‘Um Kalthum, the fourth pyramid’ exhibit inaugurated at Moda mall
H. E. Shaikha Mai bint Mohammed Al-Khalifa delivers opening address to officials and invited dignitaries
10th January 2009: ‘Um Kalthum, the Fourth Pyramid’ exhibition, which is on its maiden voyage outside of Europe, was officially inaugurated yesterday evening at MODA Mall in the Bahrain World Trade Center (BWTC) by H. E. Shaikha Mai bint Mohammed Al-Khalifa and Mr. Dominique Baudis, President of the Arab World Institute. The exhibit has been brought to Bahrain by the Shaikh Ebrahim bin Mohammed Al-Khalifa Center for Culture and Research, in collaboration with the Arab World Institute, Paris; a foundation established to promote Arabic and the Arab world’s cultural heritage and spiritual values around the world. The exhibit is officially sponsored by MODA Mall, and will run from 10 January – 31 March, 2009.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, H. E. Shaikha Mai, President of the Board of Trustees of the Shaikh Ebrahim bin Mohammed Al-Khalifa Center for Culture and Research said: “The Shaikh Ebrahim bin Mohammed Al-Khalifa Center for Culture and Research promotes the values of the Arab World Institute in spreading word about the Islamic art and legendary Arab contemporary artists. As such we are delighted to be able to provide residents and visitors of Bahrain with the first opportunity to visit the exhibit of the Diva in the Middle East. Um Kalthum is a much admired and loved icon and we are very proud to have this opportunity to showcase her life and achievements.”
While respecting the original concept and content of the exhibition curated in Paris, Ammar Bashir, Design Director at Melablu Interiors, has re-created a distinguished display that highlights the living memory of Um Kalthum. The exhibit will be located in MODA Mall’s center court and extends to the first floor providing visitors with the first opportunity in the Middle East to view, absorb and embrace the achievements and lifestyle of this global iconic figure.
Also addressing officials and dignitaries, Dominique Baudis, President of the Arab World Institute, Paris said: “The Arab World Institute was formed upon the request of twenty one Arab countries to disseminate information about the Arab world and civilisation and set in motion detailed research to cover Arabic and the Arab world’s cultural and spiritual values. ‘Um Kalthum, Fourth Pyramid’ exhibition is a tribute to this iconic symbol and echoes the sentiment and love people have for her. We at the Arab World Institute, Paris are proud to accompany the exhibit to Bahrain in association with the Shaikh Ebrahim bin Mohammed Al-Khalifa Center for Culture and Research, and encourage as many people to visit as possible to experience this unique artist.”
The exhibition explores the persona and legacy of the Egyptian iconic artist through four thematically centered sections, each showcasing a medley of sound and audiovisual sequences, personal belongings, archived documents and contemporary art works of Um Kalthum.
The first section of the exhibition entitled ‘Icon’, embraces the character of Um Kalthum and the prevailing socio-cultural conditions that influenced and formed her career. The second section, entitled ‘Talent’, illustrates the ambitious singer and highlights the sources of her success. The third section, entitled ‘Activism’, centers on the close engagement of Um Kalthum in her political life as a feminist and a catalyst for Arab Nationalism. The final and fourth section, entitled ‘Heritage’ showcases images of the artist as a continuing source of inspiration.
In addition to the exhibit is the Um Kalthum Café, located in the centre court of MODA Mall, which provides a pleasant and relaxing setting for visitors to appreciate the songs of Um Kalthum.
MODA Mall is ideally positioned to house the exhibit due to its superior design features. MODA Mall’s interior effortlessly combines the concept elements of wind, water, motion and the veil highlighted by an awe-inspiring glass-domed entrance, cool marble floors and brushed steel, all creating an ultra modern backdrop against which luxury brands and five-star hospitality meet architectural ingenuity and flair.
Upon leaving Bahrain in March, ‘Um Kalthum, the Fourth Pyramid’ will travel to its next destination - Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
