Moroccan researcher Abdallah Cheikh was recently recognized with the Sharjah 2024 Art Criticism Prize, consolidating his position as an eminent art critic after having already been awarded in 2020. His research article, entitled “The Arab World in 'artistic orientalism… Aesthetic cultural dimensions', was praised by the jury of the 15th edition which unanimously recognized the exceptional quality of his work, characterized by academic rigor and appropriate methodology, as well as as well as an in-depth understanding of contemporary challenges in the arts. Thanks to this distinction, he becomes the first winner to obtain first prize in two separate editions.
This recognition comes at an important moment, saluting several years of research and testifying to his remarkable career both scientifically and critically. Abdallah Cheikh stressed that this distinction aims to encourage researchers and students to explore new perspectives and develop discourses accompanying creative experiences, regardless of cultural origin or artistic orientation. Furthermore, it pays tribute to an eminent figure in literary criticism, having dedicated several decades to critical writing and teaching in various fields such as art history, civilizations, analysis of images, documentary films, and design theories. He is the author of numerous works, including “Boujmâa Lakhdar: the magic of the sign” and “The voices of Silence” (Volume I), as well as contributions to collective works and the translation of works by the artist and writer Loubaba Laalej.
Recently, the Sharjah Culture Department also celebrated the winners of this 15th edition of the Critical Research Award, under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi. Chairman of the Department of Culture, Abdallah bin Mohammed Al Owais, announced the winners, including Abdallah Cheikh for his study on “The Arab World in Orientalist Art” and Atef Saad of Egypt for his research on “Aesthetic Vision and formalist orientalist artists for equestrian scenes in Egypt in the 13th century AH / 19 AD.”
The award ceremony was attended by Mohammed Ibrahim Al Qusair, the Director of the Department of Cultural Affairs, who is also the Secretary General of the award. This event brought together not only the winners who were honored for their exceptional contributions, but also the members of the jury who demonstrated rigor and impartiality in the selection process. The audience was made up of artists, intellectuals and people passionate about research issues, creating a vibrant and festive atmosphere. At the end of the ceremony, the organizers, Abdullah Al Owais and Mohammed Al Qusair, presented the winners, as well as the jury members, with certificates and commemorative shields in recognition of their work and dedication. These symbols of achievement were a way to celebrate excellence and encourage continued innovation in their respective fields.
It should be noted that this specific edition of the award received numerous applications from various countries such as the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Iraq, Tunisia, Morocco, Algeria, Lebanon, Jordan, Syria and other nations. This clearly demonstrates the importance and particularity of this literary competition, which stands out for its artistic and creative presentation on a truly global scale within the Arab world.
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