A Painting Looking Out at the World: Connecting with Arab Art through Poetry Writing

Date: Sunday, May 11
Time: 5:00 pm
Registration fee: 45 AED
Location: Kutubna Cultural Center

As part of the Women in Contemporary Arab Art exhibition, Kutubna Cultural Center presents a one-of-a-kind poetry writing workshop led by acclaimed Emirati poet and storyteller Shahd Thani. In this immersive experience, poetry and visual art intertwine to celebrate depictions of Arab women in art and poetry.

What to Expect:

This 2.5-hour journey invites participants to explore the exhibition and engage with the artworks in a new and deeply personal way. Through guided writing prompts and reflective exercises, attendees will write from the perspective of the women depicted in the paintings, uncovering stories of identity, lineage, and emotion.

Highlights:

- Engage in poetic storytelling inspired by artists such as Najat Makki and Salma Al Marri

- Explore themes of heritage, memory, and womanhood

- Reflect through creative prompts like:
“I am…”, “Women always…”, and “It was all a poetic scene”

About the Workshop Leader:

Shahd Thani is one of the UAE’s most compelling literary voices. A poet, mentor, and founding member of Untitled Chapters, she brings her signature warmth, depth, and cultural insight to every session that she leads. Her workshops transform writing into a sacred circle of stories and self-discovery.

Don’t miss this chance to experience art through a new lens and to give voice to stories waiting to be written.