An exhibition of works from one of Europe's most influential modern art movements will make its debut in the UAE when it goes on display at Sharjah Art Museum next month.
The Cobra: 1000 Days of Free Art exhibition starts on Sept 9th and will feature more than 60 artworks from the famous post-war Cobra movement.
The works are from the collection of the Cobra Museum of Modern Art in the Netherlands and include paintings, photographs, ceramics, jazz music and film from the period between 1947 and the early 1960s. Established in Paris in 1948 by a group of avant-garde artists and poets, the revolutionary Cobra movement set out to change the face of art through new forms of experimental and spontaneous expression.
The exhibition will relay the story of Cobra through a chronological timeline, introducing the visitor to the social and historical developments of the period 1930-1960 in Europe. Historical images and documentaries will set the scene of a continent ravaged by war, while spoken word portraits by Cobra artists reflect on the birth and significance of the movement.
A selection of masterpieces capturing the experimental nature and freedom of expression of Cobra will be on display.
"We're very honoured that Sharjah was selected as the venue for the first Cobra exhibition in the UAE," said Alya Al-Mulla, Curator of Sharjah Art Museum.
Katja Weitering, Artistic Director at Cobra Museum of Modern Art, said Sharjah was the natural choice for the 'Cobra Global' travelling exhibition.
"The emirate pairs a rich cultural history with an exciting platform for the exchange of perspectives on modern and contemporary art," she added.
Manal Ataya, Director General of the Sharjah Museums Department, said:
"This is a fantastic opportunity for Sharjah residents and visitors to experience for themselves an exciting and hugely significant artistic movement that pushed the boundaries of artistic expression. Above and beyond simply displaying key works from the period, the exhibition will tell the story of Cobra from its foundation in a Parisian cafe to its resonance in the art being created today."
"Bringing prestigious collections to Sharjah helps to strengthen the emirate's status as a regional centre of art and culture," she added.
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