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)

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.

No Woman, No Drive

Saudi women have only been recently granted the right to ride bicycles. “Women are now allowed to drive bicycles in Saudi. “Not Forbidden” reads caption on caricature by one of AUK's best former students @MohammadRSharaf

Check out the link below for awesome video:

No Woman, No Drive

www.youtube.com

Download directly from us: http://ldr.fm/tX6XP Download from iTunes: https://itun.es/i6F668z Follow: Hisham Fageeh: http://Twitter.com/HishamFageeh Fahad Alb...

Kuwait's 'gay-o-meter,' 'women who drive risk damaging their ovaries' and other strange news from the Middle East...

1. 1. Kuwait 'gay-o-meter'? Clinical screenings to 'detect' and ban - RT.com

      1. rt.com/news/homosexuals-kuwait-banned-gays-887/‎

         Oct 8, 2013 - Routine clinical screenings may be used to 'detect' homosexuals and bar them from entering Kuwait and other Gulf member states, according ...

      Saudi cleric says women who drive risk damaging their ovaries ...

      1. 1. www.reuters.com/article/.../us-saudi-driving-idUSBRE98S04B20130929‎

            Sep 29, 2013 - RIYADH (Reuters) - A conservative Saudi Arabian cleric has said women who drive risk damaging their ovaries and bearing children with ...

            
            

            The above stories are true (as odd as they may seem), but now for a bit of satire:

            
            

      The Pan-Arabia Enquirer - Satire From The Middle East

      1. 1. 1. www.panarabiaenquirer.com/‎

               As the Middle East's premier source of made up news, The Pan-Arabia Enquirer attracts more than 200,000 page views a month. And, according to research, ...

Muslims who saved Jews in WWII?

Si Kaddour Benghabrit was the first Imam and leader of the Grand Mosque of Paris which was built from 1922-1926. He was honoured for saving 100 Jews during the Holocaust in WWII. 

These are the stories of Muslims who saved Jews.:http://www.missingpages.co.uk/ww2.php

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.

Morsi is no longer president of Egypt after largest protests in history

Ahmed Samir - To all my non Egyptian friends that are getting their news from the Western media. What is happening now in Egypt is NOT a military coup. It's the People's Revolution against a fascist, fanatic regime. 33 million Egyptians are out in the streets to kick Morsi and the Muslim Brotherhood OUT once and for all. The media, especially CNN is depicting the picture that they want you to believe since the American administration supports this fanatic, terrorist government. The Egyptians have spoken with a completely free will power to change this country around. The army is by our side to protect us and protect our beloved Egypt.

U.S. Veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan Return War Medals at NATO Summit

Peace and Love to All on Memorial Day...

Memorial Day Special: U.S. Veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan Return War Medals at NATO Summit

www.democracynow.org

Democracy Now! returns to Chicago, site of the largest NATO summit in the organization’s six-decade history, where nearly 50 veterans discarded their war medals by hurling them down the street in the direction of the NATO summit. We hear the soldiers’ voices as they return their medals one by one fr...

Opening of BOUNDARIES tomorrow DAR AL FUNOON

DAR AL FUNOON
cordially invites you to an Art & Fashion Exhibition.

BOUNDARIES by Abdullah AlSaab.

“Boundaries are made to guide us, no to limit us.”

Boundaries is an exhibition by conceptual designer Abdullah Al Saab showcasing a bold photographic series along with an exclusively designed clothing line. Together, the pieces fuse fashion and art
to create bold statements on social issues in region today. The images also represent hope; for it is through the acknowledgement of such issues we are able to create a positive future for the country.

EXHIBITION HOURS
Opening 6pm - 9pm, Monday 6th May Tuesday to Thursday 10am - 1pm & 4pm - 8pm

GETTING TO THE GALLERY
Al-Watiah, Behbehani Compound, House No. 28 For further information call +965 22433138

www.daralfunoon-kw.com
Gulf Road
Church
Sheraton

American Mission Hospital & Church 

I'm on the side of peace.

One of my friends, a really good person, posted the following comment on facebook this morning, "Feeling bad for Gaza and friends in Tel Aviv & Jerusalem. I know you're supposed to pick sides, and I know the underdog is XX, but it's equally hard when you have friends living in both places." Of course there were a number of replied against his remark, but another of my friends, also a really good person, replied, "I am on the side of peace."

I have been struggling with what, if anything, to post about Gaza the last few days knowing that whatever I post friends on either side are going to be upset, but these two good natured friends encapsulate exactly my feelings. 

This is not a football game where you should be cheering for one side or the other. As Harry Patch, the last surviving soldier known to have fought in the trenches of the First World War, said, "War is organized murder, and nothing else."

Thanks Charlez and Jeanine!

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

Uncovering the hidden bodies of Saudi art

A major exhibition of ancient objects recently excavated in Saudi Arabia opened November 17, 2012 at the Smithsonian's Arthur M Sackler Gallery in Washington, DC

Long censored figurative artwork from Saudi Arabia is now on view for the first time in an exhibition in the USA.  Pre-Islamic figurative artwork from Saudi Arabia has been ignored or censored but is now getting new attention and the research is supported by the Saudi royal family.  I've heard similar stories about pre-Islamic artwork in Kuwait and there are rumors of the remains of an ancient temple to Shiva!

Read more and see the video by clicking here.

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.

Reflections on Occupying the American Art Curriculum

 Inheriting Salt, Ernesto Pujol, 2008

Interesting read, especially important to some of us that are part of the problematic system of "young Arab artists... increasingly trained by western visiting professors..."

Sulfur in the Morning… Reflections on Occupying the American Art Curriculum

Ernesto Pujol

...The West is unleashing something in the East, and it must be accountable to the young Arab artists it is increasingly recruiting. These artists are increasingly trained by western visiting professors or migrating to and studying in the West, crafting their first portfolios and projects there, most of which challenge the status quo back home...

ArteEast - Arts and Cultures of the Middle East and its diasporas |

arteeast.org

ArteEast, a New York-based international nonprofit organization established in 2003, supports and promotes artists from the Middle East and its diasporas by raising awareness of their most significant and groundbreaking work through public events, exhibitions, screenings, a biennial film festival, a...

Kuwait emir dissolves parliament again, the fifth time since 2006.

Protesters in front of the Kuwait Parliament Nov. 28, 2011. Photo by William Andersen

Kuwait emir dissolves parliament

www.bbc.co.uk

Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmad al-Sabah dissolves the country's parliament, paying the way for snap elections, state media say.

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

Kuwaiti MPs Propose Bill Banning Female Judges

Kuwaiti women:  you now have the right to vote, so what do you think of this proposal?

Kuwaiti MPs Propose Bill Banning Female Judges

insidethemiddleeast.blogs.cnn.com

From the Kuwait Times newspaper: Five lawmakers proposed amendments to the current law that governs judiciary work in Kuwait, which if implemented, will disqualify female citizens from being appointed as judges or prosecutors.

niqāb sellers at the Friday Market, Kuwait