Aidan Imanova

AD Middle East’s April/May Art Issue ❤️ In this edition, we shift our focus to the art of collecting and those who have made it their mission to archive, showcase and support the work of artists from across the Arab world and beyond. To collect is, in many ways, to insist on continuity, especially in moments when the world feels anything but stable. This issue arrives at such a moment, where across the region and beyond, uncertainty has become a daily condition, its reverberations felt not only in headlines but in homes, in studios, and in the quiet, persistent act of making. And yet, it is precisely here, within these interiors, that another narrative takes shape. Christian Louboutin (@christianlouboutin ) opens up his transportive world in Paris (and his extensive collection of objects from Syria, Egypt and beyond); gallerist Leila Heller (@leilahellergallery ) showcases her nurturing New York abode; art patron Tariq Al Jaidah (@tajcollectionqatar ) takes us into his cartographic residence in Doha – a living map of Middle Eastern art, photographed on the very day of the Israeli–US attack on Iran. Interior stylist Emma James’ (@emmaajames ) Cairo apartment is an eccentric cabinet of curiosities, while collector-turned-gallerist Amal Rakibi’s (@amalrakibigallery ) deeply intuitive space in Dubai graces our cover. Elsewhere in the issue, we also turn to artists whose practices are shaping the region’s visual language. Safwan Dahoul (@safwan_dahoul ), one of Syria’s most prominent voices, offers an unusually personal reflection on his latest body of work. While alongside him, a younger generation asserts itself with equal clarity, namely the up and coming Saudi artist Hayfa Al Gwiaz, who we also profile (@hayfa_algwaiz ). I hope you enjoy it. 📸 @zigamihelcic

Our second cover for the April/May Art Issue features an exclusive artwork by Saudi-based painter and architect @hayfa_algwaiz , whose work expresses realistic depictions of people and spaces across the Gulf region, offering perspective into scenes that are both personal and intimate while, in many ways, remaining universal. She’s a rising star and we’re super proud to be able to share her work and her wonderful vision. Hayfa’s paintings (and this special piece called Love & Marriage) are also part of an upcoming group exhibition at @taymourgrahneprojects in @alserkalavenue on May 16, so if you’re in Dubai, be sure to stop by! Our April/May issue is currently out on shelves. You can also read our profile piece online, beautifully written by @mariyabintrehan

embrace 🥀 feat. Teyana Taylor Artworks: 1 & 4 - Bernie Fuchs 2 - Egon Schiele 5 - Boscoe Holder 6 - Stasys Krasauskas

I am happy to be back a third year as member of the jury for the Arab World Institute Design Award 2026 (@institutdumondearabe ). The extended call for projects is now open until May 15, recognised in the following categories: Emerging Talent Award Impact Award, Arab Bank Switzerland Contemporary Craftsmanship Award Grand Prize A big thank you as always to @smaoul for making me a part of this initiative.

visual treats 🍬 feat. Pharoah Sanders

Another April in Milano 🥀❣️🍷

L’Appartamento by @artemest took us on a sensory journey across Italy, with rooms embodying the complex essence of cities such as Rome and Naples through a curation of moods, materials and mementos. Brava @marcocredendino @ippolitarostagno @catiruiz and team 🌹

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beautifully curated by @mesharyalnassar and @superstudioofficial at @gallerymesharyalnassar ✨

In January this year, I flew from Lagos to Delta State to interview Mr Demas Nwoko, an artist and architect whose journey and output has fascinated and inspired generations. It is a deep resolve and belief in the vital truth behind his vision that makes his architecture, his designs and his art so honest and intentional. We talked at length about what it means to innovate, and although he is no stranger to innovation himself, his ideas remain deeply rooted in traditional methods, acknowledging the intelligence of the land and what it provides, while honouring the rich cultural language of Nigeria. At a moment when innovation is often treated as an end in itself, Mr Nwoko’s architecture stands firm in its refusal. His buildings carry forward traditional African construction systems, not out of nostalgia, but out of respect for knowledge that already works. His practice challenges the idea that progress must always mean newness, offering instead a model rooted in continuity, climate, and cultural memory. It was an incredible honour to be able to visit his home in Idumuje Ugboko in the southeast of Nigeria, and spend hours listening to his journey and ideas. At 90 years old, Mr Nwoko still continues to write and create. A true living legacy. A big thank you to @r.u.n15 for making the dream happen. And also to @iamdanielobasi , whose incredible lens captured the spirit and poetry of this truly special home. 🌹 You can read the story in the February/March issue of @admiddleeast (out on shelves) and online (linked in my bio).

some moments from Art Basel Qatar 🇶🇦

@rahaalworld , a nomadic museum set in the village of Zekreet, a peninsula in northwestern Qatar created by @mrathani and @wtcooper for the inaugural @artbasel in Doha 🇶🇦 It unfolded across three pavilions: an exhibition space, a salon and a library.