DUBAI: The Louvre Abu Dhabi has launched its latest exhibition, “Post-Impressionism: Beyond Appearances,” featuring works by some of the most celebrated artists of the influential movement — many on display in the region for the first time.

Vincent van Gogh, Paul Cezanne, Georges Seurat, Henri-Edmond Cross, Emile Bernard, Paul Serusier, Paul Gauguin and Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, whose work helped shape the postimpressionist movement of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, are all represented.

Organized by Jean-Remi Touzet, curator of painting at Musee d’Orsay in Paris, and Jerome Farigoule, chief curator at the Louvre Abu Dhabi, the exhibition is being held in collaboration with the Musee d’Orsay and France Museums. It runs until Feb. 9.

Manuel Rabate, director of the Louvre Abu Dhabi, told Arab News: “This concentration is unique and created specifically for us. We held an exhibition on impressionism in 2022, but once again we’re able to bring a significant number of important paintings, drawings and prints to the region, granting access to a fundamental moment in art history.

“We first focused on impressionism, now our attention is on the constellation of artists that are framed within postimpressionism, which is not just one school, it is diverse.”

The exhibition also includes two paintings by Egyptian artist Georges Hanna Sabbagh: “The Artist and His Family at the Church of La Clarte” (1920), on loan from the Pompidou Center in Paris, and “The Family: The Sabbaghs in Paris” (1921), on loan from the Musee de Grenoble in France.

The works are accompanied by the actual palettes the artists used to create them.

“We aimed to make the exhibition extremely relevant to the region, whether by including artists like Sabbagh or by showcasing the artists’ palettes themselves,” Rabate said.

“With artists like Sabbagh you see the connection with our modernity.”

Visitors would be treated to “access to the artists’ works, like Van Gogh and Cezanne, which they may have only seen reproduced elsewhere. Here, you’ll be in the physical presence of them,” Rabate said.

“You may discover other artists as well. The surprise can take two forms: reconnecting with an old friend or discovering a new one. This exhibition will give guests access and inspiration.”

DUBAI: Doha-based Katara Studios is making strides in producing Arab stories that showcase the region’s rich culture for local and international audiences.

Hussein Fakhri, the studio’s chief commercial officer and executive producer, spoke to Arab News recently about the company’s mission.

“We have a responsibility as filmmakers to tell our stories from our perspective. Our projects vary from informative to entertaining but are all seen through an Arab lens.”

Katara Studios is working on a diverse slate of productions, including two feature films set for release in 2025 and 2026. One is a Qatari dark comedy, while the other is described by Fakhri as a “fantasy Bedouin Western.”

“These films aim to introduce innovative and exciting elements to the industry,” he said.

The studio is also eyeing international audiences. “If the work is strong enough, it should travel without much effort,” he added.

“We don’t adapt our production approach based on where the content will be viewed. We produce it to the best standard possible for our Arabic-speaking audience, and if done right, it will find an audience beyond our region,” Fakhri said.

“Language is no longer a barrier as viewers are happy to read subtitles or dubbed content. It’s all down to the strength of the writing and production value,” he added.

Fakhri also shared insights into the studio’s 2027 lineup, which includes a historical series based on the life of Arab pirate Erhama bin Jaber.

Additionally, the studio is co-producing “All Before You,” a historical drama directed by lauded Palestinian filmmaker Annemarie Jacir.

“Anything we do that will advance our industry, our language, and our culture is a win for us. Our role is not of leadership but rather bringing a spirit of collaboration with fellow Arab filmmakers,” Fakhri said.