Morocco’s Loft Art Gallery to make its debut at Art Basel Paris

Morocco’s Loft Art Gallery to make its debut at Art Basel Paris
Loft Art Gallery, Marrakech. (Courtesy of Loft Art Gallery and Omar Tajmouati)
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Updated 11 October 2024
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Morocco’s Loft Art Gallery to make its debut at Art Basel Paris

Morocco’s Loft Art Gallery to make its debut at Art Basel Paris

DUBAI: Morocco’s Loft Art Gallery will make its debut at Art Basel Paris from Oct. 18-20, becoming the first Moroccan gallery to take part in the prominent fair.

Yasmine Berrada, co-founder of the gallery, spoke to Arab News ahead of the fair, calling the opportunity a “real milestone.”




Yasmine Berrada is co-founder of the gallery. (Supplied)

She said: “We have been working towards this for years. Since we started, we wanted to exhibit internationally.

“We want to travel with our artists, to collaborate with museums, with institutions, and so on.




Mohamed Melehi, Burri B, 1958, Mixed media on burlap, 80 x 64 cm. (Courtesy of Loft Art Gallery)

“The gallery now has a certain standing and is exhibiting alongside galleries considered to the biggest worldwide,” she added.

The gallery will showcase seven works by renowned Moroccan modernist and Casablanca Art School founder Mohamed Melehi (1936–2020), including three pieces that have never been exhibited before.




Mohamed Melehi, Untitled, 1996, Cellulosique sur bois, 110 x 95 cm. (Courtesy of Loft Art Gallery)

“We are participating with works from the famous artist Melehi, with whom we worked for 12 or 13 years until he passed. For us, it is a celebration of this great collaboration, all the success we achieved with him, and everything we accomplished together as an artist and gallery,” the gallerist said.

Melehi’s radical geometric experiments and his iconic wave motif were pivotal in shaping the aesthetic of post-independence Morocco.




Mohamed Melehi, Untitled, 2012, Mixed media on canvas, 120 x 115 cm. (Courtesy of Loft Art Gallery)

The artist, who was born in the port town of Asilah before he studied at the Ecole des Beaux-Arts in Tetouan, spread his wings in New York before returning to Morocco in the 1960s.

The gallery’s presentation of Melehi’s works taps into a growing global fascination with Moroccan art, with notable figures like pop artist Hassan Hajjaj being commissioned by the likes of Vogue US and The Royal Commission for AlUla in Saudi Arabia.




Mohamed Melehi, Untitled, 1960, Mixed media on canvas, 90 x 180 cm. (Courtesy of Loft Art Gallery)

Berrada also highlighted the increasing interest in Moroccan art, saying: “I can see it when we exhibit outside Morocco, like in France or London. People also often say, ‘Oh, we’re coming to Marrakesh next year or next month, and we want to visit your gallery’.”


Miniature model helps bring Saudi history to life

Miniature model helps bring Saudi history to life
Updated 30 sec ago
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Miniature model helps bring Saudi history to life

Miniature model helps bring Saudi history to life
  • Featuring miniature representations of Saudi cities from the past, these creations transport visitors through time
  • Artist and craft trainer Abdullah Al-Khazam, a native of Hail, presented a clay model of the ancient commercial area of Hail city at the event

RIYADH: The Beit Hail Festival, which runs until July 29, is showcasing unique works which reflect the region’s rich historic archaeological legacy, the Saudi Press Agency has reported.

Featuring miniature representations of Saudi cities from the past, these creations transport visitors through time, highlighting the details of daily life and the beauty of historic architecture.

Artist and craft trainer Abdullah Al-Khazam, a native of Hail, has presented a clay model of the ancient commercial area of Hail city at the event.

The model has attracted the attention of thousands of visitors and illustrates the techniques used to craft such works, enriching the festival’s depiction of the Kingdom’s heritage.

Al-Khazam based the model on historic sources, using precise measurements and conducting field visits. He also consulted historians, researchers, and elderly residents for accuracy.

The model features key landmarks, including Barzan Palace, a mosque, the commercial square, and various government offices, the SPA added.

Built with traditional materials such as clay and palm trunks, the model uses classic construction techniques and incorporates period ornaments and engravings, effectively recreating the city center of the past.


The UK’s longest-running Arab arts festival returns 

The UK’s longest-running Arab arts festival returns 
Updated 14 July 2025
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The UK’s longest-running Arab arts festival returns 

The UK’s longest-running Arab arts festival returns 

DHAHRAN: The Liverpool Arab Arts Festival, or LAAF, the UK’s longest-running annual celebration of Arab arts and culture, returns this month with a theme that feels both timely and timeless: “Nostalgia.”

Now two decades in, the festival has grown from grassroots beginnings into an internationally recognized celebration.

