The Retrospective by Saloua Raouda Choucair

Saloua Raouda Choucair: The Retrospective features the artist’s major artwork that was produced over the span of seven rich decades. The show includes pieces that have never been seen before—making it the most comprehensive collection of the artist’s work to be displayed in one space. Saloua Raouda Choucair has been described as “a rare bird, hovering above the flock,” a trail blazer whose unique approach has always set her ahead of current trends and fashions. However, the scarcity of her public shows over the decades did not help give her work the exposure and value it deserves beyond a small circle of faithful admirers. Those admirers will have their faith re-affirmed by the richness of the collection featured at Saloua Raouda Choucair: The Retrospective, and new generations will be introduced to artwork that seems to be timeless. All will be awed by the artist’s boundless talents, energy and imagination that are internationally recognized.

The show covers the full spectrum of phases that Saloua Raouda Choucair has gone through during her artistic career. Some pieces on display, such as Poems and Infinite Structures, demonstrate her deep grasp of the meaning and exquisiteness of Islamic art, and her capacity to skillfully adapt that art to our modern times. Functional objects, such as rugs, jewelry and furniture, underscore her conviction that art should be part of our everyday life—an object to be interacted with, not just admired. The wide variety of materials she’s experimented with attests to her versatility and ingenuity. The show is a rare opportunity for art lovers of all ages to delve into the boundless creativity of Saloua Raouda Choucair and to better appreciate her distinction as the pioneer abstract artist of the Arab world.

Special Formula:Closing reception from 6:00 to 8:00 pm, Friday, 11 November, 2011.