Sharjah: The Secretariat of the Sharjah Award for Artistic Criticism Research has approved the theme for its 17th cycle: 'Architecture in Arab Visual Arts: Homes and Approaches'. The award is held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah.
According to Emirates News Agency, Mohammed Ibrahim Al Qusair, Director of Cultural Affairs at the Department of Culture and Secretary-General of the award, emphasized the ongoing support of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi for critical research in visual arts. This support has played a crucial role in consolidating Arab visual culture and elevating the role of art criticism as an active partner in developing the visual arts experience.
Al Qusair highlighted that the launch of a new cycle reflects the ruler's cultural vision, focusing on critical research and opening new horizons for scholars to explore aesthetic and intellectual transformations in Arab visual arts. The award has established a significant position in the Arab cultural sphere through documentation, publishing, and dissemination of winning research, creating a qualitative accumulation of criticism that serves as a reference for scholars and enthusiasts.
He further mentioned that the theme 'Architecture in Arab Visual Arts: Homes and Approaches' is chosen to reflect the award's awareness of the deep connection between visual arts and architectural space, an important source in the Arab visual arts experience. The theme encourages critical approaches that examine architecture in artworks as a cultural bearer, allowing for analytical readings that reveal shifts in artistic vision and expression in contemporary Arab visual arts.
The Sharjah Award for Artistic Criticism Research remains unique in the Arab world, being the only award that tackles vital artistic topics and highlights the efforts of Arab writers, critics, and academics. While previous editions focused on innovation in visual language, the award has continually adapted to developments in the fine arts.