Sumac Space: A Digital Platform for Middle Eastern Art Launches During Pandemic
On October 8, 2020, amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Sumac Space—a digital venue dedicated to contemporary Middle Eastern art—was established by Katharina Ehrl and Davood Madadpoor. This platform functions as both an exhibition space and a research center, shaped by 37 discussions with artists. It features various components such as exhibitions, Artists' Rooms, and Dialogues, which include five discussions with 14 artists alongside five curators: Nat Muller, Amanda Abi Khalil, Basak Senova, Christine Bruckbauer, and Neil van der Linden. Sumac Space aims to challenge Orientalist stereotypes and improve the visibility of art from the WANA region. Additionally, it has an open call for writers and curators, striving to expand its community despite travel limitations impacting young artists.
Key facts
- Sumac Space launched on October 8, 2020.
- Founded by Katharina Ehrl and Davood Madadpoor.
- Platform includes exhibitions, Artists' Rooms, and Dialogues.
- Ongoing program involves 14 artists and 5 curators: Nat Muller, Amanda Abi Khalil, Basak Senova, Christine Bruckbauer, Neil van der Linden.
- Nearly 37 conversations with artists preceded the launch.
- Focuses on contemporary art from the Middle East/WANA region.
- Aims to counter Orientalist stereotypes and bureaucratic barriers.
- Open call for writers, curators, critics, and researchers.
Entities
Artists
- Katharina Ehrl
- Davood Madadpoor
- Nat Muller
- Amanda Abi Khalil
- Basak Senova
- Christine Bruckbauer
- Neil van der Linden
- Silvia Naef
- Anneke Lensen
- Sarah A. Rogers
Institutions
- Sumac Space
- Christie's
- Artribune
- OKNOstudio
- Fondazione Culturale Federale (Germania)
Locations
- Medio Oriente
- Middle East
- Tel Aviv
- Vienna
- Teheran
- Berlino
- USA
- Lisbona
- Dubai
- Europa
- UE
- Germania
- WANA (Asia Occidentale e Nord Africa)