Rawaa Talass
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👩🏻💻✍🏼 Arts & Culture journalist, specializing in the Middle East. Words in Arab News, AD Middle East, The New Arab, Artsy, The Art Newspaper, Kayhan Life.
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Articles by Rawaa Talass
How Sohail Salem Portrayed Gaza Through A Blue Ink Pen
For nearly three years, as Israeli bombs were continuously dropping over the devastated Gaza Strip, the Palestinian artist Sohail Salem found refuge in the simplest of materials: pens and notebooks. Salem, who was born in Gaza in 1974, particularly used blue ink pens to portray his harsh surroundings in lined children's notebooks. "It was a way to unburden myself emotionally; producing a formal work of art wasn't the goal," he told Vogue Arabia.
5 Contemporary Spots to Discover in Old Damascus
The bustling streets of Old Damascus are filled with history, teeming with revered monuments, cobbled roads and souks stretching back centuries. But, if one looks closer, there is a contemporary touch found in pockets around the Syrian capital city. As the country embarks on a new chapter in its history, as well as gradually welcoming visitors and Syrian expats from abroad, there is something of a revived energy in Damascus.
La Grande Mosquée de Paris fête ses 100 ans – mais savez-vous pourquoi elle a été construite ?
La Grande Mosquée de Paris a fêté son centenaire. Découvrez le savoir-faire, la vision et l’histoire de ce monument de style mauresque. Paris est réputée pour la richesse de son patrimoine architectural, parsemé de monuments emblématiques tels que le Louvre, la cathédrale Notre-Dame et la tour Eiffel. Mais l’un des sites les moins connus de la capitale française, bien qu’il revête une importance historique considérable, célèbre cette année un anniversaire particulier.
La Grande Mosquée de Paris fête ses 100 ans – mais savez-vous pourquoi elle a été construite ?
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Syrian Painter Shaza Midani is Turning Heads With Her Emotionally-Charged Faces
When stepping inside the Damascus studio of Syrian painter Shaza Midani, a direct confrontation takes place with distorted, emotionally charged faces painted on large canvases. These somber expressions, bearing the weight of pain, shock and loss, have been produced in the most violent of times, when Syria was going through a war that lasted for more than a decade.
French-Lebanese man files legal complaint over Israel's uprooting of 600 olive trees
Farmers harvest olives in the southern Lebanese village of Kfeir in November 2024 [Getty] A French businessman of Lebanese origin has filed a legal complaint against unknown individuals over alleged war crimes, accusing the Israeli military of uprooting 600 centuries-old olive trees owned by his family, his lawyers told AFP on Wednesday.
The Grand Mosque of Paris Turned 100 This Summer – But Do You Know Why It Was Built?
The Grand Mosque of Paris marked its centenary this year. Here's a look inside the craftsmanship, vision and history of the Moorish landmark. Paris is renowned for its rich architectural landscape, dotted with beloved monuments like the Louvre, the Notre Dame Cathedral and the Eiffel Tower. But one of the French capital's lesser-celebrated, yet historically significant landmarks is marking a special anniversary.
The First-Ever Palestine Design Week Looks Towards the Future
Contemporary design has been thriving in the Arab region, with yearly fairs taking place in Doha, Dubai, Amman, Cairo and Beirut. A newcomer to the list is Palestine Design Week, debuting with its first edition in Ramallah, between 15 and 24 September, 2026. Supported by the European Union and the Goethe-Institut, the West Bank event is believed to be the first of its kind in Palestine, happening at a time when the population continues to live in the shadow of Israeli occupation.
What to Expect From the Inaugural Art Week Syria, Taking Place This Month in Damascus
This month, Damascus will launch its premier edition of Art Week Syria, shining a light on contemporary Syrian artistic talent. Organised by Paris-born art collector Line Kouwatli, the event will run between 11 and 18 September, showcasing artworks by 47 Syrian artists, most of whom are based in the country. The program will also entail curated art talks, film screenings, and musical events.
Inside a beautifully restored 19th-century Damascus home
Known as Beit Al Ajami, this Damascus home has roots in the 19th century. Today, its striking interiors are filled with decadent tilework, antique tapestries and work by Syrian artists. Here's the story behind its nearly decade-long transformation. The Syrian collector, art patron and philanthropist Lina Attar Ajami describes herself as a modern nomad. Born in Syria, she spent her childhood in Lebanon and France. Later, she and her husband, Amer Ajami, lived in Canada for two decades until 2008.
