Exhibiting the last remaining porcelain stars from my 'China Trade' series

Dar Al Funoon cordially invites you to its 6th Affordable Art Show. Opening Tuesday May 6th, 2014 from 7 - 9 pm at Dar Al Funoon, and continuing till Thursday May 8th, 2014.

I will be exhibiting the last remaining porcelain stars from my 'China Trade' series that I made during an artists residency at the Pottery Workshop in Jingdezhen, China and had shipped to and framed in Kuwait.

Fore more info click here.

Don't miss this!

"Muhawwil" is a four-channel video installation based on Islamic figurative murals painted on electric power stations in Kuwait. These murals mark a transformation in religious discourse within Gulf societies: where once only calligraphic depictions of this nature were allowed, today’s pop-culture and mass-production of images have forced conservative entities to reconsider this tradition and take up a mutated technique to convey moral advice - wall paintings. This project reconstructs these paintings into animation, so as to highlight the dilemma of representation that exists between the ancient and the modern.

This project was produced with the support of The Arab Fund for Arts & Culture (AFAC).

About the artist:

Monira Al Qadiri is a Kuwaiti artist born in Senegal and educated in Japan. In 2010, she received a Ph.D. in inter-media art from Tokyo University of the Arts. Her research is focused on the aesthetics of sadness in the Middle-East, and her works explore the dysfunctional gender roles in Arab societies, as well as the displacement of cultural and religious identities. She has held solo exhibitions in Japan & Kuwait, and participated in collective exhibitions and screenings in Dubai, Beirut, New York, London, Berlin, Paris & Shanghai among others. She is also a member of the artist collective GCC.

For more information please go to:

 www.moniraalqadiri.com 

Gallery opening hours:

Opening 21st January 7-9pm

22nd until 28th January 6-9pm

(closed on Friday & Saturday)

Student Recycled Art Competition @ The Avenues

The next phase of AUK students' participation in the REUSE competition will take place at the Avenues from January 9-11, 10am-10pm. The public will be able to vote for their favorite artwork made from recycled materials. Twelve winners of AUK's own REUSE Exhibition will have their artwork compete against artwork from other local university students. Attached is the poster for the REUSE Recycled Art Competition @ The Avenues, in English and Arabic.  

Further information: http://bit.ly/1hqeaoI

Please come and support the our participating students!

Saudi women defy driving ban across country

Saudi activists are calling the campaign the most successful in years, despite threats [AFP]

Bravo to the dozens of women in Saudi Arabia who today took the wheel and defied the ban on women driving in that country. It's a sign of how backward Saudi Arabia is that 1400 years ago no one had a problem with the Prophet Muhammad's wife, Khadija, driving camels, but fundamentalist clerics today refuse to let women drive cars--which in my experience are rather easier to drive than camels. -Nicholas Kristof

Saudi women defy driving ban across country

www.aljazeera.com

Dozens of women across country participate in "drive-in" campaign, despite threats and warnings from government.

GCC exhibit opening TONIGHT!

A Space for National Achievement
Sultan Gallery, Kuwait
October 1st – 31st 2013

Achievements are marked by and created through awards and ceremony. The combination of object and event creates a spectacle intended to impose specific impressions onto individuals, groups and even the nation as a whole. Within our region the individual stands in for their family, and subsequently the nation. Although we are often hailed as part of a cohesive whole, our individual actions-and as a consequence our achievements-become the defining factor of a broader social and political structure. A Space for National Achievement calls into question the accumulation of superlatives, and asks us to contend with the disconnect between a lavish award and the achievement it recognizes. This relationship becomes a way to manage image and control perception. In our societies awards merely reinforce what already exists, rather than mark material gains. This symbolic power is actualized in this exhibition, which asks us to consider how national achievement is situated. In fact, these discourses are part of a systematic framework that organizes our existence.

About GCC:

The basic objectives of the GCC are to effect collaboration, transformation and inter-connection between Artists in all fields in order to achieve unity between them: Being fully aware of the ties of special relations, common characteristics and similar systems founded on the creed of Art which bind them; and in conformity with the Charter of the Federation of Gulf Artists which calls for the realization of closer relations and stronger bonds; and having the conviction that coordination, cooperation, and integration between them serve the sublime objectives of the GCC; and,
In order to channel their efforts to reinforce and serve Gulf and Artistic causes.

www.gccdomain.com

Kuwaiti politician: Men should be allowed sex slaves. Female prisoners can serve the role.

