ArtDayME: Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, inaugurated the "Roots and Modernity: A Celebration of Contemporary Mediterranean Arab Art" exhibition on Wednesday evening. The event is organised by Sharjah Museums Authority (SMA) in collaboration with the Jordan National Gallery of Fine Arts at the Sharjah Art Museum.

Dr. Sheikh toured the exhibition, which runs until 24th November, viewing 80 featured masterpieces by prominent contemporary Arab artists from the permanent collection of the Jordan National Gallery of Fine Arts. His Highness listened to detailed explanations of the most significant works, which connect traditional influences with modern artistic techniques used by contemporary Arab artists from the southern and eastern Mediterranean, including North Africa, Egypt, and the Levant.

During his tour, the Ruler of Sharjah viewed various artworks, including vibrant watercolours, intricate etchings, and expressive bronze sculptures. Noteworthy pieces such as Feast in the Desert by Jordanian artist Fahrelnissa Zeid and Mother Palestine by Palestinian artist Sliman Mansour offered deep insights into the cultural, social, and political narratives that have shaped the region.

Concluding the tour, Dr. Sheikh exchanged gifts and publications with Princess Wijdan Al Hashemi, President of the Jordan National Gallery of Fine Arts.

The Jordan National Gallery of Fine Arts is one of the region’s most esteemed cultural institutions, boasting an extensive collection of over 3,000 works from various parts of the world, providing a platform for the global recognition of artists.

The opening was attended by several dignitaries, including Sheikh Fahim bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Head of the Department of Government Relations in Sharjah; Sheikh Salem bin Khalid Al Qasimi, UAE Minister of Culture and Youth; Princess Wijdan Al Hashemi, President of the Jordan National Gallery of Fine Arts; Princess Rajwa Bint Ali, Vice President of the Jordan National Gallery of Fine Arts; and Sheikha Nawar bint Ahmed Al Qasimi, Director of the Sharjah Art Foundation, along with senior officials and directors of governmental bodies.