Ithra exhibition honors late Lebanese-American artist Etel Adnan

1 / 7
Ithra recently opened “Etel Adnan: Between East and West,” a major exhibition showcasing 41 works of the late Lebanese-American artist. (Ithra/ Ahmed Al-Thani)
2 / 7
Ithra recently opened “Etel Adnan: Between East and West,” a major exhibition showcasing 41 works of the late Lebanese-American artist. (Ithra/ Ahmed Al-Thani)
3 / 7
Ithra recently opened “Etel Adnan: Between East and West,” a major exhibition showcasing 41 works of the late Lebanese-American artist. (Ithra/ Ahmed Al-Thani)
4 / 7
Ithra recently opened “Etel Adnan: Between East and West,” a major exhibition showcasing 41 works of the late Lebanese-American artist. (Ithra/ Ahmed Al-Thani)
5 / 7
Ithra recently opened “Etel Adnan: Between East and West,” a major exhibition showcasing 41 works of the late Lebanese-American artist. (Ithra/ Ahmed Al-Thani)
6 / 7
Ithra recently opened “Etel Adnan: Between East and West,” a major exhibition showcasing 41 works of the late Lebanese-American artist. (Ithra/ Ahmed Al-Thani)
7 / 7
Ithra recently opened “Etel Adnan: Between East and West,” a major exhibition showcasing 41 works of the late Lebanese-American artist. (Ithra/ Ahmed Al-Thani)
Short Url
Updated 04 February 2024
Follow

Ithra exhibition honors late Lebanese-American artist Etel Adnan

  • Featuring 41 works of art, the ‘Between East and West’ show opens to the public on Feb. 2 and runs until June 30

DHAHRAN: King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture, or Ithra, recently opened “Etel Adnan: Between East and West,” a major retrospective exhibition showcasing 41 works of the late Lebanese-American artist, poet and philosopher.

Revered as one of the most renowned contemporary artists from the region — and still considered a major figure in the Arab modernism movement — the space at Ithra’s gallery is the first solo exhibition of Adnan’s work in Saudi Arabia, running until June 30. 




Born in Lebanon in 1925 to a Greek mother and Syrian father, the poet is most famous for her 1977 novel “Sitt Marie Rose,” about the Lebanese civil war. (Supplied)

“‘Etel Adnan: Between East and West’ presents a wonderful opportunity to spotlight Etel Adnan, a key figure in global contemporary art, whose identity and work are deeply rooted in the Arab world and its rich heritage,” said Farah Abushullaih, head of museum at Ithra.

“As a versatile artist, Adnan seamlessly navigated between the realms of written and visual arts, with Arabic scripture acting as a bridge between the two, a motif that Adnan was particularly drawn to.”




Farah Abushullaih, head of museum at Ithra. (Ithra/ Ahmed Al-Thani)

Abushullaih added: “Through this exhibition, Ithra continues its commitment to introduce significant artists to Saudi audiences, shedding light on their impactful artistic contributions, further inspiring and invigorating the Kingdom’s creative landscape.”

With works of art varying sizes and mediums, the 41 works on display span from the beginning of Adnan’s artistic career in the late 1950s through to her final creations in 2021, shortly before her death that year.

Some of the works are on loan from significant international institutions such as the Sharjah Art Foundation, Sfier-Semler Gallery and Sursock Museum. Some are part of private collections.




Ithra recently opened “Etel Adnan: Between East and West,” a major exhibition showcasing 41 works of the late Lebanese-American artist. (Ithra/ Ahmed Al-Thani)

Born in Beirut under French colonial rule in 1925, Adnan grew up speaking — and later publishing works — in French. She grappled with a sense of “placement” as her Greek mother and Turkish father were both “displaced” and she found solace in creating works that “spoke Arabic” in her paintings.

Her poignant quote was adorned on the Ithra wall leading up to the gallery space read: “I didn’t need to write in French anymore, I was going to paint in Arabic.”

Adnan started painting in the early 1960s. She lived in Lebanon, France then in San Francisco in the US. An avid traveler, she was often influenced by her frequent trips to Mexico and North Africa.




Ithra recently opened “Etel Adnan: Between East and West,” a major exhibition showcasing 41 works of the late Lebanese-American artist. (Ithra/ Ahmed Al-Thani)

While settling in California, she became transfixed by Mount Tamalpais, a fixation that she dedicated much of her life to. She also merged poetry with folded paper in the leporello style, which results in artist books that are styled like an accordion.