Men should be allowed sex slaves and female prisoners could do the job – and all this from a WOMAN politician from Kuwait

Outrageous ideas: Salwa al-Mutairi’s suggestions have provoked discussion

A Kuwaiti woman who once ran for parliament has called for sex slavery to be legalised – and suggested that non-Muslim prisoners from war-torn countries would make suitable concubines. Salwa al Mutairi argued buying a sex-slave would protect decent, devout and ‘virile’ Kuwaiti men from adultery because buying an imported sex partner would be tantamount to marriage. And she even had an idea of where to ‘purchase’ these sex-salves – browsing through female prisoners of war in other countries. The political activist and TV host even suggested that it would be a better life for women in warring countries as the might die of starvation. Mutairi claimed: ‘There was no shame in it and it is not haram’ (forbidden) under Islamic Sharia law.’

For more images and to read the full story click here.

113 degrees Fahrenheit right now in Kuwait!!!

45 degrees Celsius (that is about 113 degrees Fahrenheit) right now in Kuwait!!!

photo by Stephanie McGehee

Open call for GCC artists (of Arabic origin)

Open call for GCC artists; Ayyam Gallery First competition in region! Spread the word!!

Ayyam Gallery Looking for GCC 's Kunooz!

almahha.com

For all ambitious artists, do not miss the oppertunity by Ayyam Gallery! After the enormous success this comeptation made, bringing out the ‘hidden gems’ of talented Arab artists, Ayyam Gallery presents it’s first Pan-GCC Shabab Ayyam New Media…

Kuwait detains Twitter users for insulting emir

Emir Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Sabah

Kuwait's public prosecution on Sunday ordered the detention of four Twitter users for 10 days for allegedly insulting the ruler of the oil-rich Gulf state, a rights group said.

The four were arrested on Wednesday and remanded in police custody pending further investigation before the prosecution issued its detention order, Kuwait Human Rights News Centre said on its Twitter account.

Three other Twitter users, including a woman, who were arrested with them were each freed on bail of $3,550.

The seven, described as opposition sympathisers, were interrogated on allegations of tweets deemed offensive and critical of Emir Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Sabah.

Read more here: Kuwait detains Twitter users for insulting emir

Kuwait's $15 million dollar fireworks display earns a new Guinness world record!

Last night Kuwait marked the golden jubilee of its constitution with a spectacular $15 million dollar fireworks display which earned the wealthy Gulf state a place in the Guinness Book of World Records. “I am happy to verify that with 77,282 fireworks, a new Guinness world record has been set tonight” in Kuwait City, a representative of Guinness World Records announced on Kuwait television at the end of the display.

It was spectacular, of course, the best fireworks display that I have ever seen! And I feel very grateful that I had a wonderful view from the balcony of my own apartment in Kuwait! Happy 50th Constitution Day and congrats to Kuwait for breaking the record!

See more spectacular photos, videos, and more of the story by clicking here, here, and here.

However I don't understand this spending of $15 million dollars on celebrations when Kuwait does not even have usable sidewalks (that people can actually walk on or ride their bike - usually they turn into sand or a pile of bricks halfway down the block) and I would love to have a pedestrian bridge going over the Gulf Road somewhere near AUK or the Science Center so people would not have to drive a car to then go and take a nice walk or ride their bike along Kuwait's wonderful corniche. It is very frustrating trying to cross the Gulf Road or one of the roundabouts on foot since cars seem to speed up when they see someone walking!

Tanks around Gulf Road - Kuwait demonstration 04.11.2012

According to Kuwait UPTO DATE:  Tanks around Gulf Road - Kuwait demonstration 04.11.2012

For video click on below link
http://kuwaitup2date.com/2012/11/04/tanks-around-gulf-road-kuwait-demonstration-04-11-2012/

Dear foreign residents, only citizens are allowed...

As per sms from Ministry of Information, Kuwait.

