Express Yourself: A Letter From Our Editor | Harper’s Bazaar Arabia’s November 2020 Issue
As we enter November with uncertainty still raining down on us, it is art that will bring a little sunshine, a dose of perspective, and who knows, perhaps some of the answers too. Editor in Chief Olivia Phillips introduces Harper’s Bazaar Arabia’s November issue – an ode to culture as medicine…
Creativity takes courage. So said Henri Matisse, whose immortal words have served as encouragement to generations of artists of all disciplines to let go and truly express themselves. Their fearlessness has given us so much to be thankful for, with many of the greatest works throughout history having been borne from tumultuous times. Today? Well, today that means we could well be living through the silver lining of a renaissance. In fact, this issue is testament to it.
Art – like so many types of expression – is like medicine. It feeds the soul; whether through the act of making it, absorbing it, or sharing it with others. Another master, Oscar Wilde – to whom, among a few other minor things, we owe some of Instagram’s best memes – also once said, “It is what you read when you don’t have to that determines who you will be when you can’t help it.” And it’s the same with all forms of art – from literature to cinema – they change you, and often for the better.
As we enter November with uncertainty still raining down on us, it is art that will bring a little sunshine, a dose of perspective, and who knows, perhaps some of the answers too. We explored the intricacies of taking this month’s Abu Dhabi Art fair online for the first time, asking if the democratisation and accessibility of a virtual event can lead to art for all. Elsewhere, we also spoke exclusively to Zoe Haldane, the woman with the keys to Dubai’s hotly anticipated Arts Club, finally opening its hallowed, history-steeped doors in two weeks.
Sheikha Hoor Al Qasimi, President and Director of Sharjah Art Foundation, talks us through a day in her colourful life; in addition, we unpick an entirely different, yet equally as instrumental, art form: film. In Moving Pictures, we chart the ebb and flow of Egyptian cinema through the lens of El Gouna Film Festival; a spectacle that, last month, remained unbowed – and pretty fabulous – in the face of Covid.
We also asked founder of Cinema Akil, Butheina Kazim to share the enduring importance of arthouse film; she pens a moving ode to it, as well as one to the movies that have changed the face of Arab cinema.
On the subject of changing the game, our cover girl, Egyptian actress and star of the unstoppable, award-winning Ramy, May Calamawy gives us a lesson in the power of harnessing raw and diverse Arab female voices on screen. It is, after all, culture that moves conversations forward, and that can offer respite, wisdom and escapism in a storm. Cherish it, celebrate it, play a part in making it. We have – and we’ve found much joy along the way.
Editor’s Picks…
Sunglasses, Dhs510, Karen Wazen
Necklace, Dhs3,035, Dolce & Gabbana
Blazer, Dhs4,320, Vivienne Westwood
Bag, Dhs7,550, Louis Vuitton
Jeans, Dhs3,185, Gucci
Ring, Dhs22,375, Retrouvai
Pumps,Dhs4,765,Valentino
From Olivia’s Desk…
Emily in Paris: Was it fluffy, mind-numbing fodder for ringardes with costumes that could never quite live up to Carrie Bradshaw’s? Yes. Did I devour it all in one sitting? Also yes. A lesson in TV not taking itself too seriously. Surely what we all need right now?
Sabotage: How to Silence Your Inner Critic and Get Out of Your Own Way by Emma Gannon, Dhs55
Rejuvenating marble face masks, Dhs89 each, Petite Amie Skincare at Ounass
I Don’t Know What fragrance enhancer, Dhs1,050, D.S. and Durga
From Harper’s Bazaar Arabia’s November 2020 Issue