Homecoming: Step Inside a Beautifully Restored 19th-Century Damascus Home
Known as Beit Al Ajami, this Damascus home has roots in the 19th century. Today, its striking interiors are filled with decadent tilework, antique tapestries and work by Syrian artists. Here's the story behind its nearly decade-long transformation. The Syrian collector, art patron and philanthropist Lina Attar Ajami describes herself as a modern nomad. Born in Syria, she spent her childhood in Lebanon and France. Later, she and her husband, Amer Ajami, lived in Canada for two decades until 2008.
Dubai Opera Is Celebrating 10 Years – Inside the Dhow-Shaped Landmark and 5 Other Spectacular Arab Music Venues
This August, Dubai Opera is celebrating 10 years since it first raised the curtain in Downtown Dubai. In the decade since, its dhow-shaped building has become one of the city’s most recognisable cultural landmarks – and a reminder that the Arab world’s great music venues can be as captivating as the performances they host. Music has long been present and loved in Arab culture, with a rich repertoire of soulful melodies and stirring lyrics.
4 Dubai Art Exhibitions to Visit Before the Summer Ends
The summer season may be coming to a close, but you can still explore some art exhibitions at a leisurely pace in Dubai before September kicks in.
This Palestinian Bookshop Finds Its Home in a Historic Corner of Barcelona
With its hand-cushioned benches, a tranquil patio with an olive tree, keffiyeh-patterned tiles and flooring bearing the colours of the flag, this Palestinian bookshop in Barcelona is a quiet tribute to the nation and its culture. In the lively neighbourhood of Gràcia in Barcelona, a new bookshop has opened, devoting all of its shelves to only one subject: Palestine.
In the Studio with Emirati Artist Alia Zaal
Entering the Abu Dhabi studio of Emirati artist Alia Zaal is like stepping into a calming haven. Aside from being furnished with some fine vintage pieces, the place is dotted with green, from plants to objects. For Zaal, whose studio and home face a verdant golf course, it’s become a favourite colour of hers, which can also be sensed in her serene nature-inspired paintings. “It’s the colour of life,” Zaal, who was born in 1989, says.
How One Palestinian Designer Is Rethinking Levantine Artisanship Through Materiality
Based in Amman, the independent Palestinian designer Victoria Dabdoub is making a name for herself through object design that is rooted in the Levant's local practices and raw materials. Through her organic designs, she has shaped objects made of stone from Jordan, olive wood from Palestine and the experienced hand skills of Syrian artisans.
Looking Back on 10 Memorable Arab Moments of the 2026 World Cup
For the first time in its nearly century-old history, the 2026 World Cup featured the highest number of Arab teams, from North Africa to the Levant and the Gulf region, featuring Algeria, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia and Qatar. Although they didn’t reach the very end of the month-long tournament, the teams gave some of their best performances, brought joy and pride to people’s hearts and showed up against some of the game’s long-standing giants.
How Gazan Artist Raed Issa Recreated His Refugee Tent in Marseille
For nearly a year and a half, the Palestinian artist Raed Issa was displaced several times while Israeli bombs were relentlessly dropping on Gaza. Like many displaced Gazans, Issa ended up going south to the Rafah refugee camp, where he set up a makeshift tent to shelter with his family. He built the 2.5 x 3.5-metre tent by sewing together sheets of flour bags, which are stronger than plastic material according to Issa, and the overall structure was supported by some pieces of wood.
France Returns 23 Artefacts to Syria After 16 Years: “It Was Very Moving Bringing These Pieces Back”
France returns artefacts to Syria in a landmark act of cultural restitution, with 23 historic objects finally making the journey home after 16 years in Paris. This signals renewed and cooperative cultural relations between the two nations. This occurred as a result of French President Emmanuel Macron's two-day visit to Damascus, the Syrian capital city, on July 6.
In the Studio with Syrian Artist Randa Maddah
Syrian artist Randa Maddah’s ongoing series of imaginary and whimsical paintings, rendering floating characters and verdant landscapes, may look idyllic, but underneath the surface lies a personal narrative of displacement, loss and longing. Based in Paris, Maddah comes from the mountainous Syrian village town of Majdal Shams in the Golan Heights, which has been under Israeli occupation for nearly six decades.
As Safiyyah Museum and Park, the New Madinah Landmark Built From Ancient Volcanic Stone
Pilgrimage is often defined by movement, but As Safiyyah Museum and Park was designed around the moments of stillness in between. In Madinah, Saudi Arabia's second-holiest city that welcomes millions of Muslim pilgrims every year, a modern multipurpose complex has been inaugurated in the surrounding areas of the Al-Masjid an-Nabawi, aka the Prophet's Mosque.
