This month, the Middle East Institute (MEI) in Washington, D.C., hosted the opening of Arab Pop Art: Between East and West, co-curated by Laila Abdul-Hadi Jadallah and Lyne Sneige. Running from September 12, 2025, through January 23, 2026, the exhibition features the work of fourteen artists from the Arab world and its diaspora, highlighting how global pop culture intersects with Arab cultural identity.
Drawing art enthusiasts and professionals from near and far, the gallery overflowed with people engaging with the panel as the artists shared their perspectives and creative process. The exhibition explores the evolution of Arab Pop art, which blends traditional Arab cultural motifs and symbols with the visual language of Western Pop art. Emerging in the 1960s and evolving with social media and digital technologies in the 2000s, Arab Pop artists today use creativity, satire, and street-culture awareness to comment on social and political issues while challenging regional stereotypes. The 35 works on display mix everyday symbols, regional motifs, and cultural commentary with striking imagery reminiscent of icons like Andy Warhol and Roy Lichtenstein, resulting in a show that offers new perspectives on art, identity, and culture in the Middle East. Artists such as Tony Khawam, Rasha Eleyan, and Qarm Qart presented pieces that expanded on traditional narratives and provided new perspectives on the region.
Laila Abdul-Hadi Jadallah, the curator, is a seasoned arts administrator and curator based in Washington, D.C. Her work spans exhibition development, communications, and cultural heritage protection. She has managed, produced, or curated more than 20 exhibitions nationally with museums, galleries, and other partners. Jadallah’s expertise and vision were evident in the thoughtful curation of this exhibition, which celebrated the diversity and innovation within contemporary Arab art.
In addition to her curatorial work at MEI, Laila serves as the inaugural Manager of Arts and Culture for the City of Frederick. In this role, she acts as a senior advisor to the Mayor for arts and cultural initiatives, overseeing the development and implementation of programs that enhance the city’s cultural landscape. Her leadership in Frederick highlights her dedication to fostering cultural understanding locally, regionally, and globally.
“Arab Pop Art: Between East and West” illustrates the ways in which artists from the region and its diaspora seamlessly blend Western references with the cultural iconography, motifs and critiques that are specific to the Arab world. They are reflections of the times they live and share them in very personal, yet universal and innovative ways. – Laila Abdul-Hadi Jadallah
The exhibition reflects Laila Abdul-Hadi Jadallah’s vision for connecting cultures, presenting a contemporary, global perspective on Arab identity through the bold and playful lens of pop art. Through her curatorial and professional work, she continues to elevate diverse voices and inspire new conversations about art, identity, and exchange.
For more information about the exhibition and the artists featured, visit the Middle East Institute Art Gallery website.