The courtyard of Sadu House came alive on Monday as Dar.Nur held its third annual exhibition. Artists from everywhere brought work that draws you in, makes you reflect, and sometimes makes you see things differently. Noor AlZabin, founder of Dar.Nur and curator of the exhibition, said, “The similarities between us internationally, rather than the differences, is what I want to celebrate.” For AlZabin, the contrast between contemporary art and the historic setting is intentional.
“It’s nice to have something modern in a very old house. Courtyards in traditional architecture were meeting point, where everyone gathered. I wanted this exhibition to be a space for different voices and perspectives, for people to socialize or even spend time alone, connecting with something they don’t see every day,” she said. “It’s the joy of art, it makes me happy to see people expressing themselves freely, just as the artists do.”
This year’s exhibition which is expected to last from Monday to Wednesday, introduced several firsts. Egyptian calligrapher Mariem Abutaleb presents her work in Kuwait for the first time, while Kuwaiti multidisciplinary artist Rania Abulhassan showcases a table of commissioned family portraits that balance abstraction with personal meaning.
Kuwait-born Palestinian visual storyteller Laura Boushnak contributes six thought-provoking images, and British composer, artist, and filmmaker William Kingswood uses photography and ceiling wax to convey his anger and dismay over the ongoing genocide in Palestine, delivering a stark political and humanitarian message. Kuwaiti artist Amira Behbehani works live in the space, drawing and completing her painting before visitors’ eyes, offering a rare glimpse into the creative process. Stockholm- and London-based artist Martin Gustavsson also contributes, while Ghadah Al-Kandari presents her Eve-character-focused works for the third year.
For AlZabin, the diversity of art in the exhibition is what makes it stand out. “I don’t expect everyone to love everything,” she said, “It’s about bringing together different mediums, ideas, and voices, encouraging people to look, reflect, and connect, not just with art, but with each other.” According to her, the exhibition is “a snapshot of a much bigger world that we also share online,” where people can both experience the art and take it home.
