Cairo — Dalia Farouq
Arab visual art has undergone major transformations in recent years, driven by the nature of the digital age — particularly with the emergence of a new generation of young artists who have redefined the concept of the artistic canvas and modes of visual expression. Art is no longer merely colours applied to cloth; it has become a vast space for experimentation, innovation, and engagement with the world through technology and social media platforms.
Visual artist Mona Sami affirmed that the current generation possesses a sophisticated visual sensibility, the result of its early exposure to global cultures via the internet. She explained that the young artist today can view international exhibitions and interact with the works of major artists at the touch of a button, contributing enormously to raising their level of artistic awareness.
She noted that social media has played a dual role in this regard: on one hand, it has opened up tremendous opportunities for talent to gain exposure, but on the other, it has created a climate of artistic haste and a pursuit of rapid viral reach that sometimes comes at the expense of depth and genuine artistic experience.
Visual art critic Salem Muslim, for his part, believes that visual art among the new generation has become more closely tied to humanitarian and everyday concerns, noting that many young artists now use their work to express feelings of anxiety, identity, alienation, and the social changes the world is experiencing today.
He explained that this generation does not shy away from experimentation — rather, it regards it as an essential part of its artistic journey. As a result, works have appeared that rely on the recycling of materials, installation art, and the blending of traditional drawing with digital design, which has lent visual art a spirit that is more vibrant and diverse.
Visual arts researcher Asmaa Naseer said that the real challenge facing the new generation lies not only in learning modern techniques, but in the ability to build an independent artistic identity amid this vast volume of similar images and visual content.
«Some young artists occasionally fall into the trap of rapidly imitating trends that are popular on social media platforms, while others succeed in turning these platforms into tools for genuine expression and in reaching a global audience.»