Art of the Middle East by Saeb Eigner, Foreword by Zaha Hadid

Review by Heba Assem

The Short 
An inclusive encyclopedia of Middle Eastern Modern Art, which highlighted the linkage between the history and artistic practice in the region.

The Long 

Saeb Eigner, British Museum’s Senior Advisor, harnesses his passion for arts in bridging the cultural divide in this book. He provides a remarkable panorama of 200+ featured artists in Iran, Lebanon, Palestine, Syria, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Bahrain, and Qatar in all kinds of arts. The Foreword done by Zaha Hadid, the famous British Iraqi architect, gives the book an authentic touch with the introduction written in Arabic. The book consists of seven chapters; Scared Scripture; Literature, Music and Performance; Politics, Conflict and War; History and Identity; Portraiture and the Body and Nature and the Land. It's a manifestation of how Islamic art is blended into international art.

To read or not to read? 

Of course, read! you would miss a lot if you don't read it. You will enjoy the easy and simple language and it will make you feel like you are having a tour across the Museums and art fairs of the Middle East. You don't have to be an expert in Arts to understand and relate this artistic intensive dose. You'd love to add it to your library.