The exhibition "Khaleej Modern: Pioneers and Collectives in the Arabian Peninsula" offers a transformative view of contemporary art in the Arabian Gulf, challenging the traditional narrative that links the emergence of modern art solely to Western influence. Hosted by The NYU Abu Dhabi Art Gallery, this groundbreaking exhibition explores the development of modern art in the Gulf region from the early 20th century, featuring 57 works sourced from across the area. Curated by Aisha Stoby, who previously led the inaugural Oman Pavilion at the Venice Biennale, the exhibition was realized under the guidance of NYUAD Chief Curator Maya Allison.

Covering a timeline from the early 20th century to the early 21st century, the exhibition includes works from Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, collectively known as the Khaleej. Through extensive collaboration with 21 galleries, personal estates, and museums, the curatorial team, including Assistant Curator Tala Nassar, presents a unified narrative of the artists from these six Gulf nations.

The curatorial team's research delved into themes of identity, colonial definitions of modern art, and the role of art in an emerging region. Their efforts culminated in a powerful statement on the region's art history and the pivotal role of artists in establishing a movement that has been largely overlooked by academia.

Origins and Curatorial Vision

The origins of Khaleej Modern can be traced back to Stoby's doctoral research at SOAS, where she studied modern art movements in the Gulf. "It began as a research project born from frustration," Stoby explained, "I felt the Gulf was marginalized within regional art histories, and I wanted to contribute not just an archive but scholarship to this field."

Invited by Allison to transform her research into an exhibition, Stoby's work was structured around several key pillars. These include defining and connecting themes across the GCC, documenting the contributions of artistic "pioneers," and highlighting the creative infrastructure built by artists, mentors, and gallerists.

Exhibition Themes and Challenges

The exhibition also emphasizes different art communities within the GCC, organizing works by geographic regions to create a chronological and regional narrative. Additionally, it explores the ongoing dialogue between tradition and modernity.

Stoby faced challenges in assembling the exhibition, not due to a lack of material but rather its dispersal. "There are several important books that are out of print, and some artists and estates were difficult to contact," she noted. Despite these hurdles, the collaboration with NYUAD made it possible to represent many early pioneers.

The gallery showcases art from as early as the 1940s, a period of rapid development in the region. It includes the oldest work from the Bahrain National Museum, a painting by Bahraini artist Ahmed Al Sunni from 1960.

Recontextualizing Gulf Art

Through regional loans, the exhibition contextualizes the significance of the art movement and addresses misconceptions about the modern Gulf identity. According to Allison, the myth that art was absent from the Gulf stems from a lack of visibility and scholarly attention. Khaleej Modern offers a comprehensive view of Gulf modern art, potentially the first of its kind.

"This show is the first step in retracing the invisible art movements we've lost track of," Allison remarked. "The lack of study is a circular phenomenon linked to colonialism."

Breaking the Cycle of Neglect

The misconception that art history and heritage research are separate paths has contributed to the neglect of Gulf art scholarship. Khaleej Modern challenges this by highlighting the continuous dialogue between artists and their heritage.

"Addressing the colonialism of modern art history and the neglect of Gulf scholarship requires contribution, dialogue, and material production," Allison emphasized.

Khaleej Modern: Pioneers and Collectives in the Arabian Peninsula opens with this mission, aiming to extend the conversation well beyond its closing day.