This call-to-art has been largely propelled by individual drive. Art education remains elusive for much of the Arab world and until quite recently many of these artists pursued their work with little financial, institutional, or societal support. But things are changing. In addition to the Sharjah Biennial, the contemporary art fair of Art Dubai, Cairo’s art-star-making Townhouse Gallery, Jordan’s groundbreaking Darat al Funun, and the opening of the Beirut Art Center — the first venue for contemporary art in this artist-congested city — many impressive art houses are in the works, including Frank Gehry’s Guggenheim in Abu Dhabi. Now that the world seems to be listening, a new generation of Middle Easterners is turning to art to express itself. As the book’s author, Eigner, notes, “the work of the region’s artists acts as a small valve, helping to release much of the pent-up pressure.”