Arab International Academy (AIA) organized its third annual art exhibition on Tuesday the 14th of May, 2019; the show was fashioned in the spirit of a Ramadan evening; this year’s exhibition was presented in a new light , from its inception to every last detail of planning and execution. Over the three preceding weeks, the Academy’s art departments (visual arts, drama & music) worked diligently to prepare the venue’s attractions which were met with the attendees’ wonderment and appreciation. Teachers and students purposefully designed the exhibition after the bustling Arab city streets and avenues, the motif was intended to take the visitors on a journey filled with profound memories of our cities’ arts and culture.
Ushered by the Musah’arati (the Suhoor drummer), the crowd reminisced while observing the arts and culture of Baghdad, Cairo, Tunis, Damascus, Amman, and Jerusalem, in every corner, each city’s illustrations of arts and culture showcased their broad resemblance as well as their intricate uniqueness. Each group of students in each city celebrated the Musah’arati and his guests through displays of art, music or crafts made famous by the past street life of their respective portrayals. Arriving at the Nowfarah quarter through Baghdad street, the H’akawati (raconteur) recounted the tales of Shahryar and Scheherazade, at the old downtown square the Academy’s chorus sang chosen psalms from al Muwashshaht al Andalusia.
After passing through Habib Bourguiba and Mutanabi streets, the crowds enjoyed a theatric scene from Bazaar al-Khan enacted by our students in Cairo’s Khan al Khalili souk, in Salah al-Din Street, the students performed a Palestinian Dabke (folk line and tap dance). The crowds moved to the streets of Omar al-Khayyam and Mu’az, and then to al-Qasabah theatre to watch a scene from the puppet show of Karkouz & E’iwath. On their way back, the crowds gleefully examined students’ artworks, which were scattered on the pavements and corners, having returned downtown, the visitors listened to students’ recitals of classical Arabic poetry. Towards the end of the tour, once again passing Omar al-Khayyam to arrive at al Naqasheen quarter and Matba’it H’alab where famous works of tapestry, embroidery, and Khalili mosaic crafts were on display.
After the exhibition concluded, parents, students, and faculty gathered to enjoy traditional Ramadan confectionery in the exhibition’s depiction of the great city of Doha, where parents and teachers proudly reflected on students’ creativity and perseverance that has successfully portrayed Arab arts and culture and helped in preserving our identity and heritage.
