An eclectic collection of contemporary art by women from Lebanon, Egypt, Oman, Jordan, Palestine, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Morocco, and the UAE was recently on display at a gallery space in London.

The exhibition, called “Through Their Eyes: Perspectives Unveiled,” showcased various art forms, including rhinestoned niqabs, women gathered around a dining table, and anime-inspired depictions of Egyptian pop culture.

Lebanese curator Christina Shoucair explained that diversity was a crucial factor in the selection process of the artworks, not just in artistic style, medium, and process, but also in the artists’ identities, representing a range of geographical, religious, and cultural backgrounds.

The exhibition co-curator, Kinzy Diab, emphasized the importance of recognizing the diversity of the Arab female experience. “As Arab women, we are often confined to fragments of our identity, defined solely by our gender, religion, or perceived oppression. So much individuality often goes unrecognized,” she said.

Each artist created works that explored the profound question of where the true meaning of art resides. Is it inherent in the work itself, discerned through the observer’s gaze, or reflected in the creator’s vision? While all the artists engaged with the broader theme of viewer perspective, their subjects were diverse and explored various societal issues.

Shoucair noted that some artists achieved this by encouraging visitors to intimately examine their artworks, inviting close inspection to peel back the deeper layers of meaning. For instance, “Titled: You,” by Bahraini artist Huda Jamal, featured three women gathered around a table, with their gazes fixed intently on the viewer, creating a role reversal in which the painting was staring at the observer.

The nuanced expressions on the women’s faces invited viewers to delve into their unique psyches, encouraging contemplation of their unspoken thoughts and concealed messages.