Dr. Aisha Stoby is discussing the exhibition “Khaleej Modern,” which she curated and is currently on display at New York University Abu Dhabi until December 11. As part of her PhD research, Stoby examined the Gulf region’s art scene from the mid-20th century until what she refers to as “the cultural boom, which I pin to 2008.”
At the time, not only Westerners but frequently people from more established Arab nations as well did not view the GCC countries as rich sources of art, as Stoby observed via her research.
The exhibition also explores a number of other issues, including urbanization, development, society, and self-representation. Again, these are elements that unite us — our regional experience as a whole, according to Stoby.
Since “Pioneers and Collectives” is the sub-title of the exhibition, Stoby explains why certain artists who would have anticipated inclusion are not.
“Pioneers in this perspective include founders, teachers, and mentors in addition to artists, she explains”. All of these individuals went on to accomplish incredibly significant feats for their nations outside of their fields of expertise.