“These pieces unfold to reveal an intimate dialogue between visual and written languages, as well as a close connection between the artist’s Western and Arab influences. Adnan harnessed this format to present visual interpretations of poems by great contemporary Arab writers, combining both across each fold, inviting the viewer to embark on a literary and visual journey,” Ithra said in a statement.

The exhibition opens with a striking 25 sq m ceramic mural, a screening of “Motion” that is a montage of several Super 8 films made by Adnan in the US in the 1980s.




Ithra recently opened “Etel Adnan: Between East and West,” a major exhibition showcasing 41 works of the late Lebanese-American artist. (Ithra/ Ahmed Al-Thani)

Among the showcased works are Adnan’s iconic hand-woven wool tapestries, which were inspired by the Persian rugs of her childhood. Also included was a wide array of oil and watercolor paintings.

The abstract and elemental works demonstrate Adnan’s masterful handling of color and nuance, as she was able to form bold strokes or delicate details to further blur the lines and to form her own visual language to communicate and express.

From the vibrant exuberance of her early works to the contemplative depths of her later pieces, this exhibition presents the burst of Adnan’s artistic expression.

“A multicultural artist par excellence — bridging Eastern and Western influences — this exhibition contributes to Ithra’s commitment to programming that promotes cross-cultural exchange and understanding,” Ithra said in a statement. “The exhibition’s catalogue, published by Hatje Cantz in both Arabic and English, will feature contributions from Sebastien Delot, alongside art historian, writer and poet Toni Maraini and art historian, publisher and curator Morad Montazami.”

On opening night, the curator of the show, Sebastien Delot, former director of Musee LaM, or Lille Metropole Musee d’art moderne, d’art contemporain et d’art brut, was on hand to offer detailed tours of the works that, after all the years spent advocating for her art to be seen more, still means so much to him.




Curator of the show, Sebastien Delot, was on hand to offer detailed tours of the works. (Ithra/ Ahmed Al-Thani)

“I am honored to have had the opportunity to work closely with Ithra to curate the first retrospective exhibition of Etel Adnan’s work in Saudi Arabia,” Delot said.

“I’m thrilled that such a wide breadth of Adnan’s works will be brought to Saudi audiences, further widening the reach of her oeuvre, particularly within a region that was so significant to Adnan personally and professionally. Her works beautifully resonate with the Saudi landscape, creating cross-cultural connections that embody a modernity that transcends boundaries,” he said.

Tickets to the exhibition are available on ithra.com.


‘Disney movies unite us,’ says Louaye Moulayess as he promotes ‘Moana 2’

Updated 24 November 2024
Follow

‘Disney movies unite us,’ says Louaye Moulayess as he promotes ‘Moana 2’

DUBAI: From a young age, Lebanese animator Louaye Moulayess has loved Disney movies.

Speaking to Arab News about his latest project, “Moana 2,” which is released in cinemas in the Middle East on Nov. 28, Moulayess said diverse voice is what makes Disney storytelling so compelling.

From a young age, Lebanese animator Louaye Moulayess has loved Disney movies. (Supplied)

“We all grew up with different kinds of stories told to us, right? I grew up with specific Lebanese stories. For example, if I turned on the TV in Lebanon as compared to somebody in Lisbon, for example, we’re going to watch different things. Our sensibilities are going to be a bit different. Now we all have something in common, which is Disney movies,” he told Arab News.

At a time when his home country, Lebanon, is defending against Israeli attacks, US-based Moulayess finds comfort in his work and storytelling. “It all comes back to the stories my grandparents and parents told me,” he said, adding that Disney movies have always brought him hope.

“Moana 2,” set in ancient Polynesia, picks up three years after the events of the 2016 original. Moana (voiced by Auli’i Cravalho) receives an unexpected call from her wayfinding ancestors and forms her own crew to travel the vast seas of Oceania, reuniting with her shapeshifting, magical friend, Maui (Dwayne Johnson).

“I loved the first movie. When I started working on ‘Moana 2,’ I felt like I already knew the characters very well. So, I knew Moana and I knew Maui … I knew how they moved, I knew what their personalities were. But, at the same time, they became somebody else three years after.

“So, the challenge was a bit different compared a new movie, where we would have had to figure out the characters and how they moved and how they behave. The challenge here was, I know this character, but this character has changed. How do we make it new and find the specificity of this new personality?” Moulayess said.

