'The Samawi Collection II' Brings Emerging Artists To The Forefront

New and emerging economies have created art market booms across the world, but arguably no area has seen a larger growth than the Middle East. The Ayyam Art Center is bringing the private collection of owners Khaled and Hisham Samawi to the public again, but for the second time around, emerging as well as international artists also share the spotlight with a focus on images and new media.

The original exhibition, "Selections From The Samawi Collection," spanned across place and time to capture the spirit and evolution of contemporary Arab art. Round two exhibits a sample of the Samawi collection that showcases not only a wider spectrum of artists, but art as well, focusing on photography, conceptual art, installation and sculpture.

The images of Richard Mosse, Nassouh Zaghlouleh and others bring to light issues of diverging and converging cultures, the ravages of war and the permeating power of the media. Sculptures and installations by the likes of Ammar Al Beik and James Clar and others thoroughly engage the plight of making contemporary art in this day and age while bridging sociopolitical lines. View a slideshow of the work below, and let us know what you think in the comments section.

"The Samawi Collection II" will be on display at the Ayyam Art Center through April 26, 2012.