Even as world headlines from the Middle East focus on upheaval and violence, the region's culture continues to thrive. Here's our look at some groups and individuals making their mark on arts and culture in the region, in no particular order.
Akram Zaatari, Lebanon
In post-war Lebanon, Akram Zaatari delves into themes of violence and trauma as well as memory and masculinity in the images and objects he creates through photos and videos — calling his artistic labor “field work.” He's also the co-founder of the Arab Image Foundation in Beirut, which collects and studies photographs from the Arab world. Here, "Bodybuilders," printed from a damaged negative, is pictured.
(Photo: artnet.com)
By Nafeesa Syeed. Did we leave someone out? Let us know at @AlMonitor and look out for more lists.