When asked what sparked his interest in animation, Moulayess pointed to Disney again. “I think the moment I made my decision was after watching ‘Lion King.’ Like the first sequence of the ‘Circle of Life,’ after that when everything goes black and you see the title of the movie. It really shocked me in the best way. I was like, ‘Who is this Walt Disney?’ I thought it was one person doing this back when I was a kid, because I saw the name Walt Disney. I was like, ‘It must be one person doing this.’ And I decided I’d do this one day. So, this is what triggered everything. And slowly, I just gravitated towards animation,” he said.

Now based in Burbank, California, Moulayess left Lebanon for the US as a young student.

“In Lebanon, when I graduated high school, I looked around for majors that had animation, but back then, there wasn’t anything available. Now there are a couple schools that offer animation majors.

“Back then, I knew I had to leave to make my studies, so I went to San Francisco and joined a school called Academy of Art University in San Francisco,” Moulayess said.

After four years of university, Moulayess landed himself an internship with Pixar Animation Studios. “I was very, very lucky that I did an internship there, where I worked on ‘Cars 2,’” he said.

From there, he moved on to Blue Sky Studios for “seven wonderful years,” working on the “Ice Age” films, “The Peanuts Movie” and “Ferdinand,” before making his way to Disney in 2019, working on “Frozen 2” before taking on “Raya and the Last Dragon.” 


Fans praise co-star as May Calamawy’s role is cut from ‘Gladiator II’

Updated 24 November 2024
Follow

Fans praise co-star as May Calamawy’s role is cut from ‘Gladiator II’

DUBAI: Fans of Egyptian Palestinian “Moon Knight” actress May Calamawy have taken to social media to complain after almost all her scenes were cut from Ridley Scott’s “Gladiator II,” while co-star Pedro Pascal seemed to wade into the online debate this week by sharing behind-the-scenes shots including the actress.

Pascal posted a series of photographs on Instagram taken on the film shoot in Morocco, including several snaps with Calamawy, after she was removed from all promotional material and largely removed from the film.

“Thank you for reminding people May Calamawy was in ‘Gladiator II.’ So sad how she’s been treated in this,” one user commented on his Instagram post.

The 38-year-old star played the dual role of Layla El-Faouly and Scarlet Scarab in Marvel series “Moon Knight” before being cast in the highly anticipated “Gladiator II,” a sequel to the Oscar-winning original released in 2000.

Her casting in the film was first announced in May 2023.

At the time, Deadline reported that Scott had cast Calamawy after a lengthy search, writing: “While many of the leading roles were straight offers, Scott wanted to do a similar search he did for the (Paul) Mescal part for the role that Calamawy ultimately landed.

“Given the importance of the character to the story, Scott wanted a thorough search, and following multiple auditions Calamawy landed the part,” Deadline added.

However, fans noticed that in the final cut, which hit cinemas last weekend, Calamawy is only seen in passing and she has no dialogue.

Scott has yet to comment on Calamawy’s removal from the two hour and 28-minute film, although her storyline may have not made it past the editing stage in order to trim the runtime.

Regardless, fans on social media are unhappy about the cuts.

“May Calamawy you will always be loved!!! They didn’t deserve you anyway,” one social media user wrote on X, while another posted: “You had May Calamawy … and you decided to cut her? This could’ve possibly been her breakout role!”

Calamawy also stars in upcoming crime mystery “The Actor,” alongside André Holland, Gemma Chan, Toby Jones and Tracey Ullman.


Pakistan’s Iram Parveen Bilal bags Best Director award for ‘Wakhri’ at Indian film festival

Updated 24 November 2024
Follow

Pakistan’s Iram Parveen Bilal bags Best Director award for ‘Wakhri’ at Indian film festival

  • Wakhri, meaning one of a kind, is inspired by life of murdered Pakistani social media star Qandeel Baloch
  • Yellowstone International Film Festival is an Indian festival that showcases films from around the world

