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Kutubna Cultural Center
The Development of An Art History in the UAE — Book Discussion
The Development of An Art History in the UAE — Book Discussion
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Date: Thursday, April 2, 2026
Time: 6: 30 pm
Registration fee: Free for members
25 AED for non-members
Join us for a discussion of this book that explores the evolution of art history in the UAE through the works of local artists, interviews, and first-hand accounts. It offers a unique perspective on how art practices in the region connect with global art historical discourses while challenging the notion that art must always be understood. Themes such as tradition versus modernity, local versus global, and the impact of technology and social media are also discussed, making it a timely and thought-provoking read.
This book club discussion will be led by Shatha Almutawa and Nora Qudah.
Nora Qudah is the curator of art exhibitions at Kutubna Cultural Center. She has organized a variety of exhibitions featuring the art of Emirati and international artists, including works of painting, photography, and digital art. An artist herself, she trained at the Jubilee School for Gifted Students and the Orfali Art Centre in Amman. Her work has been showcased in notable exhibitions such as “Message of Love I” and “Message of Love II” at Sinyar Gallery in Dubai, and at Galleries Lafayette Le Gourmet in Dubai. In addition to commissioned work, Nora has conducted workshops for both kids and adults in Dubai and Amman. She has a passion for introducing the public to Arab artists and art history.
Shatha Almutawa is a historian and the founder and director of Kutubna Cultural Center. She earned her PhD at the University of Chicago and for around a decade worked as a professor in the United States. She taught at American University and George Washington University in Washington, DC; Cornell College, Lake Forest College, and Willamette University, all in the United States. Her scholarly work has been published in the Journal of Arabic Literature, Studia Islamica, and other academic journals, and she has published book chapters in edited volumes and entries in encyclopedias. With Kutubna’s curator, she has organized nine art exhibitions including the works of notable artists such as Farid Aouad, Amine El Bacha, Saliba Douaihy, Farghali Abdel Hafez, Faek Hassan, Shaker Hassan, Emanuel Guiragossian, Saad El Khadem, Michel El Mir, Fateh Al Moudarres, Abdel Kader Al-Rassam, Georges Sabbagh, Najat Makki, Khaled Ben Slimane, and Ali Hassan.
The book has sold out at our bookshop, but we’ll be happy to order a copy for you—just email us at info@kutubna.ae or send us a WhatsApp message at +971 50 583 7714.
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