Arab Express @mori_art_museum > All eyes are now on the contemporary artists of the Arab world! (Tokyo)

Zena el Khalil Xanadu, Your Neon Lights Will Shine 2010 Acrylic paint on canvas, glitter, fabric, kufiya cloth, bead, sequin, pompon, artificial flower, photocopy, insulation board in gold leaf frame 183 x 215 x 19 cm Courtesy: Galerie Tanit Photo: Christoph Knoch

From lifestyles to identity, the rapidly transforming Arab world possesses a diversity of cultures that cannot be overstated. And the traditions, religion, customs and aesthetics that constitute that diversity are vividly reflected in the work of the region's artists. 

Reem Al Ghaith Dubai: What's Left of Her Land? 2008/11 Mixed media installation Dimentions variable Installation view: The 54th Venice Biennale, 2011

In the last few years, many exhibitions of contemporary art from the Arab world have been held globally, and within the region itself there are indications that the art industry is maturing, with Mathaf: Arab Museum of Modern Art opening in Doha (Qatar) in 2010, and branches of the Louvre and the Guggenheim Museum now under construction in Abu Dhabi (United Arab Emirates). "Arab Express" introducing the artworks by 34 artists from the Arabian Peninsula and surrounding Arab countries, is the first exhibition of its kind ever to be held in Japan.  

Tarek Al-Ghoussein Untitled 23 (D Series) 2008-09 Digital print 100 x 133 cm Courtesy: The Third Line

This exhibition commemorates the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Kingdom of Bahrain, Sultanate of Oman, State of Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates; as well as the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and the State of Kuwait and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

 Maha Mustafa Black Fountain 2008- Mixed media installation Dimensions variable Installation view: “Black Fountain,” Passagen Linköpings Konsthall, Sweden, 2009 Photo: Sara Ibrahim

 Atfal Ahdath Take me to this place: I want to do the memories 2010-12 Photograph, sound, mixed media Dimensions variable

 Ahmed Mater Magnetism 2012 Photogravure etchings 62 x 81 cm Courtesy: Edge of Arabia

 Meera Huraiz Gladiator 2010 Lambda print on aluminum 100 x 150 cm Courtesy: XVA Gallery

 Adel Abidin I’m Sorry 2008 Sound installation (light box, Plexiglas, wood, light bulb, wiring) Dimensions variable

Joana Hadjithomas and Khalil Joreige Postcards of War (from the Wonder Beirut series) 1997/2012 Postcard 10.5 x 14.8 cm (each, set of 18) Courtesy: The Third Line