The Art Fund Collection of Middle Eastern Photography

These are 21 photographs purchased as part of the Art Fund Collection of Middle Eastern Photography. This is an Art Fund initiative for the British Museum and V&A to acquire a capsule collection of 20th century and contemporary photography and digital images by artists from the Middle East (whether living in their countries of origin or outside). The Art Fund has given the two museums grants over £150,000 for the collection and additional support for the tour of the collection. Contemporary photographic practice relating to the Middle East in the last few years has been vibrant, innovative and varied, reflecting the rapid changes and upheavals in political, religious, social and cultural life while often balancing a celebration and critique of tradition. The work illustrated is The Yemeni Sailors of South Shields, 2006 by Youssef Nabil.