Meet the Author: Sophie Kazan Makhlouf

Sophie Kazan Makhlouf (PhD) is an art and architectural historian. She is an Honorary Fellow of the University of Leicester and currently lectures at the University of Falmouth. She regularly contributes to academic journals, art magazines and podcasts.

• What inspired you to embark on the journey of researching and authoring your latest book, The Development of An Art History in the UAE? Why did you consider this subject/topic and what impact do you hope it will achieve?

I felt it was important to focus on the development of an art history in the UAE, for several reasons. First, to underline that artists have been active in the region long before the creation of the United Arab Emirates in 1971 – this is not a start but a development. It is about setting aside the decolonised narrative and the idea of there being a single narrative, one art history or story of art. This book draws together stories about the region and mostly from the region. I am an art historian and so this is supported or explored visually, through the art practices of several artists, including calligraphers, painters, photographers and sculptors. Some of the research for this book was done through interviews and questionnaires in the UAE. In art circles in the UK at the time, very little was known about art from the region in general and UAE artists in particular. So I hope that this book will put a spotlight on the UAE art ecosystem and also, perhaps for Emiratis, ways of writing about art that puts aside traditional art historical discourses!

• Could you walk us through your writing process for this book? Were there particular challenges or obstacles you had to overcome? How would you characterise your approach to the writing process for this work, from concept to completion?

This book was framed around oral histories, interviews and personal experiences of artists, collectors and cultural professionals. I had lived in Abu Dhabi for several years and worked in an art programme with many of the artists whose practices I touch upon. A core challenge implied was the wide diversity of opinion about art and art history, and the need to rethink how to frame these stories beyond conventional Western art historical models.

• In the course of your research or writing, what findings or insights most surprised you?

The UAE had rich artistic activity long before commonly noted milestones like international art fairs and cultural districts, and many aspects of its art history remain embodied in people’s memories and experiences, not only in formal institutional histories. I also found a wide range of beliefs about what contemporary art means and how it should be understood, which prompted me to explore more global and inclusive frameworks rather than strict Western traditions.

• Which writers, scholars or thinkers have most influenced your work?

Because I had worked in the arts and culture sector in Abu Dhabi, I was blessed with having met the inimitable Hassan Sharif, who wrote and was a great advocate for the importance of discourses and conversations about Art. In terms of writing, I have a lot of respect for Sultan Al–Qassemi and Manal Ataya and their writing about Art. I would say that they have influenced my way of looking at Art and this work in particular. Salwa Mikdadi is an incredible academic and mentored me. I must mention Lisa Ball-Lechgar too – she is a wonderful font of knowledge about the UAE art world!

• Looking ahead, what areas of research or writing do you intend to focus on next?

I am interested in further exploring the Gulf region through art and broader cultural narratives. I am so inspired by peoples’ stories that I also enjoy interviewing artists and curators!

• What factors influenced your decision to publish with Anthem Press?

Anthem is an extremely respected academic publishing group and I heard about it from academics working in the region. Anthem understood, for example, why I insisted on having colour images in the book. People access art visually and it would have been a shame to publish an introduction to art without as much colour and authenticity as possible! Thank you!