Drawing a fine line over modern art

Sharjah: The British Council and Sharjah Art Museum hosted a public debate on contemporary cultural issues as part of "Lure of the East: British Orientalist Painting 1830-1925 exhibition", organised by Tate Britain in partnership with the Pera Museum Istanbul, Sharjah Art Museum and the British Council.

The debate on 'Orientalism Revisited' was an attempt at "representing Arab cultures through western eyes and western cultures through Arab eyes."

The debate served as an opportunity to discuss about the shared history, including areas of bonding as well as conflicts covering all cultural aspects of the relations between the West and the Middle East.

It also provided a platform for interactive intercultural dialogue by opening up a field of thought from anyone interested in the interconnections between art, identity, and representation in the Arab World, tracing as far back from the nineteenth century to the present.

Manal Ataya, Director General, Sharjah Museums Department, said: "We have launched several exhibitions and cultural initiatives that have been appreciated regionally and internationally. The debate is aimed at further strengthening public participation and discussing issues that are central to art and life."

For more information visit www.sharjahmuseums.ae