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.
Banu Cennetoglu, Turkey
The buzz around Turkey's contemporary art scene is fueled in part by the likes of artist Banu Cennetoglu and other youngish practitioners who are forging their own creative spaces. In the last decade, Cennetoglu founded BAS in Istanbul, considered Turkey's first center for archiving, displaying and producing artist books. She has said that with books one doesn't need to exhibit work or have a curator or editor; instead the artist gets to wear those hats. The photographic artist (whose work is pictured here) was one of two artists to represent Turkey in the 2009 Venice Biennale.
(Photo: http://stayminic.posterous.com/)
By Nafeesa Syeed. Did we leave someone out? Let us know at @AlMonitor and look out for more lists.