Meet Dania Allozi, the Young Designer Behind Jordan’s Official Shirts at the 2026 World Cup
At just 22 years old, the aspiring Jordanian fashion designer Dania Allozi has already landed her first major stint. Allozi, who is an Amman-based senior student at Princess Sumaya University for Technology, has designed the kits of the Jordan national football team at the 2026 World Cup, currently taking place in Mexico, Canada and the US. For Allozi, the design process combined her longtime love of fashion and football. “We are a family of football lovers," Allozi told Vogue Arabia.
In the Studio with Palestinian Artist Taysir Batniji
Ever since his childhood spent in his birthplace of Gaza, Taysir Batniji has been exposed to visual creativity. He remembers seeing his father draw and he was also close to his art teachers, one of whom discovered his talent. So, it is no surprise that Batniji chose art as his career path, becoming a prolific voice of the diasporic Palestinian art community. Based in Paris since 1995, Batniji has experimented with photography, installation art and more.
Germany grants citizenship to record number of people in 2025, with Syrians topping list
One in five people naturalised in 2025 was Syrian. [Getty] Germany granted citizenship to a record 332,500 people last year, a 14% increase, with Syrians making up the largest group for the fifth year in a row, according to data released by the Federal Statistics Office on Wednesday. One in five people naturalised in 2025 was Syrian. However, compared with 2024, the number of Syrians gaining German citizenship dropped by 21%.
After an airstrike in Beirut killed his parents, French-Lebanese artist Ali Cherri is taking Israel to court in France Original
On 26 November 2024, the life of French-Lebanese visual artist and filmmaker Ali Cherri was turned upside down. He learned of the tragic news that his parents had been killed, along with five other civilians, in an Israeli airstrike in a residential apartment building in central Beirut. The cruel irony of the matter was that the attack took place just a few hours before a ceasefire came into effect between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon.
Art Dubai’s 20th edition rallies its local art community amid regional tensions.
Art Dubai, the United Arab Emirates’ premier art fair, opened its 20th edition this past weekend with a scaled-down, regionally focused program after being postponed earlier this year due to the Iran–Israel war. The fair, billed as a “Special Edition,” opened to VIP guests on May 14 at the Madinat Jumeirah resort and ran through May 17. For the first time, entry is free.
Mapping horror: Berlin exhibition reveals horrors of Syria's Sednaya prison through VR and survivor testimony
A digital exhibition in Berlin is giving visitors rare insight into the brutal and sombre architecture of Syria's infamous Sednaya prison, where political prisoners and others were held captive, tortured and executed. Established as Military Prison One in 1987 under the rule of Hafez Al-Assad, the prison was liberated in December 2024 when the regime of his son, Bashar, collapsed.
Inside Safwan Dahoul’s Dubai Studio and His Haunting Monochrome Dream Series
In a rare interview with AD, Syrian artist Safwan Dahoul reflects on personal trials, loss and the subtle power of his Dream series, ahead of his highly anticipated Dubai exhibition. Sitting in his cosy home in Jumeirah, Dubai (which also doubles as his studio), Syrian artist Safwan Dahoul reflects on what he believes to be the pinnacle of his career.
A Paris Exhibition Traces Byblos, the 9,000-Year-Old Lebanese City That Linked Ancient Worlds
In Paris, the Institut du Monde Arabe is showcasing an exhibition, entitled Byblos – Millennium City of Lebanon, on view until August 23, 2026. The exhibition traces the storied history of Byblos, Lebanon’s ancient seaside city, backed with a staggering 9,000-year history, making it one of the world’s oldest inhabited cities. Having developed vital relations with Mesopotamia, Persia, ancient Egypt and Greece.
A Paris Exhibition on Byblos Reveals the 9,000-Year-Old Lebanese City That Changed History
In Paris, the Institut du Monde Arabe is showcasing an exhibition, entitled Byblos – Millennium City of Lebanon, on view until August 23, 2026. The exhibition traces the storied history of Byblos, Lebanon’s ancient seaside city, backed with a staggering 9,000-year history, making it one of the world’s oldest inhabited cities. Having developed vital relations with Mesopotamia, Persia, ancient Egypt and Greece.
Art Dubai 2026 Moves Ahead With a New Date and Programming
Despite the regional conflict that broke out on February 28 between Israel and Iran, impacting everyday life in the Gulf states, the 2026 edition of Art Dubai is striding ahead with a postponed date and a modified programming. Taking place between May 15 and 17 at Madinat Jumeirah, the edition is particularly significant as it marks the 20th anniversary of the contemporary, modern and digital art event, which has always been billed as the region's leading art fair.