Dear foreign residents, only citizens are allowed to take part in protests, processions and march demonstrations.
(Gathering law 12)
(Ministry of Information)

Kuwaiti opposition supporters run for cover as riot police fire tear gas during a protest in Kuwait City, on October 21, 2012, against the decision by Emir Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Sabah to amend the electoral law despite it having been confirmed by a court last month. Kuwaiti riot police beat opposition protesters who were gathering for a massive demonstration against a decision to change the electoral law, organisers and witnesses said. (Yasser Al-Zayyat/AFP/Getty Images)

Possible Demonstrations in Kuwait – November 4, 2012

Please circulate the following message without additions or omissions immediately to all U.S.  Citizens within your area of responsibility.

Kuwait City, Kuwait

November 4, 2012

Subject:           Security Notice for U.S. Citizens 14-2012

Possible Demonstrations in Kuwait – November 4, 2012

According to press reports, there will be demonstrations in multiple locations and a march towards the Kuwait Towers this evening, Sunday, November 4, 2012, starting at approximately 1930 hours.  Organizers of the event indicate that participants will gather at two locations - in front of Ahmad Tower (near Souq Sharq) and in front of the Safir International Hotel - and then march along Gulf Road until they converge at the Kuwait Towers.  An increased police and security presence is expected in and around the capital.  U.S. citizens are advised to avoid the area.

The below Arabic language map, obtained from the internet, purports to indicate where the organizers intend to demonstrate and march.

Safir International Hotel

Kuwait Towers

Ahmad Tower

Spontaneous and/or planned demonstrations take place in Kuwait from time to time in response to world events or local developments.  At times, even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate into violence.  Avoid areas of demonstrations and exercise caution if within the vicinity of any demonstrations.  Please stay current with media coverage of local and regional events. U.S. Mission personnel have been advised to continue to practice personal security awareness and we advise the U.S. citizen community to do the same.

U.S. citizens traveling and residing abroad should enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) at the following website: https://step.state.gov. U.S. citizens without internet access may enroll directly at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate at their destination.  By enrolling, U.S. citizens make it easier for the Embassy to contact them in case of emergency.

Updated information on travel and security may be obtained from the Department of State by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or, for callers outside the United States and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444.  These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).   For further information, please consult the Bureau of Consular Affairs Internet website at http://travel.state.gov where the Worldwide Caution and Country Specific Information can be found.  In addition, the Embassy encourages U.S. citizens to review "A Safe Trip Abroad," which includes valuable security information for those traveling or living in foreign countries.  You can also follow the Bureau of Consular Affairs on Twitter and on Facebook. 

The U.S. Embassy is located at Al-Masjid Al-Aqsa Street, Block 6, Plot 14, Bayan, Kuwait.  If you are a U.S. citizen in need of emergency assistance in Kuwait, you may reach the U.S. Embassy by calling +965-2259-1001 and requesting the duty officer. 

This message may be accessed on the Embassy website, http://kuwait.usembassy.gov.

Please note that the Consular Section is closed for U.S. and most local holidays.  The current holiday schedule for 2012 is posted on http://kuwait.usembassy.gov/holidays.html

This email is UNCLASSIFIED.

Possible Demonstrations in Kuwait – October 31, 2012

Subject:          Demonstration Notice 14-2012

Possible Demonstrations in Kuwait – October 31, 2012

 

According to press reports, there may be several demonstrations this evening, October 31, 2012, following Maghreb prayers. Possible demonstration sites include the following:

 

·         Junction of Al-Sahafa Street and Airport Road (Route 55), across from the Al-Tali’a newspaper;

·         The diwaniya of Musallam al-Barrak, Al-Andalus, block 5, street 10, house 52; and/or

·         The Palace of Justice in downtown Kuwait City. 

 

An increased police and security presence is expected.

 

Spontaneous and planned demonstrations take place in Kuwait from time to time in response to world events or local developments.  At times, even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate into violence.  Please avoid areas where demonstrations occur or are planned and exercise caution if within the vicinity of any large gatherings.  Please stay current with media coverage of local events, be aware of your surroundings, and practice personal security awareness at all times. 
U.S. citizens traveling and residing abroad should enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) at the following website: https://step.state.gov. U.S. citizens without internet access may enroll directly at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate at their destination.  By enrolling, U.S. citizens make it easier for the Embassy to contact them in case of emergency.