ISLAMABAD: Pakistani director Iram Parveen Bilal this week bagged the Best Director Feature Film award at the fifth Yellowstone International Film Festival, held in India’s New Delhi, for her film “Wakhri.”
Wakhri, meaning one of a kind in the Punjabi language, was inspired by the life of murdered Pakistani social media celebrity Qandeel Baloch. The film’s plot revolves around the challenges faced by a widowed schoolteacher named Noor, who becomes a social media sensation overnight. 
Yellowstone International Film Festival is an Indian film festival that showcases films from around the world, providing a platform for filmmakers. With special categories such as women empowerment films, environmental films and student films, this year’s YIFF was held from Nov. 15-20 in New Delhi. 
“Thank you for the honor, [YIFF] jury and organizers,” Bilal wrote on Instagram on Thursday. “[Wakhri] shines brightest with its audiences. Deep gratitude to my entire team, cast and crew alike, for enhancing my vision every step of the way.”
Wakhri had its world premiere at the Red Sea International Film Festival in December 2023 before its release in Pakistan on Jan. 5 this year. 
Written by Bilal and Mehrub Moiz Awan, Wakhri has been produced by Abid Aziz Merchant, Apoorva Bakshi and Bilal’s Parveen Shah Productions.
The film stars prominent Pakistani actress Faryal Mehmood in the lead role, Gulshan Mated, Sajjad Gul, Salem Mairaj, Sohail Sameer, Bakhtawar Mazhar, Akbar Islam, Tooba Siddiqui, Behjat Nizami and Bushra Habib.


Bella Hadid guest stars on ‘Holland’s Next Top Model’ alongside her mother

Updated 23 November 2024
Follow

Bella Hadid guest stars on ‘Holland’s Next Top Model’ alongside her mother

DUBAI: US Dutch Palestinian model Bella Hadid shared a series of images from her experience as a guest judge on “Holland’s Next Top Model,” the reality series where her mother, Yolanda Hadid, serves as one of the judges.

The post features a carousel of photos and videos, including moments with her mother, the show’s judges and contestants, as well as behind-the-scenes shots from various photoshoots.

In the caption, the runway star expressed her excitement about her fragrance brand, Orebella, being featured on the episode, describing it as “a dream.”

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Bella (@bellahadid)

She said: “Thank you @hollandsnexttopmodelnl for having me on as a guest judge! To have @orebella be shot, on a show so dear to my heart, in my most beautiful Holland, was a dream.”

Hadid also reflected on her admiration for her mother. “To watch my mama work and be a second mama to a new generation of young creative human beings is such a blessing to me! Things that my mom can teach, she wasn’t taught. It’s part of who she is,” she said. “Her talent, nurturing ability, maternal instincts, confidence in hard work and success, faith in people and love for fashion is what makes her so special, especially on a show like this. I am so proud of you, mama.”

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Bella (@bellahadid)

The model described the transformative journey of the contestants on the show. “This was just an incredible experience to watch these young women and men push themselves but also grow to know themselves better than when they arrived,” she added. “I saw so much of myself in every one of them, and I am proud of each one for getting through a competition that I know for sure is mentally and physically exhausting.”

Hadid launched her brand in May with three fragrances: Salted Muse, Blooming Fire and Window2Soul.

In August, she expanded her collection with the launch of a new scent called Nightcap, described as a “warm and spicy” fragrance featuring notes of ginger, cardamom and vanilla.

For the launch, she hosted a party in West Hollywood, where she wore a dusty-pink gown with delicate embroidery and bow detail from Lebanese couturier Zuhair Murad.


Part-Saudi model Amira Al-Zuhair fronts Balmain’s Resort 2025 campaign

Updated 23 November 2024
Follow

Part-Saudi model Amira Al-Zuhair fronts Balmain’s Resort 2025 campaign

DUBAI: French Saudi model Amira Al-Zuhair this week shared pictures from her latest campaign with Balmain, showcasing the brand’s Resort 2025 collection.

In one of the images, Al-Zuhair donned a strapless denim mini dress paired with two matching denim handbags and calf-high black boots.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Balmain (@balmain)

In the second image, she wore a black sequined two-piece outfit, featuring a crop top and a high-waisted skirt. The design incorporates gold and silver embellishments, with the top featuring the word “L’aime,” meaning “loves” in French. The setting, with the Eiffel Tower in the background, tied the look to the brand’s Parisian roots.

This is not Al-Zuhair’s first collaboration with Balmain. She previously walked for the brand during Paris Fashion Week in September.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by Balmain (@balmain)

She showcased a structured gray blazer over a classic black T-shirt, complemented by vibrant red suede over-the-knee boots that added a bold pop of color. Her ensemble was completed with a neutral-toned shoulder bag and a striking gold pendant necklace.

The model has been spending the week in Dubai and shared a moment on Instagram featuring an advertisement she spotted for Maison Alaia in Dubai Mall. “Casually shopping in Dubai Mall … and look who I found,” she said in the caption.

Al-Zuhair also shared a photo of herself having lunch with a friend at Al Mandaloun, a Lebanese restaurant in Dubai.