不正義と破壊の日常で。避難生活を送る子どもたちに表現の場を届ける、レバノン人アーティストの実践
レバノンでイスラエルによる激しい爆撃が続くなか、レバノン人アーティストのアベド・アル・カディリは、避難を余儀なくされた数十人の子どもたちに「自由に表現できる安全な空間」を提供している。それは、子どもたちが自らを芸術的に表現する場であると同時に、戦時下の大型絵画作品という、アル・カディリと子どもたちの共同制作でもある。 イスラエルによるイランとレバノンへの大規模な攻撃を受けて、ベイルート生まれのアル・カディリはこれまでに4度の避難を経験している。はじめは、息子とともにベイルートのスタジオにいたところ、近くのホテルが攻撃を受けた。彼は、「ホテルから通りを一本挟んだだけでした。それ以来ずっと避難の旅を続けています」と『VOGUE』に語っている。 アル・カディリの作品の多くは、この地域における重要な政治的出来事や危機に対する視覚的な応答だ。2020年8月4日のベイルート港爆発事故、2023年のガザでのジェノサイド、そして2024年のレバノンへの攻撃などを受けた作品を作り続けてきた。そして今、戦争が再び彼を創作へと向かわせ、感情を強く喚起する木炭による壁画シリーズ「Today I...
Anne-Claire Legendre Becomes the First Woman to Run the Institut du Monde Arabe in Paris
Celebrating its milestone 40th anniversary in 2027, the Institut du Monde Arabe (Arab World Institute) in Paris has appointed a new president, Anne-Claire Legendre. A former diplomat and advisor on Middle East issues to French president Emmanuel Macron, Legendre takes on her new role with enthusiasm and a touch of diplomacy. "I’m so happy to be here. For me, it’s a dream. I think there are so many things to do,” she told AD Middle East from her elegant, sun-filled office overlooking the Seine river.
How One Artist Is Supporting Displaced Lebanese Children With Art Workshops
As bombs fall on Lebanon, Lebanese artist Abed Al Kadiri is offering dozens of displaced children a “safe white space” to express themselves artistically and collaborate on a large wartime mural piece that he hopes will one day be shown to the public. Born in Beirut, Al Kadiri has been displaced four times as a result of the Iran–Israel conflict, which directly affected Lebanon—particularly in the south and parts of the Lebanese capital—in early March.
Nel Libano che brucia, una statua di Cristo dalle dimensioni gigantesche è stata eretta come messaggio di pace e speranza
Sfidando la guerra, una comunità del Libano ha innalzato una statua di Cristo Redentore alta ben 26 metri: il significato e le reazioni In un momento in cui il Libano e l’intero mondo arabo sono sprofondati in un conflitto che ha già causato centinaia di vittime, ecco sorgere un monumento di grande valore simbolico, destinato a infondere conforto, senso di protezione e speranza nei cuori delle persone.
6 Standout MENA Artists at Art Paris 2026
Under the iconic glass domes of Grand Palais in Paris, art enthusiasts gathered and roamed around the plentiful booths of the 2026 edition of Art Paris. At the yearly art fair, pieces of contemporary and modern art from around the world were shown at the 28th edition of the event, with a notable presence of voices from the Middle East and North Africa. The fair hosted 160 galleries from over 20 countries, including Saleh Barakat Gallery (Beirut) and Galerie Tanit (Beirut and Munich).
5 beautiful mosques, old and new, designed by women
These five women-designed mosques (and one adjoining university) from as far back as the 9th century tell us more about the intellectual, cultural and philanthropic psyche of the ancient Arab world than our common assumptions. “Definitely it’s not very common to see a woman designing a mosque,” the Bangladeshi architect Marina Tabassum once said.
How This Artist is Supporting Displaced Lebanese Children With Art Workshops
Amidst violent Israeli bombardment in Lebanon, the Lebanese artist Abed Al Kadiri is offering dozens of displaced children a “safe white space" to express themselves artistically and collaborate on a large wartime mural piece that he hopes will one day be shown to the public. Born in Beirut, Al Kadiri has been displaced four times as a result of the Iran-Israel conflict, which directly affected Lebanon, particularly in the south and parts of the Lebanese capital, in early March.
In a Time of Conflict, Lebanon Installs One of the Largest Statues of Christ in the Region
At a time when Lebanon and the wider Arab region is plunged in deep conflict that has cost hundreds of lives, a symbolic monument has arisen to bring a sense of comfort, protection and hope to people's hearts. In March 2026, a massive statue of Christ the Redeemer was erected on Jabal Al-Salib ("Mount of the Cross" in Arabic) in the Lebanese town of Al Qaa, overlooking the Bekaa plain.
