Art of the Middle East: Modern and Contemporary Art of the Arab World and Iran Paperback – February 24, 2015

Thrilled! Sensational! I first came across this book years ago and have read it twice before purchasing. From what I remember, Dia Al-Azzawi’s artwork was my favorite. The names of some of the artists have an allure that amasses admiration for the Arabic Language and names 🇵🇸

Artists from southwest Asia (Middle East) have analyzed and commented upon the major historical forces shaping their societies and lives. They represent and shape aspects of their realities in breathtakingly moving and beautiful ways. This book represents their work around a number of larger themes. Highly recommended.

This is an amazing book with a lot of cool artist. The editor spent a lot of time and effort putting it all together and it looks great.

A full review of this important and little understood subject...

Over 450 color photos abundantly illustrate that modern-day including much contemporary Middle East art has taken a place in the development of international art as well as the art market alongside that of China and India. The art scholar and advocate living in London Saeb Eigner mentions in his Introduction that such an overview cannot be comprehensive. But including over 200 artists, there cannot be anything worth noting left out. While all active artists worthy of note may not be included, all genres, regions, and styles of art are found.The many photographs and artists are grouped by fields of art and themes. Since "[h]istorically, the art of Islamic countries has been dominated by supremely sophisticated forms of calligraphy," such calligraphy continues to be a feature. The priority given to text and calligraphy is highlighted by the first chapter being on Sacred Scripture. The second chapter too titled Literature reemphasizes this. In these chapters one finds not only books, but also paintings and drawings and some geometrical figures where calligraphy is the subject. The next chapter covers Music and Performance--i. e., paintings, photographs, and other visual art works in these areas. These first three chapters imply an approach to art different from that of Western cultures. One cannot imagine that any book on modern-day Western art would begin with chapters on calligraphy and decorative text and performing arts. While the subjects are predominant ones of Islamic art, the styles are plainly influenced by Western and international art. Besides being engaging and satisfying contemporary art, the many and diverse works mark a center of appropriation (though not simplistic imitation) and ferment in Islamic culture.