The twentieth century was a significant era in Arab history, marked by consequential events of decolonisation, nation-building, and forming new identities. It was also a time when culture was flourishing in key cities, such as Cairo, Beirut and Baghdad. In particular, the local art scenes across the region birthed trailblazing female artists, who were active and innovative, but many of whom have been obscured and written out of history books.
Hailing from the Gulf and Levant regions, here are five notable female modernists you should know about.
Nahil Bishara (1919 – 1997)
Born in Ramallah, the Palestinian artist Nahil Bishara was ahead of her time. She lived energetically, taking on the art of painting, embroidery, and furniture design, while raising a family and pursuing her art studies at home and abroad. A witness of the 1948 Nakba, leading to Israeli occupation, Bishara was the first Palestinian to be enrolled as a student at the Jewish art institution, Belazel School of Arts and Crafts in Jerusalem. She painted classical landscapes of her beloved homeland and crafted chandeliers and tables with locally sourced material. Ultimately, her dexterous work revolved around the important idea of protecting and championing Palestinian culture and heritage.
