One thing about us in Kuwait is that we are notoriously fickle. Most new things, whether they are swanky resto-lounges, great independent boutiques, sleek sports cars, coffee/sheesha places, latest top-of-the-line cell phones, nail bars, bakeries, usually see a huge surge of interest when they are first introduced to Kuwait's relatively tiny market. Most people buy/try the newest stuff out of the absolutely inexplicable need to be a part of the hype. Usually when it fades away, people move on to the next new, exciting thing...
Art gallery openings are a similar fad in Kuwait. Opening day seems to be the place to see and be seen. Conversing with the curators, meandering around the gallery and putting in your two cents (fils?), and most importantly, audibly announcing that you would like the latest flavor-of-the-week reserved to be picked up later. (Of course, 9 times out of 10, gallery owners are left chasing after these so-called art buyers...'Oh, I'm redecorating and I don't think it will go with my vision' seems to be a common cop-out)
Obviously, if something has substance, it survives and dare I say, even thrives in Kuwait. On the art scene, it is Dar Al Funoon art gallery (readers not based in Kuwait can check out this Flickr photostream to get a feel for the place).
Their summer exhibition, which will be on through August, has brought together some of the topmost names from the region, as well as Iran and Africa.
Check out a few pictures:
Karim Ghidinelli
Talk about a global citizen, the artist is originally Italian, lived in Ethiopia, Namibia and London and now calls Miami Beach, FL home. Whew. His extensive travels, and especially his time spent in Africa, reflect in his paintings which are characterized by bold uses of color and expressive brushstrokes. His constant search for identity is also evident as thumb prints feature prominently in his artwork.
Reza Derakshani
A prominent Iranian visual artist, Derakshani is also an accomplished musician (he even has his own album out). Music often plays a large part during his exhibitions. He is widely known to pull influence from his own Persian heritage, especially traditional folklore and his palette is more often than not subdued.
Nja Mahdoui
Easily one of my favorites, Mahdaoui, a Tunisian visual artist, explores traditional Arabic calligraphy and its place in the world today. His canvases are big, bold and arresting in their colorful splendor. He works mainly with acrylics, metallic paint and pen on canvas.
Farideh Lashai
Another Iranian artist, Lashai’s work often echoes elements of nature from her native Gilan, a province along the Caspian Sea. Gorgeously sublime colors and textures are abound in her work, which is usually mixed-media.
(All images my own)
