Remembering the 140th anniversary of Gibran’s birth (January 6th, 1883), this new initiative comes after the closing of a physical exhibition titled 'A Window to the Soul: Gibran Khalil Gibran' at HoW, which was inaugurated by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah. Over a four-month period, the physical exhibition attracted some 12,956 visitors to explore the literary and artistic experience of a globally prominent writer, whose works have been translated into over 110 languages.
The virtual exhibition celebrates the life and invaluable contributions of Gibran as a visual artist through a showcase of 34 of his original works of art, including 15 that are making their debut in public. The exhibition also includes manuscripts and sketches revealing the artist's ingenuity that is revered worldwide. Visitor who had no opportunity to visit the physical exhibition, as well as Gibran devotees, can now access a selection of his artworks online from any part of the world.
Marwa Al Aqroubi, Executive Director of HoW, said: "House of Wisdom is a meeting ground for all forms of creativity. His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah, established this iconic platform for cultures around the world to converge, and to serve as a beacon of knowledge and development for all humankind.”
She added: "The launch of this virtual exhibition is part of our ongoing quest to utilise the latest technologies to enable people around the world access valuable art and literary works. Virtual exhibitions transcend time and geographic boundaries, and this one offers the acclaimed writer’s worldwide fans an opportunity to gain a closer look at his personal belongings and artworks anywhere at their time of convenience."
The items on display include Gibran’s watercolour set and easel, and the galley proof and plate proof of his magnum opus, The Prophet, which has been in print since 1923 and translated into more than 100 languages. Gibran, a key figure in both Arabic and English literature, was 40 at the time of its publication, and had once said: “My entire life is all about The Prophet. Everything I have ever done before was only a prelude to this.”
The exhibition also features the original Arabic manuscripts of The Garden of the Prophet – the 1933 sequel to The Prophet; as well as several parts of the Spirits Rebellious, a cry for freedom of his beloved homeland, Lebanon, which is set forth in three lyrical parables. Visitors can access these works and many more through HoW’s website.
Last November, His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah24 allocated a five-year grant to restore the Gibran Khalil Gibran Museum in Bsharri, preserve its collections and art pieces and equip it with the latest display technology.
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