Running through to July 20, this year’s program explores how memory, heritage and longing shape artistic expression across the Arab world and its diasporas. 

The dynamic, bilingual line-up spans film, music, literature, performance, food and family activities — all underscored by deeper reflections on identity, loss and cultural continuity.

Arab News spoke with Taher Qassim, originally from Yemen, who founded LAAF in 1998 as a community-led effort to foster cultural pride and preserve Arab identity in Liverpool.

“The theme of ‘nostalgia’ is a reflection of both how far we’ve come and where we began,” Qassim said. “Twenty-three years ago, we set out on a path that was uncertain but filled with excitement and purpose. We knew we wanted to create something that represented the Yemeni and Arab presence in Liverpool, but we didn’t yet know how to express it.”

What began as a handful of cultural activations has since evolved into a platform for Arab artists. “From those humble beginnings … the festival began to blossom,” he said. “Today, we proudly offer a platform to artists from across the Arab world, Europe, the US, and beyond — something we could only have dreamed of.”

Two events stand out for him: ‘Arabs Are Not Funny’ and ‘The Book of Sanaa.’ The former, he says, “directly challenges the long-held stereotype that Arabs lack a sense of humor. It’s refreshing, bold and liberating — exactly what the festival stands for.”

The latter brings together literature, poetry, food, and a model of Yemen’s historic capital.

“The richness of this event would’ve felt like a fantasy to us two decades ago. Now, it’s a reality — something we’ve made possible through years of dedication and community.”

Qassim, who was awarded an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) in 2008 for services to community cohesion, handed over the festival’s leadership to his daughter, Afrah, who now steers LAAF with the same vision and care.

Today, LAAF is no longer seen solely as a festival for the Arab community. “That perception has shifted dramatically,” Qassim said. “People from all backgrounds and ages attend and engage. The festival has become a space for dialogue, curiosity and connection.” As he put it, “Conversations happen naturally — before, during and after events.”

One event he hopes visitors will not miss is the now-iconic “Family Day” at the Palm House in Sefton Park. “It’s become the signature event of the Liverpool Arab Arts Festival — our legacy day,” he said. “Families travel from across the UK, Europe, and even further afield to be part of it. The atmosphere is joyful, welcoming, and truly inclusive … a vibrant, heartwarming celebration of Arab culture at its best.”

Some events require tickets, but “Family Day” — an afternoon of music, crafts, performances and community — is the grand finale and free to all.


May Calamawy promotes Palestinian film’s North American run

May Calamawy promotes Palestinian film’s North American run
Updated 13 July 2025
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May Calamawy promotes Palestinian film’s North American run

May Calamawy promotes Palestinian film’s North American run

DUBAI: Egyptian Palestinian actress May Calamawy took to social media on Saturday to promote Palestinian film “To A Land Unknown.”

Distributed by Watermelon Pictures, the film is directed by Mahdi Fleifel and stars Angeliki Papoulia, Mahmoud Bakri, Manal Awad and Aram Sabbah.

Watermelon Pictures was co-founded by Alana Hadid. (File/Getty Images)

May Calamawy took to Instagram Stories to share news that “To A Land Unknown” is on a 40-screen cinema run in North America this month, including showings in New York, Houston and Vancouver.

“Reda and Chatila are two Palestinian cousins hustling their way through the underbelly of Athens pursuing their dream of making it to Germany. But as their hardship grows, so too does their desperation. When Chatila hatches a reckless all-or-nothing plan, it strains their bond and pushes the limits of what they will do for freedom,” the film’s logline reads.

The film was awarded the Silver Yusr Award December’s Red Sea Film Festival in Saudi Arabia.

Watermelon Pictures was co-founded by Alana Hadid, the sister of supermodels Gigi and Bella Hadid. Hadid — along with brothers Badie Ali and Hamza Ali — co-founded Watermelon Pictures, a production company with a mission to create compelling, impactful stories that resonate with global audiences.

“I was honored to be asked to be the creative director of Watermelon Pictures. I think it’s not only a passion project for Hamza and Badie, but it is an opportunity for Palestinians to have a place to go to tell their stories … I get emotional about it. I think it’s just one of the most beautiful things that people have a place where they can put their stories. And we know that we have a safe place for that,” Hadid previously told Arab News.

For her part, Calamawy is known for her roles in US Netflix series “Ramy” and “Moon Knight” (2022), where she plays dual characters Layla El-Faouly  and the Scarlet Scarab.

She made headlines in late 2024 when almost all her scenes were cut from Ridley Scott’s “Gladiator II,” with fans taking to social media to complain.

Her casting in the film was first announced in May 2023.

At the time, Deadline reported that Scott had cast Calamawy after a lengthy search, writing: “While many of the leading roles were straight offers, Scott wanted to do a similar search he did for the (Paul) Mescal part for the role that Calamawy ultimately landed.”

