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

Related articles

Editor's choice
News
Borrell tells the European Parliament that the situation in Afghanistan was critical, but the EU will remain engaged

Borrell tells the European Parliament that the situation in Afghanistan was critical, but the EU will remain engaged

Borrell underlined that the European Union will make every effort to support the peace process and to remain a committed partner to the Afghan people. "Of course, we will have to take into account the evolving situation, but disengagement is not an option.  We are clear on that: there is no alternative to a negotiated political settlement, through inclusive peace talks.
Editor's choice
News
Israel approves plans to capture the entire Gaza Strip

Israel approves plans to capture the entire Gaza Strip

Israel approved plans on Monday to capture the entire Gaza Strip and remain in the territory for an unspecified amount of time, two Israeli officials said, in a move that if implemented would vastly expand Israel’s operations in the Palestinian territory and likely bring fierce international opposition. Israeli Cabinet ministers approved the plan in an early morning vote, hours after the Israeli military chief said the army was calling up tens of thousands of reserve soldiers. 

Popular

Editor's choice
News
Israel approves plans to capture the entire Gaza Strip

Israel approves plans to capture the entire Gaza Strip

Israel approved plans on Monday to capture the entire Gaza Strip and remain in the territory for an unspecified amount of time, two Israeli officials said, in a move that if implemented would vastly expand Israel’s operations in the Palestinian territory and likely bring fierce international opposition. Israeli Cabinet ministers approved the plan in an early morning vote, hours after the Israeli military chief said the army was calling up tens of thousands of reserve soldiers.