In line with the celebration of Sharjah as Capital of Islamic culture 2014 Barjeel Art Foundation Hosts Tariqah Exhibition

The exhibition coincides with the celebration of Sharjah as Capital of Islamic culture 2014, with pieces on display referencing the ‘pathway’ of translating ephemeral ideas into material forms through art-making.

Sultan Saud Al Qassimi remarked: "On the occasion of Sharjah’s selection as the Islamic Culture Capital of the Arab Region 2014, we are pleased and proud to present contemporary Arab artworks inspired by the spirit of Islamic art traditions."

Jamil Hamoudi / Ezkor Rabbak Eza Nasayt, 1985 / Courtesy of the Artist and Barjeel Art Foundation

The curator of the exhibition added: "The exhibition showcases artworks of artists whose journeys of invention concentrate on the different ways of viewing and referencing Islamic tradition. Each artist featured in this exhibition brings his/her own influences to pieces that are contemplative and constructive."

Omar El Nagdi / Untitled, 1970 / Courtesy of the Artist and Barjeel Art Foundation

The word Tariqah in Arabic translates into English as a pathway or route. In addition to its more literal reference as a physical path leading to a destination, tarīqah can also be used to describe a method to achieve a particular result. In this way, the term encompasses both the path and the process involved in reaching a destination or outcome. References to tariqah often appear in Islamic tradition to describe an individual's inner spiritual journey attained through the performance of certain practices.

Shakir Hassan Al-Said / Al Jala Aidun, 1983 / Courtesy of the Artist and Barjeel Art Foundation

Barjeel Art Foundation established to manage, preserve and exhibit the personal art collection of Sultan Saud Al Qassimi. The foundation’s guiding principle is to contribute to the intellectual development of the art scene in the Arab region by building a prominent, publicly accessible art collection in the UAE. The foundation also aims to develop a public platform to foster critical dialogue around contemporary art practices with a focus on artists with Arab heritage internationally. By hosting in-house exhibitions, lending artwork to international forums, producing print and online publications, and fashioning interactive public programmes, the foundation strives to serve as an informative resource for contemporary art by Arab artists both locally and on the global stage.