Sharjah: “The Gulf”

The emirate’s first retrospective exhibition of the late Lebanese artist Aref Al Rayes, jointly organized by the Sharjah Museums Authority and the Sharjah Art Foundation at the Sharjah Art Museum from February 26 to August 7, showcases the artist’s many artistic styles. Gained through his rich experiences around the world, especially in America, Europe and West Africa.

There were more than 90 works of art and 13 sculptures in the exhibition, which took the visitors to a kind of aesthetic pleasure. and his rich oeuvre spanning more than half a century, his contributions to sculpture and painting and his unique and remarkable use of abstract colors and designs.

The exhibition was visited by more than 12,000 visitors, including artistic, official and legal dignitaries and a large number of amateurs, talents, pioneers and creative young people who wanted to see his works arranged in chronological order. Themes, lots of colors, intricate art installations and unique styles in designing his sculptures.

Special feature

The Authority’s Director General Manal Ataya affirmed that the exhibition takes on a special dimension as it boasts the name of one of the creative artists, Aref Al-Rayes. Over the years, such special exhibitions have played an important role in moving the conscience, enlightening the mind and deepening the artistic culture, which has determined to advance local and focused quality exhibitions for artists from all over the world. Arab artists enriched the creative scene with their works.

He added that the Authority is proud of the achievement of the exhibition, expressing its deep gratitude to the Sharjah Art Foundation for its continued support. Explains the purpose of the authority to coordinate joint cooperation with relevant institutions locally, regionally and globally, to highlight the value of culture in its various orientations and fields, and to appreciate the works of local and Arab artists. To support the emirate’s leading arts and culture movement and preserve the richness of the best reserves through Sharjah’s various events, exhibitions and activities.

The exhibition was inaugurated by Sheikha Hur Al Qasimi, Chairman of Sharjah Art Foundation and Manal Attaya, Director General of Sharjah Museums Authority in the presence of Sheikha Hind Bint Majid Al Qasimi, Chairman of Sharjah Business Women Council. Bint Ahmad Al Qasimi, director of the Sharjah Art Foundation and daughter of the artist, Hala Al Rayes, who died.