It’s a far distance from the shores of UAE, but the contributions of Bauhaus University—one of Europe’s leading institutions for visual design—can be seen in museum halls and city skylines the world over. This month from May 16th – June 16th at ‘The Shelter’ in Maraya Art Centre in Al Qasba - Sharjah, the Bauhaus legacy will be uncovered through a celebration of the life and times of one of the institution’s greatest leaders, Gyula Pap (1899 - 1983).

Pap was an extraordinarily influential figure in Europe’s 20th century Modernist movement, personifying every aspect of the Bauhaus style through his black and white photographs, stunning paintings and large multimedia sculptures. The Hungarian national was both a longtime student and teacher at Bauhaus, leaving a lasting impact on an entire generation of pupils seeking to blend aspects of Modernist architecture and graphic design.

Giuseppe Moscatello, Arts & Culture Organizer at Al Qasba and Curator of Maraya Art Centre, said that the exhibition is a unique opportunity for art lovers to uncover one of Europe’s exceptional architecture, graphic design and photography institutions. “Hosting Bauhaus exhibit in Maraya Art Centre is a true testament of our dedication to bring the world of art to Sharjah,” he said.

“The Bauhaus exhibit offers guests a unique chance to explore a time and place in history when Modernist art was truly coming into its own in Europe,” says Asma Saif, Manager of ‘The Shelter’ at Maraya Art Centre.

“Understanding these trends and appreciating their international significance over the next 50 years not just a rewarding experience, but one that strengthens the cultural diversity and vibrancy of the Emirate as a whole.”

The exhibit—whose curator Andrea Hassan is a former Bauhaus student—is located in The Shelter within Maraya Art Centre and is open to the public every day from 10 am – 10pm.