A longstanding love for the golden age of Egyptian cinema not only provides inspiration for the internationally acclaimed visual artist Youssef Nabil, but is also intrinsically linked to the themes he explores in his work, which range from transience and identity to exile and belonging. In this interview, he tells Artscoops about how the movies...

The painter and art film creator Rana Bulbul explains how art enables her to explore her questions creatively and express herself without limitations.Rana Bulbul with one of her paintingsYou are self-taught. Did you study or work in a different field initially and if so, how did you make the transition into art?Yes, I studied graphic design and...

Spanish-Latin American theme and ‘soft power’ message to the fore at 2024 art fairThe opportunity to view works by an impressive lineup of artists in a city steeped in history and on the water’s edge has helped elevate Contemporary Istanbul (CI) to the status of ‘must attend’ event among many art lovers worldwide. This winning combination,...

From serene sunsets to scenic seascapes, the Lebanese multidisciplinary artist Nabil Ghandour weaves a tapestry of glorious colour into his ethereal, dreamlike paintings.Nabil at work in his studioWatching a sunset from a vantage point on a beach or hillside is one of those pastimes that many of us never tire of, whether it’s planned as part of...

The themes that Wissam Al Shaabi explores in his art run the gamut from human cruelty to nature’s beauty, reflecting the rollercoaster of highs and lows, and hope and despair that life so often brings.The human condition is undoubtedly a source of inspiration for many contemporary visual artists, but exploring its numerous facets can be...

In her current solo exhibition, the artist Magali Katra digs deep into the topical issue of AI and considers how we can embrace this exciting phenomenon without losing our authenticity or creativity. Magali KatraArtificial Intelligence (AI) has rarely been out of the news in recent months, so taking this topical issue as the starting point...

Timing, it is often said, is everything. Fortunately, Jennifer Haddad, the artist and award-winning casting director and producer for film and television, knew when the moment felt right to embrace a new medium in her passion for sharing untold stories.Jennifer at workProfessional dilemmas come in all shapes and sizes, as the Beirut-based artist...

Dr Hussam Rashwan, a well-known collector and recognised authority on modern Egyptian art, takes Artscoops on a fascinating trip down memory lane, starting back in 1970s’ Alexandria, when he first discovered the local art scene, before bringing us up to date with details of how he presents his impressive 2,000-piece collection today.Dr Hussam...

Firouz Farman-Farmaian talks to Artscoops about his latest collaborative project with Qashqai Iranian rug crafters, which marks a full circle moment on what has been an epic geographical and professional journey. Portrait of Firouz Farmaian by Antalya Von PreussenSince a sense of nomadism has long sat at the heart of the life and work of...