Baya’s dreamlike paintings redefined North African art. Her bold use of color and surreal depictions of women, nature, and folklore captivated the likes of Picasso and Matisse. Blending tradition with fantasy, her work became a powerful symbol of identity and resilience, celebrating the richness of Algerian heritage through a unique lens.

There was a pivotal post-independence art movement that redefined Tunisian identity through modernist expression. Emerging from Le Groupe des Dix, L’École de Tunis’ artists merged local traditions with contemporary styles, moving beyond colonial Orientalism.

Our new series, Tsawwar, explores places, people and moments in time through the eyes of photographers and their photos. This week’s features a photo and blurb by Mohamed Osam.

Our new series, Tsawwar, explores places, people and moments in time through the eyes of photographers and their photos. This week’s features a photo and blurb by Dina Al-Makhrami.

A look at the life and art of Jewad Selim — an Iraqi painter and sculptor who was considered one of the founders of modern art in Iraq. Image via The National News.

Our new series, Tsawwar, explores places, people and moments in time through the eyes of photographers and their photos. The second of this series is Jinane Ennasri, a Moroccan photographer.

Our new series, Tsawwar, explores places, people and moments in time through the eyes of photographers and their photos. The first of this series is Tanya Traboulsi, a Lebanese photographer.

This blog dives further into the lives and artwork of Amine El Bacha, Paul Guiragossian and Saloua Raouda Choucair. Three leading artists of Lebanon’s art world, they were the focus of a Moving Biographies podcast episode entitled “Curating an artist’s (and parent’s) biography” — which featured a conversation between Mahita El Bacha Urieta, Manuella Guiragossian and Hala Schoukair — daughters of each artist respectively.

Highlights from our conversation with Dr Ridha Moumni and Sultan Al-Qassemi about “Kawkaba: Highlights from the Barjeel Foundation” on all the best artists and art books that you’ll want to know about.