Until 27 November, the 12th edition of the annual Lasting Impressions exhibit celebrates the work of Iraqi-Kurdish artist Ismail Khayat.
In recent times, Sharjah has worked tirelessly towards fostering knowledge of and increasing awareness around the world of art.
To that effect, H.E Sheikh Salem bin Abdulrahman Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Sharjah Ruler’s Office, inaugurated the 12th edition of the annual Lasting Impressions exhibition. Also present were Aamad Abdulhameed, Iraqi Consul General, Manal Ataya, Director General of Sharjah Museums Authority (SMA), and the Artist’s wife Gaziza Omer and son Hayyas Khayat.
Starting this Wednesday, the series will feature the works of Iraqi—Kurdish renowned artist Ismail Khayat.
Starting 5 October all the way to 27 November at Sharjah Art Museum, the exhibition aims to foster knowledge and increase public awareness of art. On focus here are prominent Arab artists who contributed to and left a mark in the development of art in the Arab world.
According to Manal Ataya, Director General of SMA, the exhibition is in line with the Emirate of Sharjah’s mission and that of the Sharjah Museums Authority to introduce the public to the distinguished works of artists from the Arab region.
At the exhibition, you can peruse over 130 artworks by Khayat including A Sad Face, Thoughts of a Person, Birds and Woman in Khayat’s Perspective, and Kurdish People. The renowned artist uses a variety of techniques and mediums, including ink, watercolours, charcoal, coloured pencils, and oil colours on paper, wood, and fabrics.
Born in 1944 in Khanaqin, Kurdistan, Khayat is often touted as the ‘Picasso of Iraq’, ‘Stone Man’ and the ‘Grandfather of Kurdish Art’. He’s also widely considered one of the founders of the Kurdish art scene.
First launched in 2010, the previous editions of the Lasting Impressions exhibition featured works by numerous renowned artists including Baya Maheddine, Abdulqader Al Rais, Najat Mekky, George Bahgoury, Adam Henein, Noor Ali, Rashid, Thuraya Al Baqsami, Ismail Shammout and Tamam El Akhal and many others.
The exhibition aside, there are several workshops and interactive events scheduled to keep visitors, especially the young ones engaged and interested. On 8 October, there will also be a panel discussion moderated by Khayat’s son to introduce the audience (aged 18 and above) to Ismail Khayat’s life from 5-6 pm.
For further information and registration, visit community@sma.gov.ae
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