Celebrating Contemporary Arab Art: The Shortlist for the Ithra Art Prize 2026
In a landmark announcement, the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture, commonly known as Ithra, has unveiled the five shortlisted artists for the seventh edition of the Ithra Art Prize. This prestigious award stands as a beacon of support for contemporary art emanating from the Arab world, fostering artistic innovation and dialogue across cultures. The shortlisted artists represent a mosaic of experiences, techniques, and perspectives, lauded for their critical inquiry and experimental approach to art.
The chosen finalists for the 2026 Ithra Art Prize include Aseel AlYaqoub from Kuwait, Bady Dalloul from Syria, Heba Y. Amin from Egypt, Ala Younis from Jordan, and Jawad Al Malhi from Palestine. Each of these artists brings a distinct voice and vision, encapsulating the rich diversity of contemporary Arab art.
Profiles of the Shortlisted Artists
Aseel AlYaqoub is known for her provocative works that often explore themes of identity and belonging. Her artistic practice, which melds various mediums, prompts viewers to reflect on the complexities of navigating cultural intersections.
Bady Dalloul’s art draws upon his multifaceted upbringing and experiences across different cultures. His works often tackle issues of migration, displacement, and the search for home, resonating deeply with contemporary global narratives.
Heba Y. Amin, who hails from Egypt, is celebrated for her multimedia installations that fuse technology and art. Her work frequently interrogates the relationship between history and the digital age, challenging viewers to reconsider how we engage with the past in a hyperconnected world.
Ala Younis engages with historical narratives and their implications in contemporary society. Her art often serves as a cultural commentary, examining themes of feminism, politics, and the power structures underlying historical narratives.
Jawad Al Malhi, a prominent figure in Palestinian contemporary art, uses visual storytelling to convey the profound experiences of his homeland. His works invite contemplation around themes of resistance, identity, and cultural heritage.
Production Grants and Exhibition Highlights
In a notable shift, all five shortlisted artists will receive production grants to support their artistic endeavors. This initiative underscores Ithra’s commitment to fostering artistic development and ensuring that these talented individuals are equipped to bring their visions to life. The culmination of this process will be showcased in a dedicated exhibition at Ithra in Dhahran in the spring of 2026. This exhibition marks a significant milestone as the Ithra Art Prize returns to its roots after having toured various prominent cities, including Dubai, AlUla, and Riyadh, thereby allowing these vital works to reach broader audiences.
The selection of these five artists is the result of careful consideration by an international jury, who reviewed over 500 submissions. This significant number reflects the growing interest and investment in contemporary Arab art and underscores Ithra’s role in cultivating innovation in the artistic community.
By recognizing and supporting creative talent from across the Arab world, Ithra is not merely awarding an art prize; it is also catalyzing meaningful conversations around culture and identity. The shortlisted artists epitomize the rich tapestry of artistic expressions flourishing in the region, contributing to a broader dialogue that transcends geographical and cultural boundaries.
As the global art scene continues to evolve, the Ithra Art Prize emerges as a vital platform, highlighting the importance of integrating diverse narratives within contemporary art discourse. This initiative not only elevates individual artists but also transforms how the Arab artistic community is perceived and appreciated on the global stage.
Through its concerted efforts, Ithra asserts itself as a pivotal institution in the promotion and preservation of contemporary Arab art, thereby fostering a sense of cultural pride and awareness both locally and internationally. The upcoming exhibition in Dhahran is poised to be a significant event that showcases the richness and complexity inherent in Arab artistic expression.
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