The Artistern Journal

Journal

Stories from the studios, cities, and collections of the Middle East's contemporary art scene — told slowly.

Featured

Tazhib: A Comprehensive Guide to the Art of Illumination

When you gaze at an ancient manuscript or a masterful piece of calligraphy, long before you read the text, the golden borders and intricate, rhythmic patterns capture your attention. This captivating art is known…

Sara MotekallemAugust 26, 20266 min read

Art & Culture

Inji Efflatoun: A Rebellion of Colors from Cairo’s Palaces to Solitary Confinement

The history of Middle Eastern art has witnessed numerous bold and innovative figures, yet rarely can one find an artist whose life and work…

Sara MotekallemAugust 14, 202612 min read

A colorful ceramic tile installation by Khosrow Hassanzadeh depicting traditional Iranian wrestlers surrounded by Persian calligraphy.

Art & Culture

The Pulse of History on Canvas: Why Middle Eastern Art is in the Global Spotlight

Long before it became the focus of global political headlines, the Middle East was the cradle of one of the richest and most complex…

Javad MotekallemAugust 6, 202610 min read

Panoramic view of Islamic Cairo featuring historic mosques, domes, and minarets against the city skyline.

Art & Culture

Cairo; A City That Breathes with Color, Dust, and Memory

Cairo is not just the capital of Egypt; it is a city where art seems to well up from its very fabric. From the…

Javad MotekallemAugust 4, 20268 min read

Journal.

Tazhib: A Comprehensive Guide to the Art of Illumination

Inji Efflatoun: A Rebellion of Colors from Cairo’s Palaces to Solitary Confinement

The Pulse of History on Canvas: Why Middle Eastern Art is in the Global Spotlight

Cairo; A City That Breathes with Color, Dust, and Memory

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