The first GCC competition by Ayyam Gallery, Kunooz, found hidden gems of the region as the prominent gallery announced today the three winners of Kunooz are:

Kuwaiti artist Mohammad Sharaf

Palestinian living in UAE, Walid Al Wawi

and Kuwaiti artist Mohammed Alkouh

So finally some recognition of young Kuwaiti talents from a regional scale! On May 20, Ayyam Gallery said on their Facebook page that they shorten submissions from 104 to 17 . Since then, there has been long & “heavy” process of discussions and interviews with the finals until today when a decision was made.

On this note, Khaled Samawi, Co-founder of Ayyam Gallery told Al Mahha Art Blog:

The three finalists all showed great talent and potential… we look forward to seeing them compete head to head in a trio exhibition

When “Kunooz” was announced, the first winner was suppose to get a solo exhibition while 2nd & 3rd get a joint one. However, the finalists were presented very strong entries they got a tie! Samawi explains:

All 3 tied… no clear winner, that is why we could not decide on a clear winner between the 3.

The winners will be awarded a joint exhibition with Ayyam Gallery in the coming year. Locations and dates to be determined with the artists and will be announced later.

Congratulation to the three winners and we are keen to see what they will create as their responsibility is huge and the challenge has just begun! Good luck 🙂

Cheers