Arab art is adapting to covid-19

This report is prepared by Noman Ahmed based on a feature in the newspaper Arab Times

The current crisis brought radical changes in daily lives including the art scene. Arab artists are unleashing their creativity to raise awareness of the outbreak of the coronavirus while making meaningful connections and expressions.

Saudi artist Lina Amer has used her art to document the effect of COVID-19 on the religious practices of millions of people around the world.

Saudi Arabia closed mosques for the customary five daily prayers as well as Friday congregations. Other artists used religious stories to refer to the danger of handshaking

Artists also showcased how the outbreak affected social gatherings and challenged cultural norms.

"First, I wanted to express how brides feel, whose weddings were postponed or cancelled because of the crisis," one artist said,

"It is intended to console those women by reminding them that sacrificing their special day indicates a high sense of responsibility towards the health of the community."

Other artists used their work to express their appreciation to health workers, like Bahraini artist and art director Sayed Al-Majed.

To read the full story and see some of the works, visit here

source: Noman Ahmed for commonspace.eu with Arab Times

photo: Art from Morrocco by artist Ichraq Bouzidi

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