Female Qatari Artists on Focus at Menart Fair in Paris
Wusum Gallery is to showcase three Qatari female artists, Suad AlSalem, Amna AlBaker, and Zainab AlShibani at the 5th edition of Menart Fair in Paris.
Wusum Gallery has announced its participation in the 5th edition of Menart Fair, taking place from September 20 to 23, 2024 in the vibrant Marais district of Paris.
Menart Fair, an international platform for modern and contemporary art founded by Laure d’Hauteville in 2021 that is dedicated to highlighting artists from the Levant, the Arabian Gulf, and North Africa. This year, the fair will exclusively focus on the women’s art scene in the MENA region, celebrating the contributions of female artists who have shaped and continue to influence the cultural landscape.
Wusum Gallery’s exhibition, located at Booth A7, will feature an intergenerational display of works by three remarkable Qatari female artists: Suad AlSalem, Amna AlBaker, and Zainab AlShibani. The gallery’s participation underscores the rich historical depth and diverse voices within Qatar’s art scene. By juxtaposing the works of established and early-career artists, the display draws parallels between the historical presentation and contemporary approaches.
Artwork of Saud Alsalem.
Suad AlSalem, one of the three artists whose work will be exhibited is a pioneering figure in Qatar’s art scene, whose multifaceted practice spans painting, printmaking, and sculpture. Her work, deeply rooted in local heritage and narratives, explores the human condition and the complexities of the psyche. AlSalem’s evolving style reflects her journey from Sufi abstraction to realism, culminating in her embrace of abstract expressionism. Her work often weaves together narratives inspired by her extensive travels and literary influences, creating an oeuvre of cultural resonance.
Amna Al Baker’s artwork.
Amna AlBaker, another artist whose work is travelling to Menart is a self-taught multidisciplinary artis. AlBaker’s work delves into the dualities of the seen and unseen, the self and society. Her experimental process, which includes photography, visual research, and writing, gives rise to whimsical and quirky depictions of women and nature. AlBaker’s art navigates the internal wilderness experienced by women in the Arab world, portraying the tension between personal histories and collective experiences.
Zainab AlShibani’s work.
Zainab AlShibani is a graphic designer and lettering artist, who explores mysticism and folklore through Arabic letter forms and illustrations. Her dream-like creations address themes of life, time, gender, and language. A graduate of VCUarts Qatar, AlShibani’s work has been recognised with multiple awards, including an artist residency at ISCP in New York. Her unique blend of graphic design and traditional art forms offers a fresh perspective on contemporary Qatari art.
