SMA discusses women’s representation in art history

During ‘Women’s Representation in Arts’ online conversation, held in celebration of the International Women’s Day, female experts spoke of a need to change the narrative when it comes to inclusion of female artists. 

“The assumption has always been it was a white male voice that is the art historian but there are now more women art-historians which will hopefully, help in revising the canon” said Nada Shabout, Professor of Art History, University of North Texas

She noted that Arabs or Non-Westerns were generally excluded from the canon.

“For example talking about the art of Egypt, it was seen as the roots of Western civilisation and only represented in a specific way,” Shabout added. 

Suheyla Takesh, Curator, Barjeel Art Foundation, said they are trying to push forward the process of increasing women’s representation in art. 

“It’s a slow process and we are trying to add a bit of acceleration to it but creating a more inclusive model, doesn’t happen along straight lines or singular channels,” she said. 

Despite being debated in the academic context, stumbling blocks still face the course of change. 

“Some things the intellectual discourse has left far behind, like including more women into museums’ collections something we have done in the Barjeel show at the Sharjah Art museum,” Takesh said. 

Hala Khayat, Regional Director, Art Dubai, believes the region’s market has been experimental with women work in the last 15 years.

“It took a few milestones for the perception in the Arab world to change but we are still in the experimental phase which pushes each foundation and platform to rewrite the art history that effects the market,” she said. 

Ms Khayat said women artists all over the world did not have their place in the history of art market until much later of like 150 - 200 years.
 
Organised on the sidelines of SMA’s ‘Lasting Impressions’ exhibition, featuring the late Algerian artist Baya Mahieddine, the discussion was moderated by international host and presenter Sally Mousa. 
 
Held at Sharjah Art Museum, Baya’s retrospective exhibition which features over 70 artworks, will run until July 31, 2021.