However, fans noticed that in the final cut, which hit cinemas in November, Calamawy is only seen in passing and she has no dialogue.


Christie’s London to feature retrospective on Syrian artist Marwan

Christie’s London to feature retrospective on Syrian artist Marwan
Updated 14 July 2025
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Christie’s London to feature retrospective on Syrian artist Marwan

Christie’s London to feature retrospective on Syrian artist Marwan

DUBAI: Christie’s is poised to host a non-selling exhibition of work by late Syrian artist Marwan Kassab-Bachi, titled “Marwan: A Soul in Exile.”

Taking place from July 16- August 22, the show was curated by Ridha Moumni, chairman of Christie’s Middle East & Africa.

This retrospective exhibition will display more than 150 works on loan from museums, institutions and private collections in Europe and the Middle East. The exhibition traces the artist’s career, from his artistic beginnings in Syria to his prolific output in Germany, his adopted homeland, where he spent six decades of his life.

“I wanted to highlight the essential threads running through his career: from his iconic ‘Face Landscapes’ to the celebrated ‘Heads,’ his journey from Damascus to Germany, and the pivotal moments that shaped his legacy — including his major 1976 retrospective at Charlottenburg Schloss, which established his place in the German art scene,” Moumni told Arab News.

“Equally important is his enduring connection to Syria and the Arab world,” he added.

With paintings, works on paper, and editions from 1953 until 2014, this exhibition offers audiences in London the chance to explore the artist’s multi-disciplinary approach.  

“Over the past two years, our aim has been to introduce artists and artistic scenes to London that people here don’t often get to see. One of our deepest commitments is to highlight the richness of artists from the Arab world or of Arab heritage. Marwan embodies this mission beautifully: a towering figure from the Syrian diaspora, who built an extraordinary career in Germany, and had a big impact on modern portraiture,” Moumni said of Christie’s decision to spotlight the artist this summer.

In 1957, Marwan moved to Berlin and attended the Hochschule fur Bildende Kunste, graduating in 1963. The artist, who is referred to by his first name, joined a group of German expressionist painters that included Georg Baselitz and Eugen Schonebeck, but he retained his Syrian identity and engaged with social and political issues of the Middle East through his work. 

“For those who already know his work, I hope they uncover new depths — its poetic power, its meditations on exile, identity, and belonging. Above all, I hope visitors feel a true connection to Marwan’s work,” Moumni said.

 


Artist Dan Pearce explores kinetic energy in Doha artwork

Artist Dan Pearce explores kinetic energy in Doha artwork
Updated 12 July 2025
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Artist Dan Pearce explores kinetic energy in Doha artwork

Artist Dan Pearce explores kinetic energy in Doha artwork
  • Steel sculpture captures water dropping onto a surface
  • Doha peninsula was inspiration, Pearce tells Arab News

DUBAI: Internationally-acclaimed London-based artist Dan Pearce has revealed the inspiration for his work to mark the 20th anniversary of the Four Seasons Hotel Doha, titled “Kinetic Drop.”

Known for commissions from French football icon Paul Pogba, other celebrities and global exhibitions, the artist’s bespoke sculpture is crafted from stainless steel.

“I titled this sculpture ‘Kinetic Drop’ because it captures that precise moment when a water droplet collides with a surface, that split second when kinetic energy disperses in all directions,” Pearce told Arab News recently.

“With all my work, I aim to trigger one of three responses: to make viewers think ‘how did he do that?’ to inspire them to touch the artwork, or to encourage movement around the piece for different perspectives,” he added.

The artist, who was born in Australia, is known for his pop culture-inspired work and often turns to DC Comics, musicians and street art for source material.

Taking inspiration from the hotel and its surroundings in Doha may have been a welcome departure for the artist. “The sculpture is mounted on a map of Qatar.

“Geographically, Qatar is also surrounded by water as a peninsula while Four Seasons Doha is situated on the Arabian Gulf where I could see endless views of the shimmering waters from our room — this was also part of the inspiration behind the piece,” he explained.

As for the location of the artwork, the artist said it “could create a sense of urgency and exclusivity, encouraging visitors and guests to interact and connect with it on a social level and experience it before it’s gone.”

Pearce’s work has captured the attention of celebrities and worldwide brands, with commissioned pieces for boxing champion Anthony Joshua, Grammy nominee Rag’n’Bone Man, and hip-hop star 50 Cent, to name a few.

Ensuring his work can be understood across cultures is something that was particularly important to Pearce in the run-up to his showcase in Doha.

“With the concept of the sculpture being water, this makes it universally significant across all cultures. Water represents life, renewal, and connection which are key elements that can transcend cultural boundaries,” he said.