New aspects of Arabic art, culture unveiled
Published: 12 May. 2009, 23:19
Henna, a traditional body art.
The festival features a full line-up of performances, film screenings, exhibitions and hands-on experiences.
The four performances on the program bring the sounds and sights of Sudan, the UAE, Qatar and Morocco to Seoul.
Moroccan performers will team up with a Korean group named YeSanJok to play a mixture of diverse musical genres including Gnaoua (or Gnawa) music from Morocco, samulnori, percussion music from Korea, and jazz. Gnaoua music has roots in African and Sufi Muslim culture and uses the guembri, a three-string lute; qraqeb, large iron castanets; and gganga, a big drum.
‘Untitled’ by Saudi Arabian artist Nasir Aziz Al-Maymoon. Provided by the organizer
One of these is the Lebanese film “Caramel” (2007). The film, which topped the Lebanese box office for seven weeks, tells the story of five Lebanese women who regularly meet at a beauty salon to talk about men, love and sex, and to share the joys and sorrows of their lives. The film also won the FIPRESCI (International Film Critics) prize at the Stockholm International Film Festival.
Along with the feet-tapping performances and fresh films, the hands-on experiences are also well worth trying.
‘Angel Letters’ by Omanese artist Saleh Al Shukairi
Those curious about henna, which was once used to adorn the female form, can check out an exhibition devoted to this decorative art. The beauty of Arabic calligraphy is the centerpiece of another exhibition.
The festival is also reserving a unique experience for one lucky couple who want to get married in a traditional Sudanese wedding ceremony.
A scene from the Lebanese film “Caramel.” Provided by the organizer
The festival was organized by the Korea-Arab Society, which seeks to promote cultural exchange between Korean and Arab communities through a variety of events, and continues through May 20.
For more information, visit www.arabfest.org or call (02)-3216-1185. All events are free.
By Sung So-young [so@joongang.co.kr]
with the Korea JoongAng Daily
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