Vogue Arabia's Meet 4 Female Artists Who Pioneered the Gulf Art Scene

In the second half of the 20th century, during a time of nation-building when cultural infrastructure was limited, the Gulf region was home to a small yet dedicated community of female visual artists. Through their art, they documented their architectural surroundings, local customs, social and women’s issues, as well as political events that shaped the region.

Even though they were artistically active, from the 1970s and 1980s onwards, a lot of their stories have been overlooked. But over recent years, things have changed, thanks to the rise of social media, art exhibitions and publications that are paying tribute to their notable creative output. This has allowed for their art to be once again appreciated by the current young generation of Arab art enthusiasts.

 

In honour of Women’s History Month, we look back on the trajectories of four artists from Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates – from women of firsts to those who were engaged in political activism.