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Art investment in the MENA region is evolving rapidly, blending cultural insight with strong market growth.

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ADAI champions artists from across the Middle East and North Africa

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ADAI works with artists across the Middle East and North Africa to ensure their work is seen, understood, and contextualized. Representation on ADAI means supporting artists through curated visibility, research, and digital presentation, connecting their work to audiences, exhibitions, and broader cultural conversations.

Artists featured on ADAI are not exclusively signed or commercially represented— instead, ADAI provides a platform to showcase your practice, highlight your perspective, and situate your work within the evolving landscape of MENA art.

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Representation is about visibility, context, and community - helping your art reach the right audiences while respecting your autonomy as an artist."

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Founders of Arab Modernism (1920–1940)

Often referred to as the era of Al-Ruwad (The Pioneers), this period marks the birth of modern Arab art. Many of these artists were sent on government-sponsored scholarships to study in European capitals like Paris and Rome. Upon returning home, they blended Western academic techniques (such as Impressionism and Realism) with local subjects, landscapes, and the emerging concept of national identity.

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National Movements & Abstract Innovation (1950–1970)

Following World War II, as Arab nations gained independence from colonial powers, artists sought to break away from European academicism to forge distinctly localized modernisms. This era saw the formation of major artist collectives, such as the Baghdad Group for Modern Art and the Contemporary Art Group in Cairo. Pan-Arabism, decolonization, and the revival of ancient heritage (like Pharaonic or Mesopotamian motifs) were massive drivers of this era.

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Figurative Expression & Political Engagement (1960–1980)

This period was heavily defined by regional political turmoil, most notably the 1967 Six-Day War (the Naksa or 'setback'), the Palestinian exodus, and the Lebanese Civil War. Art became a crucial tool for resistance, political commentary, and documenting human suffering. Existential angst and national trauma led to an emotionally charged, often somber, figurative expressionism.

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Hurufiyya & Abstraction with Cultural Identity (1960–1990)

The Hurufiyya (Letterism) movement is arguably the most significant and cohesive modernist movement to emerge from the Arab world. Artists deconstructed Arabic calligraphy, liberating the letters from their linguistic and religious functions to use them as purely abstract, rhythmic, and visual elements. This allowed them to engage with global abstract expressionism while remaining deeply rooted in Islamic and Arab heritage.

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Contemporary & Transnational Voices (1990–2020)

Driven by globalization, the diaspora experience, and new technologies, Arab art in this era expanded well beyond traditional painting and sculpture. It became heavily characterized by video, photography, installation, and performance art. Operating on a global stage, these artists tackle complex themes of post-colonialism, migration, memory, borders, and gender identity.

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Roula Chreim

Verifiedicon Verified

Lebanon / Lebanon

Mystique

2025 • Painting

Verifiedicon Includes Certificate of Authenticity

$4,800.00

VAT and other taxes are not reflected in the listed pricing.

Ships from Lebanon. Final quote & tracking provided after purchase. Duties/taxes may apply.

Under review

Roula Chreim

locationLebanon

download-artwork Export Artwork PDF

About the artwork

This surrealist painting captures an ethereal moment where nature, mystery, and fantasy converge. At its heart is a serene female figure in a flowing, icy blue gown seated gracefully on a checkered floor. Her face is adorned with a striking mask, hinting at hidden identities or concealed emotions. She is enveloped by a peacock’s vibrant feathers, symbolizing beauty, pride, and transformation. The surrounding forest blends into an otherworldly haze, its soft light contrasting with the bold, colorful blooms and lush greenery that frame the scene. The black & white checkered floor introduces an element of surreal duality, representing the tension between reality and imagination. The delicate roses and organic textures soften the structured environment, while the use of symbolism invites the viewer to explore themes of self-expression, hidden truths, and the harmony of nature and human existence.

Medium: Painting
Materials: Acrylic on Canvas
Style: N/A
Size: 100 x 100 x 3.00
Frame: Artwork not framed
Availability: Available
Classification: Original Edition
Series: Part of a Series
Signature: Signed
Previous sale: N/A

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