For its 6th edition, the “Konooz” art platform is gracing London with a collection of fine art from the Middle East, bringing the essence of art appreciation from historic London. This year’s “Konooz” exhibition is not just an ordinary art show; it is an epic celebration of creativity, uniting talented Arab artists with royal patronage and a dedication to women empowerment.
About Konooz
Renown to be the first auction platform for art by Arab artist, this year, “Konooz” has attracted the sponsorship and support of many business tycoons such as the Berkeley Group UK, the Arab Entrepreneurs Board in London, Mouawad Jewellery, and the Arab British Chamber of Commerce, to name a few.
The event taking place on June 22nd, 2024 will be hosted at London’s iconic exhibition hub, The Saatchi Gallery. This shows the dedication of Konooz to the participating artists in securing the perfect place to showcase their talent and creativity. After all, who doesn’t want the Saatchi to be added to their CV, the same place where Chanel and Tiffany & Co exhibited the house’s life works.
The event is directed by Mrs. Zainab Al-Farhan Al-Imam, the owner of the Women’s Growth & Success Foundation (WGSF), the first Arab woman to set up an Arab fine art auction at an international level, and the genius behind the inspiring artist list.
Royal Support and Artistic Excellence
Konooz does not only highlight the creativity of Arab artists but also showcases the support of royal patronage in spreading Arab art and supporting its artists, especially women. The presence of royal figures underscores the importance of arts in enhancing cultural heritage and promoting unique talents from the Arab world.
This year, the event is under the gracious patronage of His Highness Prince Faisal bin Sultan bin Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. A painter and a poet from a young age, Prince Faisal will be exhibiting few of his paintings, and attending in person to support other artists from Saudi Arabia and the Arab world. A pioneer is empowering female Saudi artists and encouraging them to showcase their talented artwork to be recognized globally, Prince Faisal’s patronage and support is critical to the event as his presence raises awareness of the importance of art in the Arab world, the role and appreciation of women in the art scene, and the investment in the future of art and artists.
With a focus on empowering Arab women in Art, many princesses from the GCC region have contributed their paintings for exhibition and auction to raise money for their charities. The exhibition will showcase the talents of distinguished Arab female artists, such as Latifa bint Issa, Afra Talal Al-Saeed, Sara Fareed Al-Olayqi, Dr. Aisha Gaddafi, Nada Al-Barazi, Wedad AlKaabi, Hanouf Al-Munifi, Mona Mohibi, Anissa Berkane, Dalia Ali, Nada Al Barazi, Zaineb Al-Jawari, and Yasmine Sharawe alongside talented male artists such as Jad Zeitouni, Raid Houby, Mukhlid Al-Mukhtar, Bassim Mahdi, and Sakko, who is also exhibiting at the prestigious Royal Academy of Arts Summer Exhibition this year. Furthermore, the collection includes a glass sculpture of an ancient and rare map of London before the great fire, by artist Lujain Dawood Razouki.
The list promises inspiration, creativity and innovation. With artists from 12 countries and diverse backgrounds, we will see a range of emotions, expressions, and techniques. Influence of architecture, interior design, religion, identity, and ideology will be reflected in the arts. For a preview on some of the participating paintings, please refer to the end of the article.
Also featured on the royal art theme, the event will include the exhibition of a rare hand-signed lithograph of His Majesty King Charles III of the Asir mountains in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. HM King Charles III painted the mountain peaks on his visit to The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in 1999, and produced the rare lithographs whom he signed by hand to raise money for his charity. The last of these lithographs owned by Dr. Asma Ounnas under the auspices of the Arab Entrepreneurs Board in London will be exhibited in Konooz to celebrate 25 years of the painting and the strong ties of art and patronage between the two kingdoms: the UK and KSA.
Art and Social Responsibility
Further to its artistic value, Konooz transcends the mere display of art, transforming into a profound charitable platform that forges an intimate connection between art and humanity. This exhibition is not only a celebration of creativity but also a testament to the power of art to inspire compassion and solidarity. Through its auction, a significant portion of the proceeds is dedicated to charitable causes, embodying the social responsibility that lies at the heart of Konooz. This initiative provides both artists and collectors a meaningful way to contribute to positive change, ensuring that their passion for art extends beyond aesthetics to touch lives and uplift communities.
Moreover, Konooz establishes a unique platform where art enriches life not solely through its beauty and innovation but also through its capacity to support and elevate those in need. In this space, art becomes a vessel for emotional expression, fostering a sense of community and shared purpose. It bridges the gap between the artist’s inner world and the broader social fabric, highlighting how creativity can be a force for empathy, connection, and humanitarian impact. Through Konooz, art transcends its traditional boundaries, becoming a universal language of hope and transformation.
Reviving Art and Embracing Diversity
It is wonderful to witness the revival of art and the enthusiasm of the new generation bringing about significant changes, not only in how we live but also in how art is created and appreciated.
“As we observe the remarkable progress in the Arab world across economics, technology, innovation, tourism and more, it becomes evident that art, a cornerstone of civilisational advancement, is equally flourishing. The growing appreciation for art reflects the evolving state of the region’s society and culture. This artistic renaissance complements the revolutionary visions emerging throughout the region, for art is an indicator to the advancement of civilisations. ” says Asma Ounnas, PhD.
Though the Arab world is always thought of as a bundle, the inner cultures that make up the region are as diverse as could be. “Konooz” is considered a professional, safe, and essential platform for artists to feel secure and respected, allowing them to present their works with confidence. By bringing together artists from diverse backgrounds and cultures, it creates a dynamic and inclusive space that celebrates artistic excellence as well as human diversity in emotions, identity, and experience.
“Konooz” provides a platform for artists to enrich life with their art, contributes to discovering new talents, encourages innovation, promotes cultural diversity and social responsibility, enforces expression of identity, and showcases the boundless nature of creativity, for art is a universal language that unites nations, and a vital cultural catalyst for fostering social harmony.
