On her part, the contemporary artist and Saudi fashion designer Reem Al Nasser stated to Qatar News Agency that she is participating in this exhibition with an artistic work, which consists of a collection of traditional-style clothing made from jasmine flowers known in Al Arish region and Jizan province in southern Saudi Arabia. These garments are worn during special occasions and celebrations.
The perfumer at “Perfumes of the East” exhibition Christopher Sheldrake said that the exhibition is magnificent due to the value and diversity of the artistic works displayed in it. These works give visitors the impression that they are wandering through more than one place and time simultaneously.
Sheldrake, who has 50 years of experience in designing, distilling and crafting fragrances, said in his interview with QNA that he has great respect for Arabs and Muslims when it comes to perfumes. Therefore, his task was very challenging to select only four scents from all the Arabian Eastern fragrances that represe
nt and encapsulate Arabian perfumes and convey the impression to both Eastern and Western visitors about the value and essential characteristics of these fragrances, he added.
That’s why amber and ‘Shamaman,’ which have Indian origins but is blended with Arabian scents like oud, rose and saffron, were chosen, he said, noting that the third fragrance is ‘Kefi,’ an ancient Egyptian scent with a history dating back to over 3000 years. Additionally, there’s a fragrance specifically designed for women, combining rose and musk, with a focus on natural perfume ingredients such as oud, amber, musk, rose, neroli and night-blooming jasmine, creating an intriguing and unique blend, he added.
He pointed out that the Middle East and the Arab world have been responsible for providing the essential components of perfumes worldwide. This is credited to the ancient trade routes that existed in the Middle East and the Arabian Peninsula, through which perfume ingredients reached Europe and the rest of the world. These ingredi
ents passed through places like Taif, Damascus, Turkiye, Egypt, and India. Therefore, the Arab and Islamic world has made a significant contribution to the Western perfume industry, and this influence continues to the present day. For example, over the past two decades, oud has become a key component in Western perfumes, even though it was not present in them before. The same applies to saffron, he said.
The Arab World Institute (Institut du Monde Arabe) in Paris, established in 1980, is a French institution dedicated to cultural affairs. As part of its ongoing activities throughout the year, it welcomes authors, thinkers, and artists from all around the Arab and European worlds to present their ideas and creations.
The Institute, designed by the French architect Jean Nouvel, is indeed a unique architectural masterpiece located on the banks of the River Seine. It is not only the most prominent institution for Arab-Islamic culture in France but also in Europe.
This cultural landmark aims to advance the stud
y of the Arab world in France, deepen understanding of its civilization and culture, promote cultural exchange and stimulate communication and collaboration between France and the Arab world. The president of the institute is appointed based on the French president’s recommendation and in consultation with representatives of Arab countries in France.
Source: Qatar News Agency