Since the second half of the 20th century, the Arab region has witnessed pivotal and transformative political events that have shaped its modern history. Arab(ic) autobiographical literature has flourished in these contexts. A plethora of these texts have been written by women. This Essay aims to present a brief history of Arab women writing about their experiences of war and political upheavals in autobiographical texts.

Any attempt to sketch an overview of feminist thought in Syrian art today is indebted to Leila Nseir’s thinking and her revolutionary strength. Nseir devoted her life to art, sacrificing her health in the process. Yet, she was never given the credit she deserved within Syria as one of the founding figures of contemporary Syrian art and her work was never properly documented.

Nadia Saikali’s distinct style is a testament to the innate talent of a true creator. Pioneering the field of kinetics in the Arab World, her artistic gestures fused spirituality, aesthetics, and science, driven by an unsatiating impulse to examine truth through art, and art through truth. She introduced the concept of collaborative art in Lebanon’s art consciousness.

Samia Osseiran, Lebanese artist and poet, works from intuition, intellect, and an almost existential pursuit of meaning. One of the great female artists of her generation, her oeuvre encompasses a large body of work that is vibrant and diverse; a testimony of perseverance in times of personal as well as regional crises.

Helen Khal’s influence on the art world extended beyond her artistic endeavors. Her extensive research documented the overlooked contributions of female artists in Lebanon, paving the way for their participation in the burgeoning art scene in Beirut. Her contributions carry substantial weight, and her legacy continues to inspire artists today.

Painter and printmaker Munira Al Kazi stands out as a prominent figure within the realm of Arab Gulf artists; the first female artist to grace a gallery in Kuwait with an exhibition. Despite enjoying international acclaim, it was through the interconnected relationships within her intimate circle that Munira’s work found its homecoming.