Misk Art Institute presents Manal AlDowayan and Hassan Sharif

Each volume includes a selection of the artist’s seminal works accompanied by written contributions from local and international art critics and curators. This new volume on Manal AlDowayan provides an intimate exploration of her participatory approach to art, which addresses the crucial topic of genderspecific, socio-political obstacles and narratives in Saudi Arabia. Hassan Sharif’s book examines the concept of weaving throughout his oeuvre, which became as much a conceptual approach as it was a performative action.

Exploring the ancient tombs of Hegra, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is now possible wherever you are in the world, thanks to an innovative initiative. Hegra has opened its doors to virtual visitors in the metaverse through a collaboration with Decentraland, a virtual world platform that allows users to create and explore digital content. Visitors can now immerse themselves in the rich history and cultural heritage of Hegra, with an unprecedented level of accessibility to sites that are currently inaccessible to physical visitors and that would otherwise be difficult or impossible to access. The virtual tour offers an immersive and interactive experience, taking online visitors deep into the site and offering a deep understanding of its significance in the process. The initiative not only provides a unique opportunity for visitors but represents a significant step forward and the opening of new, exciting possibilities for heritage preservation and education.

The first solo shows in Saudi Arabia for Saudi artist Manal AlDowayan and the late Emirati artist Hassan Sharif are currently on view courtesy of the Misk Art Institute as part of its The Art Library Exhibitions. The event takes place to accompany the launch of Volumes nine and ten from the ‘The Art Library: Discovering Arab Artists’ series, which showcases the work of these artists. In addition, a regional book preview was held on March 3 at Art Dubai, paying homage to Sharif’s origins in the United Arab Emirates and the place where AlDowayan began her career and which is home to her studio.

Misk Art Institute’s The Art Library: Discovering Arab Artists is a groundbreaking project dedicated to highlighting some of the most prominent and influential modern and contemporary Arab artists with a special focus on Saudi artists. Produced in collaboration with Rizzoli International Publications and with the Deputy for Cultural Assets & Centres and former director general of the Institut du Monde Arabe in Paris, Mona Khazindar, as the publication’s editor, the initiative aims to be an accessible and compelling resource that offers readers a comprehensive panorama