In this heartfelt season finale of Hwar AlMadar, we're taken to Jeddah for the closing symposium of the Islamic Arts Biennale and are joined by curator Rizwan Ahmad and assistant curators Sarah Al Abdali and Dr Bilal Badat, who share their exceptional research on the Haramayn, exploring the artistic, historical, and spiritual significance of objects from the Muslim world. They delve into the process of curating these objects, the profound impact they have on viewers, and the diversity and sanctity associated with them. The episode also highlights the intricate Waqf tradition, the soulful journey of female representation in Islamic art, and their personal reflections on this monumental project. This emotional and insightful discussion offers a deeply spiritual lens through which to view the Islamic Arts Biennale and its lasting impact.
In this heartfelt season finale of Hwar AlMadar, we're taken to Jeddah for the closing symposium of the Islamic Arts Biennale and are joined by curator Rizwan Ahmad and assistant curators Sarah Al Abdali and Dr Bilal Badat, who share their exceptional research on the Haramayn, exploring the artistic, historical, and spiritual significance of objects from the Muslim world. They delve into the process of curating these objects, the profound impact they have on viewers, and the diversity and sanctity associated with them. The episode also highlights the intricate Waqf tradition, the soulful journey of female representation in Islamic art, and their personal reflections on this monumental project. This emotional and insightful discussion offers a deeply spiritual lens through which to view the Islamic Arts Biennale and its lasting impact.
00:00 Introduction
01:06 Meet the Curators
01:20 Understanding the Haramayn and their Significance
01:57 The Role of the Curators at the Biennale
02:40 Research Focus: Local Collections and Saudi Heritage
04:38 Diversity in Islamic Art Objects
11:19 The Waqf Tradition and Its Impact
17:11 Female Representation in Islamic Art
20:19 Debating the Definition of Islamic Art
25:04 Exploring Spirituality in Art
25:55 The Significance of Islamic Objects
28:20 Emotional Resonance and Responsibility
32:13 Personal Reflections and Inspirations
37:33 Unsolved Mysteries and Iconic Objects
42:48 Final Thoughts and Reflections
Rizwan Ahmad is a curator and researcher with over 15 years experience in cultural, historical, and archaeological projects in the Middle East. As Head of Research at Barker Langham, he leads a global team overseeing and ensuring the quality of research methodologies, processes, and outputs. He has worked with leading Gulf museums, including the Oman Across Ages Museum, the National Museum of Qatar, and the Al Shindagha Museum in Dubai, and was previously a curator at the British Museum. In 2023, he led the historic objects workstream for the inaugural Islamic Arts Biennale.
Connect with Rizwan Ahmad 👉 https://instagram.com/rizwan.safir
Sarah Al Abdali is an artist and curator that explores Arab culture and Islamic philosophy through painting, ceramics, and woodwork. A master's graduate of the Prince's School of Traditional Arts, she researches Hejazi material culture and exhibits internationally, including at the British Museum and Islamic Arts Biennale.
Connect with Sarah Al Abdali 👉 https://instagram.com/sarahalabdaliart
Dr. Bilal Badat is an archaeologist and art historian specializing in Islamic calligraphy. A senior researcher at Barker Langham, he has contributed to major Saudi cultural projects, including the Islamic Arts Biennale (2023). He earned his doctorate on pedagogy in Islamic calligraphy.
Connect with Bilal Badat 👉 https://uk.linkedin.com/in/bilal-badat-b71aab169
Hosted by Mikey Muhanna
Connect directly with Mikey Muhanna 👉 https://instagram.com/mikey_mu
Theme music: Peninsular, Tarek Yamani 🔊 https://spoti.fi/47I59ns