Updated information on travel and security may be obtained from the Department of State by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or, for callers outside the United States and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).   For further information, please consult the Bureau of Consular Affairs Internet website at http://travel.state.govwhere the Worldwide Caution and Country Specific Information can be found.  In addition, the Embassy encourages U.S. citizens to review "A Safe Trip Abroad," which includes valuable security information for those traveling or living in foreign countries.  You can also follow the Bureau of Consular Affairs on Twitter and on Facebook. 

 

The U.S. Embassy is located at Al-Masjid Al-Aqsa Street, Block 6, Plot 14, Bayan, Kuwait. If you are a U.S. citizen in need of emergency assistance in Kuwait, you may reach the U.S. Embassy by calling +965-2259-1001 and requesting the duty officer. 

 

This message may be accessed on the Embassy website, http://kuwait.usembassy.gov.

Please note that the Consular Section is closed for U.S. and most local holidays.  The current holiday schedule for 2012 is posted on http://kuwait.usembassy.gov/holidays.html.

Tonight at 7:30pm at Contemporary Art Platform Kuwait

Tonight, Sunday, May 27, Alia Farid's lecture on “The Role of Monuments in the Construction of Landscapes” 7:30pm at CAP.

The Role of Monuments in the Construction of Landscapes: Comments on Monuments (and Anti-Monuments) in the Middle East.

Egypt election: early results - live updates

The continuing count of Egypt's presidential election show a tight race for a place on the runoff ballot between the Muslim Brotherhood's candidate Mohammed Morsi (left), the leftist candidate Hamdeen Sabahy, (centre) and Hosni Mubarak's last prime minister Ahmed Shafiq (right). Photograph: EPA Photograph: EPA/AP

Egypt election: early results - live updates

• Ahmad Sarhan, a spokesman for Mr Shafiq, said voters had rallied to the candidate because he promised to "saveEgypt from the dark forces," referring to the Brotherhood and more militant Islamists.
• Mr Shafiq would bring back security, Mr Sarhan said. "The revolution has ended," he said. "It is one and a half years."
  Egypt election: early results - live updates

  www.guardian.co.uk

  Follow live updates as early results point to revolutionaries least favoured options of runoff between the Muslim Brotherhood's Mohammed Morsi and Mubarak's last prime minister Ahmed Shafiq

World’s biggest buyer of contemporary art?

A leading art paper has called the tiny peninsula the world’s biggest buyer of contemporary art, spending around a billion dollars since 2005.

Takashi Murakami’s exhibition “Ego” opens at the Qatar Museum.

Qatar's arty investments

youtube

From the $250mn purchase of Cezanne's The Card Players to investment in Takashi Murakami's Ego exhibit - first in Versailles and now Doha - Qatar's elite are spending hundreds of millions of in making the country a world-class destination.

IN KUWAIT TOMORROW? YOU DON'T WANT TO MISS THIS!

Mendeel Um A7mad (N x I x S x M)

Wednesday, January 25, 7-9pm

Contemporary Art Platform Kuwait

Mendeel Um A7mad (NxIxSxM) is a film and sculpture installation by New York-based artists Fatima Al Qadiri and Khalid al Gharaballi. The Arab Fund for Art and Culture (AFAC) grant-winning project presents the tissue box as ...an unlikely Kuwaiti national icon. A film will be projected inside a monumental tissue box–created in collaboration with Kuwait-based designers Aziz Alqatami and Nanu Al-Hamad. The film aims to create a representation of the Chai Dhaha ritual, a traditional female forum, using an all-male cast in homage to Abdul Aziz Al-Nimish–who pioneered gender role reversal in Kuwaiti theatre.

In Mendeel Um A7mad (NxIxSxM), the Chai Dhaha ritual is set out-of-context, in a wedding ballroom to illustrate the absurd spatial conditions of post-oil boom Kuwaiti interior aesthetics, where designing to human scale took a backseat to supersized ostentation. The tissue box sculpture acts as a displaced, large-scale replica of an actual box featured in the film–a sixth “character,” performance instigator and voyeur/witness.

Exhibition Date: January 25 - February 9th 2012

Major Historic Egyptian Library Devastated by Fire

A major library gets torched in Cairo during protest clashes with the Egyptian military.

A scene from the fire. (via lemonde.fr/Reuters)

Major Historic Egyptian Library Devastated by Fire

hyperallergic.com

La Libération has confirmed that the 213-year-old Institut d’Égypte, which was founded by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1798, has been ravaged by fire.