Aseel AlYaqoub is a research-based, interdisciplinary artist and writer whose work spans drawing, printmaking, video, sculpture, and installation. Her practice interrogates the complexities of national identity and post-colonial states. Through archival engagement and critical inquiry, AlYaqoub explores how political narratives and cultural memory are shaped, using her work to question inherited state-building methodologies and challenge established historical representations.

In this episode, we are exploring the idea of identity - cultural vs. national and discussing the role of the artist - is it just to visually transform ideas or is it also to seek solutions? How can one understand her or his heritage and history better through art as a tool?

Social Media:

Instagram

YouTube

Credits:

Host: Ksenia Graovac

Project Coordinator: Farah Omrani

Editing: Mohamed Amin

Design: Mariam Mandani

Produced by: Promenade Culture Centre 2024

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Fatema AlBader is an artist and educator. She is dedicated to introducing innovation in education in schools in Kuwait and the United States where she currently resides. Fatema creates her art with passion and determination, believing that in order to stay consistent with creativity, one must dedicate time to it. She is preparing for her first solo exhibition that will be hosted next year in Kuwait.

In this episode we have explored how Fatema keeps her creative practice relevant, why feedback is important for growth of both educators and artists and how innovation in education is slowly changing our perspectives.

Social Media:

Instagram

YouTube

Credits:

Host: Ksenia Graovac

Project Coordinator: Farah Omrani

Editing: Mohamed Amin

Design: Mariam Mandani

Produced by: Promenade Culture Centre 2024

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Claudia Farkas Al Rashoud is an author, a photojournalist and a cultural consultant. Claudia has been living in Kuwait since 1979 when she joined Arab Times as a first female photojournalist.

Claudia has written a number of books on Kuwait's history and heritage, captivated by the country's changing surroundings. She is also a tireless advocate for animals' rights.

In this episode of Culture Corner we are discussing Kuwait through Claudia's eyes, her efforts to document Kuwait's past and present and why caring for animals means nurturing humans as well.

Social Media:

Instagram

YouTube

Credits:

Host: Ksenia Graovac

Project Coordinator: Farah Omrani

Editing: Mohamed Amin

Design: Mariam Mandani

Produced by: Promenade Culture Centre 2024

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Dr. Shahd AlShammari is a literature professor and a writer. She has authored numerous titles, Head above water, a memoir, being the latest. Head above water was shortlisted for the Barbellion Prize for Literature.

Her research areas include illness narratives and disability studies. Dr. Shahd also conducts The Literary Mentor platform for supporting literary appreciation and offers writing workshops and masterclasses focusing on reflective and transformative writing.

In this episode of Culture Corner, we discuss her extensive writing on illness and stigma, but also the value and importance of writing in dealing with conflict or engaging in transformative and healing writing.

Social Media:

Instagram

YouTube

Credits:

Host: Ksenia Graovac

Project Coordinator: Farah Omrani

Editing: Mohamed Amin

Design: Mariam Mandani

Produced by: Promenade Culture Centre 2024

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Shahad Bishara is a curator and designer from Kuwait who has been involved in the arts for over fifteen years. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Art from San Diego State University in California and has previously worked as the Exhibitions and Events Manager at Dar Al Funoon Gallery.

Through Visual Therapy, she has independently curated and managed art projects, collections, exhibitions, cultural events, workshops and talks in different spaces around Kuwait.

In this episode we are discussing whether art can be a lifelong calling and how support for young artists makes a difference for the future of our society. Shahad is dedicated to finding ways to support art and artists through consultancy, building collections, art commissions, etc. She also finds time to conduct her passion projects.

Social Media:

Instagram

YouTube

Credits:

Host: Ksenia Graovac

Project Coordinator: Farah Omrani

Editing: Mohamed Amin

Design: Mariam Mandani

Produced by: Promenade Culture Centre 2024

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

The very first guest of our Culture Corner podcast is Mishari AlNajjar.

Mishari AlNajjar is a practicing architect in Babnimnim Design Studio and an artist. Mishari’s research explores the built environment in Kuwait City. His work stresses a multidisciplinary approach where the realms of architecture, textile and storytelling collide, shedding light on various structures with a historical and cultural significance. His work was exhibited in group shows in Kuwait, Riyadh and the United Arab Emirates.

In this episode, we are discussing the road one takes in becoming an artist, the role of documentation in preserving our buildings and the importance of keeping the connection with creating items by hand.

Social Media:

Instagram

YouTube

Credits:

Host: Ksenia Graovac

Project Coordinator: Farah Omrani

Editing: Mohamed Amin

Design: Mariam Mandani

Produced by: Promenade Culture Centre 2024

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

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