The Beauty of Arabic Art with Sultan Qassemi

In art as in life, interpretation is unique to each and every individual. What we take from a piece of art is as important as the art itself, and ultimately defines the experience. Art historian and collector Sultan Qassemi chose to dedicate his life’s work to the appreciation of art - particularly works from the Arab region - and educating far and wide on art’s crucial role in the telling of history.

Perhaps more important than the art itself, Qassemi aims to use his influence to further equity of Arab and greater Middle-East artists. Indeed, Qassemi believes these artists and their work are often understated in the global conversation. Indeed, the other half of his passion lies in discovering and sharing stories to be found within art, and the cultures from which they were inspired.

With a particular resonance for painted works and wood sculpture from the greater Middle East, Sultan Qassemi appreciates art in a 360-degree view. Through his expert eye, any and all details which contributed to conception are worthy of consideration and necessary to paint the full picture. Qassemi’s appreciation reveals itself in layers - beginning, of course, with the work on the front (and back) of the canvas, and then deepening with the discovery of finer details such as the era and setting of conception, and the history of the piece itself from provenance to present day.

With a smile in his voice as he tells stories and describes his favorite pieces, Sultan Qassemi paints a vivid and optimistic picture as he describes why art from the Arab world deserves a place among world’s best. Tune in to hear his journey towards becoming a world-class art historian and collector, as well as an educator and a light for those whose art deserves to be appreciated on a global scale.

In this episode of Stories of Transformation, we discuss the importance of art in cultures around the world; the many different layers through which a piece can be appreciated; how art can speak for the people where politics and public perception fail to; and how Sultan Qassemi aims to use his influence to enlighten, educate, and inspire equity for art around the world.

----

For full show notes
https://www.baktashahadi.com/podcast

Connect with Sultan Qassemi
Website: https://t.co/ax0aj3enxr?amp=1
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SultanAlQassemi?s=20
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sultanalqassemi
Instagram: http://instagram.com/sultanalqassemi
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/sultanalqassemi

Resources
Barjeel Art Foundation's official website, including their extensive art collection: https://www.barjeelartfoundation.org/

A digital scan of the painting Sultan shows to Baktash during the conversation: https://www.barjeelartfoundation.org/collection/kamel-el-telmesani-nude/

Follow/Support Stories of Transformation and Baktash Ahadi

Donate to the production of this podcast https://www.baktashahadi.com/support

Follow us on Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/stories_of_transformation/

Follow us on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/storiesoftransformati
onpodcast/

Credits

Produced by: Joseph Gangemi
https://www.linkedin.com/in/joseph-gangemi-audio/

Digital Marketing & Media by: Katherine An
https://www.linkedin.com/in/katherine-a-91081b56/

Theme music by: Qais Essar
www.therabab.com

Artwork by: Masheed Ahadi
https://www.LinkedIn.com/in/masheed

Episode Music Credits
"Città e False Stelle" by Sergio Marchesini
"Handpanophone" by David Charrier
"Ancestros (Fusion)" by Pangal and Gana
"The River of Hope" by Emmanuel Jacob