The Rise of Vernacular, Community-Driven Architecture in the Gulf
In new structures across the Gulf, vernacular architectural forms are increasingly being used in new contemporary buildings preserving local tradition while also modernizing.
Rebecca Anne Proctor
Journalist, Former Editor-in-Chief of Harper’s Bazaar Art and Harper’s Bazaar Interiors
Rebecca Anne Proctor is an independent journalist, editor, author, and broadcaster based in Dubai and Rome, from where she covers the Middle East and North Africa. She is the former editor-in-chief of Harper’s Bazaar Art and Harper’s Bazaar Interiors. Her writing has been published in Artnet News, Frieze, The New York Times Style Magazine, Bloomberg Businessweek Middle East, BBC Worldwide, Galerie, Vogue Arabia, Wallpaper, The National, Architectural Digest, Arab News, Al-Monitor, The Defense Post, The Forward, The Jewish Insider, and The Business of Fashion. Her book Art in Saudi Arabia: A New Creativity Economy?, co-authored with Alia Al-Senussi, was published by Lund Humphries in November 2023.
Blog Post content-type in which the post is published
Blog Post content-type in which the post is published
A New Silk Road: The Gulf’s Cultural Engagement With the Far East
Collaborations between the Gulf Arab states and Asia underscore a growing sentiment that culturally there is more in common between the Gulf and the Far East than there is between the Gulf and the West.
Blog Post content-type in which the post is published
A More Prominent Role for Global Auction Houses in the Gulf Art Scene: “It’s All Coming”
Landmark exhibitions of Saudi art in London, including the first mid-career solo show of Saudi artist Ahmed Mater at Christie’s London, reflect the role that auction houses are playing in galvanizing the Gulf art scene, particularly in Saudi Arabia.
Blog Post content-type in which the post is published
The Resilience of Creativity: “Norah,” First Saudi Film to Show at Cannes
“Norah” explores the importance of artistic expression even when art creation was banned in the kingdom.
Blog Post content-type in which the post is published
Gulf States at the Venice Biennale: Balancing Social Transformation and Cultural Representation
Exhibitions staged by four Gulf countries look to the past and present while seeking to redress contemporary misconceptions and advocate for change.
Blog Post content-type in which the post is published
Saudis Transform the Kingdom Through Public Art
While beautifying the kingdom, public art projects in Saudi Arabia engage Saudis and at the same time foster cross-cultural dialogue.
Book Launch: Art in Saudi Arabia: A New Creative Economy?
On January 19, AGSIW hosted a discussion on art in Saudi Arabia.
Blog Post content-type in which the post is published
Setting the Stage: The Vital Role of Private Art Institutions in Saudi Arabia
Without the formation of private art institutions in Saudi Arabia, the kingdom’s cultural scene would not be where it is today.