Ithra Launches ‘Horizon in Their Hands’ Exhibition Highlighting Arab Women Artists

The King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra) has opened the art exhibition “Horizon in Their Hands: Women Artists from the Arab World” at the Ithra Museum. Running until February 14, 2026, the exhibition features pioneering contemporary works by 50 leading Arab women artists, celebrating their significant contributions to the region’s cultural and visual heritage.

The showcased works span the 1960s to the 1980s, a period when these artists played a pivotal role in shaping the Arab modern art movement. Their creativity and innovation left a lasting imprint on the region’s artistic and cultural identity, inspiring future generations.

Ithra’s Cultural Mission

Farah Abushullaih, Head of the Ithra Museum, emphasized that the exhibition aligns with Ithra’s mission to preserve heritage, amplify diverse voices, and foster dialogue between the past, present, and future. She highlighted the partnership with the Barjeel Art Foundation as a significant step in spotlighting underrepresented narratives within Arab art history.

Featured Artists, Iconic Works

• Safeya Binzagr (1940–2024) – Saudi pioneer and one of the first women to hold a solo art exhibition in the Kingdom.
• Mounirah Mosly (1954–2019) – Saudi artist known for using materials like copper, palm fibers, paper, and papyrus.
• Inji Efflatoun (1924–1989) – Egyptian artist whose painting Ezba explores themes of freedom.
• Chaibia Talal (1929–2004) – Moroccan painter celebrated for vibrant, expressive compositions.
• Vera Tamari (b. 1945) – Palestinian-born artist reflecting themes of memory and homeland.
• Susan Hefuna (b. 1962) – Egyptian-German multi-media artist examining identity, urban life, and cultural hybridity.
• Zeinab Abd El Hamid (1919–2002) – Early modernist Egyptian painter.
• Safia Farhat (1924–2004) – Tunisian tapestry artist and modernist figure.
• Mariam Al Fakhro (b. 1952) – Bahraini contemporary artist.
• Suad Al-Essa (b. 1943) – Kuwaiti artist contributing to the modern Arab art narrative.

Through interactive exhibitions, galleries, and temporary showcases, Ithra continues to serve as a cultural hub that embraces diverse artistic expressions. By hosting Horizon in Their Hands, the center reinforces its commitment to connecting local and global cultures, enriching visitors’ understanding of Arab women’s creative legacies.

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