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

Kuwait dissolves parliament (again!)

Kuwait's top court on Sunday ordered the dissolution of parliament and called for fresh elections, officials in the U.S.-allied Gulf Arab said.

Pic by Prasad (on Kuwaitup2date)

The Constitutional Court made its ruling after throwing out an opposition challenge to changes to the electoral system decreed by the emir, hereditary ruler of the oil-exporting country, head judge Youssef al-Mutawa told reporters.

The case has international importance because political stability in Kuwait, owner of more than six percent of global oil reserves, has traditionally depended on cooperation between the government and the elected parliament, the oldest and most powerful legislature in the Gulf Arab states.

Kuwait sits in a strategic position between Saudi Arabia and Iraq and across the Gulf from Iran.

The opposition case had questioned the constitutionality of a change to the voting system ordered by the emir, Sheikh Sabah al-Ahmed al-Sabah.

Mutawa said the hearing had decided not to make a ruling on the challenge, in effect leaving the emir's decree unchanged. 

(Reporting by Sylvia Westall, Editing by William Maclean)

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'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!

Young Gulf Arabs question tradition of cousin marriages

A Qatari wedding takes place in a traditional marriage tent in Doha

Young Gulf Arabs question tradition of cousin marriages ‎ Reuters  At least half of all Gulf Arab marriages are between cousins, with at least 35 percent of Qatari marriages between first cousins, according to current ...

Art as the politics of the impossible

In light of a recent art exhibition in Doha, Hamid Dabashi writes that art must respond to a renewed Arab consciousness that is aware of what is happening in the Arab World. 

Cai Guo-Giang's opening at Arab Museum of Modern Art in Doha [Hamid Dabashi/ Al Jazeera]

Art as the politics of the impossible

aje.me

Art scenes in the Arab world should reflect and anticipate the art that will emerge from these historical times.

Chinese State TV Starts Arabic Channel

Published: July 26, 2009

BEIJING — Chinese state television has begun broadcasting an Arabic-language channel for the Middle East and Africa as part of efforts to expand the Communist government’s media influence abroad.

The 24-hour channel, which began operating Saturday, will air in 22 Arabic-speaking countries and reach nearly 300 million people, China Central Television said in a statement.

The channel “will serve as an important bridge to strengthen communication and understanding between China and Arab countries,” a CCTV vice president, Zhang Changming, said in the statement.

Beijing is carrying out a multibillion-dollar effort to raise the profile of its state media abroad by expanding CCTV; People’s Daily, the Communist Party newspaper; and Xinhua, the official news agency.

The effort has a budget of 45 billion yuan, or $6.6 billion, according to a report last month by The South China Morning Post, a Hong Kong newspaper.

The Arabic channel will carry news, feature stories, entertainment and education programs and will gradually expand its offerings, CCTV said. The network already broadcasts in English, French and Spanish as well as in Mandarin.

Despite rapid economic growth and rising global influence, China has retained its authoritarian one-party political system, with strict limits on freedom of speech and civil and political life.

The media drive echoes efforts by Russia and Qatar to influence international news coverage through Russia Today and Al Jazeera, their state-funded channels. Those attempts to challenge the BBC and CNN have scored some success.

CCTV announced plans last month for a Russian channel.

State television is also overhauling its domestic news broadcasts for the first time in a decade to combat a decline in viewership.

China’s government and party media are struggling against more dynamic competitors and rely on state subsidies or moneymaking subsidiaries.

Chinese State TV Starts Arabic Channel