Lebanese Author Myrna Ayad Uncovers the Lives of Modern Arab Artists in “Alcove”
Lebanese author and art expert Myrna Ayad has recently unveiled her latest book, “Alcove,” which delves into the lives of celebrated and forgotten modern artists from the Arab world. Through intimate interviews with the artists’ relatives, students, and close friends, Ayad has crafted 30 essays that provide a unique insight into the personal stories behind the art.
Exploring the Person Behind the Art
Ayad, who resides in Dubai, explains that her focus in “Alcove” was not on describing the artists’ work, but rather on exploring the individuals themselves. She sought to understand what motivated them, what challenges they faced, and why they persisted in their artistic pursuits.
Unity Amidst Struggle
The artists featured in the book hailed from the Gulf, the Levant, and North Africa, and were active during the period between the 1950s and 1980s. Despite geographical differences, they shared a sense of camaraderie and friendship. They navigated the challenges of being artists in a time when the MENA art scene was still in its nascent stages, relying on cultural capitals like Baghdad, Beirut, and Cairo to connect and collaborate.
Documenting History Through Art
These artists were not only creators but also documenters of their time. They fearlessly addressed political and social issues through their work, reflecting the contemporary historical and political events of their era.
Unveiling the Vault of Memories
The term “alcove” stems from the Arabic word “al-qubba,” meaning a vault or chamber. The interviews conducted by Ayad for the book opened up a treasure trove of memories for her interviewees. The emotional conversations led to profound revelations, with grown men shedding tears during Zoom calls.
Five Noteworthy Artists in “Alcove”
Here are five remarkable artists featured in Ayad’s book “Alcove” and their unique stories:
Abdullah Al-Shaikh (1936 – 2019)
Iraq-born Saudi artist Abdullah Al-Shaikh dedicated his life to painting folkloric scenes, local landscapes, and abstract compositions. Despite growing up in a conservative environment, he found unwavering support from his family to pursue his passion for art.
Jumana El-Husseini (1932 – 2018)
Exiled from her native Palestine, Jumana El-Husseini channeled her pain into her artwork, creating poignant landscapes of Jerusalem. Despite settling in Lebanon and building a life there, her heart remained in Palestine.
Nuha Al-Radi (1941 – 2004)
Iraqi artist Nuha Al-Radi’s cosmopolitan life and diverse mediums of expression, including ceramics and found objects, reflected the political turmoil of her time. Her “junk art” served as a response to Western sanctions against Iraq.
Mona Saudi (1945 – 2022)
Jordanian artist Mona Saudi defied societal expectations to pursue her artistic career, mingling with artists and activists in Beirut. Known for her abstract marble sculptures, she also used her art as a tool for activism.
Asim Abu Shakra (1961 – 1990)
In his emotionally charged paintings, Palestinian artist Asim Abu Shakra used the cactus as a symbol of resilience. His art reflected his struggles with identity and isolation, culminating in a poignant artistic legacy.