Remembering the Syrian Revolution through Artists’ Eyes
Fifteen years ago this March, Syria would become forever changed, entering one of its darkest chapters in modern history. In 2011, the Syrian people were out in the streets, taking part in pro-democracy, anti-government demonstrations. But the situation escalated into a devastating scenario: a years-long war, a mass exodus of civilians, detained activists, destroyed cities, social disintegration, and countless lives lost at sea.
“We Woke Up Without a Country”: Thuraya Al-Baqsami on Making Art Through War
Thuraya Al Baqsami, the pioneering Kuwaiti artist, activist and writer has recently reached her milestone 75th birthday. But celebrations were minimal as the Gulf states and the wider region was, and remains, in the throes of the Iran-Israel war, which started a month ago and has had profound repercussions around the world. This isn’t the first time that she has experienced firsthand the atrocities of war, for she has witnessed how her beloved homeland was occupied by Iraqi forces in 1990.
“I Will Always Be Indebted to Her”: Contemporary Arab Artists Discuss Their Mothers’ Influence
The figure of the mother has long been present in Arab art and culture. Mahmoud Darwish wrote about her, Fayza Ahmed sang about her, and Paul Guiragossian painted her. She has served as a timeless figure of inspiration, hope and guidance. To mark Mother’s Day in the Arab world on March 21, Vogue Arabia reached out to three notable Arab visual artists to share in their own words personal memories of their mothers.
5 Mosques, Old And New, Patronised and Designed by Women
These five women-designed mosques (and one adjoining university) from as far back as the 9th century tell us more about the intellectual, cultural and philanthropic psyche of the ancient Arab world than our common assumptions. “Definitely it’s not very common to see a woman designing a mosque,” the Bangladeshi architect Marina Tabassum once said.
“Enough Wars, Enough Blood.” How Arab Creatives Are Responding to the Iran-Israel-US Conflict
AD visits seven Arab artists responding to the Iran–Israel–US conflict—using their work to hold onto hope, warmth and human connection in the midst of escalating violence. Just over two weeks have passed since the war between Israel, the US and Iran broke out on February 28, 2026. The conflict has since spilled into neighbouring countries, including the Gulf states, Lebanon and Iraq with devastating consequences.
Inside Louvre Abu Dhabi’s First Ever Exhibition Dedicated to Pablo Picasso and Arab Modernists
In a first for Louvre Abu Dhabi, a major exhibition dedicated entirely to Pablo Picasso, one of the most influential artists of 20th century art, is currently taking place. Through paintings, sculptures and drawings, it specifically explores the bold evolution of the human figure in Picasso's vast body of work.
Meet 4 Female Artists Who Pioneered the Gulf Art Scene
In the second half of the 20th century, during a time of nation-building when cultural infrastructure was limited, the Gulf region was home to a small yet dedicated community of female visual artists. Through their art, they documented their architectural surroundings, local customs, social and women’s issues, as well as political events that shaped the region. Even though they were artistically active, from the 1970s and 1980s onwards, a lot of their stories have been overlooked.
Monumental commissions and pioneering women artists take centre stage at Diriyah Contemporary Art Biennale 2026
The world is in a constant state of movement, not just in the physical sense of migrations across lands, but also the philosophical sense with the travel of ideas, narratives, stories, languages and traditions. Such a multilayered topic is the central theme of the third edition of the Diriyah Contemporary Art Biennale (until 2 May), taking place in the Saudi capital of Riyadh.
“Money Is Emotional” Why the New Syrian Banknotes Draw So Much Controversy
The new Syrian banknotes bring forth a political and visual reset, removing the image of former Syrian president Bashar Al-Assad and replacing it with botanical motifs (including the Damask rose) which have divided opinion across the country’s creative community. People loved it. People hated it. Some thought it was refreshing and colourful, while others claimed it was weak and unimaginative.
How Doha's M.F. Husain Museum Was Built From An Exiled Artist's Sketch
Nearly 20 years ago, the prolific Indian artist, filmmaker and philosopher Maqbool Fida Husain (M. F. Husain) had a personal dream, which he painted in great detail on paper. The colourful image, filled with fresh hues of blue, green and yellow, depicts what he hoped his museum, named "Lawh Wa Qalam" (Arabic for “Canvas and Pen”, written on the building’s facade), would one day look like.
Inside the Free-Spirited World of Legendary Lebanese Artist, Huguette Caland
For the first time in Germany, a major retrospective in Hamburg is paying tribute to the late Lebanese artist Huguette Caland. A playful and …
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