Caf, Mika and Ryba. These eateries are highlighted by Michelin, but not awarded stars.

The Michelin Guide Service Award was given to Mika, a restaurant in Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island that blends Middle Eastern influences with a Mediterranean touch.

Bib Gourmand distinctions are awarded to restaurants that serve excellent food with moderate prices. The newly selected restaurants in this edition were Mika and Ryba.

Beirut Sur Mer, Almayass, Otoro, Tazal and Al-Mrzab retained their Bib Gourmand status.

 The Opening of The Year Award was given to Ryba, a seafood restaurant located in Mina, Abu Dhabi. Chef Faisal Mohamed Al-Harmoodi said his goal was to share Emirati food with the world as he accepted the accolade on stage.

The Michelin Young Chef Award was given to Yasmina Hayek from Em Sherif Sea Cafe, a fine dining Mediterranean and Lebanese restaurant in Al Maryah Island.

“Abu Dhabi offers a diverse dining scene that caters both to luxury travelers and food enthusiasts,” said Michelin’s Vice President of the Middle East and North Africa Harkesh Jaggi.


Bruna Biancardi explores Saudi Arabia ahead of Hia Hub appearance

Updated 31 October 2024
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Bruna Biancardi explores Saudi Arabia ahead of Hia Hub appearance

DUBAI: Brazilian influencer and model Bruna Biancardi arrived in Riyadh to attend the fourth edition of Hia Hub, Saudi Arabia’s conference on fashion, beauty, and lifestyle.

The model, who is soccer superstar Neymar's partner, shared an Instagram story to remind fans of her special appearance at the event on Nov. 3.

She also gave fans a sneak peek of her time in Riyadh, sharing an Instagram Story post from her dinner at Japanese eatery Myazu with her 11.7 million Instagram followers.

The model and footballer also seemed to spent time on Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea coastline, with Biancardi sharing images from a resort in the area.

Hia Hub, Saudi Arabia’s fashion, beauty and lifestyle conference, returned for its fourth edition in Riyadh’s JAX District and will run until Nov. 3.


Review: Apple TV’s ‘Before’ is a showcase for Billy Crystal

Jacobi Jupe and Billy Crystal in 'Before' - Apple TV+
Updated 31 October 2024
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Review: Apple TV’s ‘Before’ is a showcase for Billy Crystal

  • Creepy drama gives the famed comic a chance to show his serious side

LONDON: There are many unsettling things about Apple’s new psychological drama “Before”, but first among them is the sight of star Billy Crystal playing it absolutely straight — and not, as you might suspect, in a way that would enable the iconic funnyman to play it so seriously that it’s almost funny.

Here, Crystal is child psychologist Eli Adler, a gifted doctor struggling to come to terms with the recent suicide of his wife, Lynn. Not many laughs there, you’ll agree. While Eli is dealing with visions of Lynn, and recurring nightmares of hurling himself into an empty swimming pool, he finds a troubled young boy who won’t speak, scratching his hands bloody attempting to break into Eli’s house.

Eli’s colleague Gail (Sakina Jaffrey) has been trying to convince him to take on a new case — one of a troubled young boy who won’t speak and is plagued by horrifying visions. Before you can say “contrived coincidence,” we learn the two boys are, in fact, one and the same. What are the chances?

As Eli begins to investigate what led Noah (Jacobi Jupe) to stop speaking and start drawing creepy pictures of an abandoned barn — the same barn Eli finds in a picture among his wife’s things — the as-yet-unrevealed link between the two begins to solidify. With two episodes broadcast (of the 10 scheduled), the story behind whatever brought Eli and Noah together looks set to be eked out across the limited series, but writer/creator Sarah Thorp doesn’t hold out on audiences too much. So while there’s still a lot of hinting at seemingly unconnected elements — Noah’s visions of water leaking into his reality, his unnerving tendency to lapse into 17th-century Dutch, the often-sinister nature of Eli’s visions of Lynn — there’s enough dangled threads weaving together all of the above that viewers can feel like figuring out the mystery is achievable.

And, wonderfully, the cherry on the top is Crystal, demonstrating a gift for drama that few of his numerous roles ever hinted at. Eli is believably grief-stricken, world-weary and simply exhausted at the strangeness of what’s going on around him. Whatever the mystery at the heart of “Before” ends up being, the real gem here is the discovery of how effective a serious Billy Crystal can be.