The Musée d’Art Moderne (MAM) in Paris is currently showcasing an exhibition that delves into the deep connections between Arab artists and the French capital throughout the 20th century. Titled “Arab Presences: Modern Art and Decolonization: Paris 1908-1988,” the exhibition explores how artists from the Levant and North Africa found a new home in Paris, either to pursue their studies or to escape political turmoil in their native countries.
Curated by Morad Montazami, with assistance from Odile Burluraux and Madeleine de Colnet, the exhibition highlights the significant impact Arab artists had on the Parisian art scene, as well as how their work was shaped by their experiences in the city. Burluraux commented, “The exhibition is dedicated to reviving the history of Arab artists and their links with Paris, to tell a story that has never been told in this way.”
Spanning from 1908, when Lebanese poet and artist Gibran Khalil Gibran first arrived in Paris, to 1988, the exhibition traces the development of the Arab avant-garde movement.
It features over 200 works from more than 130 artists, many of whom are rarely exhibited in France. Notable artists include Iraqi artist Jamil Hamoudi, Algerian painter Baya, and Turkish artist Fahrelnissa Zeid.
Burluraux explained the significance of Paris during this period: “Paris at the beginning of the 20th century was an important colonial empire. The French language was spoken in most of North Africa and the Middle East. Arab artists who wanted to complete their art education were traveling to Paris to study in official art schools or ateliers.”
The exhibition not only underscores Paris as a place of refuge but also as a center for artistic innovation and freedom. It sheds light on how the city served as a breeding ground for the emancipation of Arab artists, allowing them to break away from the traditional styles taught in their home countries and embrace modernity.