Over the years, Sharjah has increasingly become a melting pot of culture in the UAE. Institutions such as the Sharjah Art Museum have been luring residents and tourists alike to explore this buzzing emirate. The museum prides itself on its ability to enhance an appreciation of culture and learning through their exhibitions, and have in turn nurtured a community of art lovers in the region.
It comes as no surprise that the museum has been chosen to display the art works of late Algerian female artist Baya Mahieddine as part of their Lasting Impressions series. Over 70 of her paintings, spanning a career of six decades, including rare works from her 1947 Parisian exhibition are currently on display.
The retrospective pays tribute to one of Algeria's most acclaimed artists while exploring her influence on Modernism. The use of colour and contour in Baya's pieces make them burst with vibrancy and whimsy. Her expressive style depicts female characters adorned in ornamented dress, singing and dancing freely while being serenaded by musical instruments.
Flowers, birds, and fish are prevalent throughout the leafy scenes. Inspired by her childhood memories, steeped in rich Algerian culture, Baya was praised not only in her North African home, but also across Europe. An extraordinary path which saw her losing her parents and gaining a friend in Picasso started with childhood influences such as her adoptive mother, Marguerite Caminet Benhoura, encouraging her artistic inclinations.
