Alternative Modernism: Collecting and Preservation Today
A panel discussion ahead of the opening of The Matter of Light
The conversation will explore alternative narratives of modernism, the role of collections in preserving and presenting modern and contemporary art, and how collaborations between institutions and independent art spaces can create new dialogues between artworks, artists, and audiences.
Panellists
Eugenia Kikodze, Curator of The Matter of Light
Rémi Homs, Curator, Barjeel Art Foundation
Lucas Morin, Senior Curator, Art Jameel
Anna Pumpyanskaya, Dom Art Projects & Poisk Collection
Moderator: Myrna Ayad
5:00 PM — Panel discussion
7:00 PM — Opening of The Matter of Light exhibition
About the panelists:
Eugenia Kikodze is a curator and art critic who has curated more than thirty exhibitions in Russia and internationally. From 2013 to 2020, she headed the Modern Moscow Department at the Museum of Moscow, where she curated historical exhibitions including Moscow Thaw: 1956–1968 and Dreams of Moscow. She has also taught at Moscow State University, the Higher School of Economics, and the Rodchenko School.
Rémi Homs is Curator at the Barjeel Art Foundation in Sharjah, where he curates exhibitions and researches modern art from the Arab world. His work engages with the decolonisation of art histories and the recovery of overlooked narratives. His current research explores the role of craft in modern art between the 1950s and the 1980s.
Lucas Morin is Senior Curator at Art Jameel. His work engages with animals, infrastructure, cities, and the politics of emotions. He was previously a curator at Bétonsalon – Centre for Art and Research in Paris and worked at the Sursock Museum in Beirut. His recent thematic exhibitions include Global Positioning System (2026), Three Tired Tigers (2024), and At the Edge of Land (2023).
Anna Pumpyanskaya is the Director and Co-founder of Dom Art Projects, a private art institution and contemporary art space in Dubai presenting exhibitions and installations by emerging and mid-career artists. She previously founded Peruta Art, providing art consultancy, exhibition design, collection management, and artist support. Before moving to Dubai, she spent 20 years living and working in Geneva, organising exhibitions and cultural events, managing private collections, and supporting artists.
Myrna Ayad is a writer, editor, and cultural strategist specialising in the visual arts and culture of the Arab world and Iran. She has authored, edited, and contributed to numerous books and publications, collaborating with international publishers including Assouline, Rizzoli, Skira, Silvana Editoriale, and Kaph Books. She advises cultural institutions, brands, and organisations on cultural strategy and publishing, and is the founder and author of Noor’s Heroes, a series of illustrated children’s books celebrating influential figures from the Arab world.
Panellists
Eugenia Kikodze, Curator of The Matter of Light
Rémi Homs, Curator, Barjeel Art Foundation
Lucas Morin, Senior Curator, Art Jameel
Anna Pumpyanskaya, Dom Art Projects & Poisk Collection
Moderator: Myrna Ayad
5:00 PM — Panel discussion
7:00 PM — Opening of The Matter of Light exhibition
About the panelists:
Eugenia Kikodze is a curator and art critic who has curated more than thirty exhibitions in Russia and internationally. From 2013 to 2020, she headed the Modern Moscow Department at the Museum of Moscow, where she curated historical exhibitions including Moscow Thaw: 1956–1968 and Dreams of Moscow. She has also taught at Moscow State University, the Higher School of Economics, and the Rodchenko School.
Rémi Homs is Curator at the Barjeel Art Foundation in Sharjah, where he curates exhibitions and researches modern art from the Arab world. His work engages with the decolonisation of art histories and the recovery of overlooked narratives. His current research explores the role of craft in modern art between the 1950s and the 1980s.
Lucas Morin is Senior Curator at Art Jameel. His work engages with animals, infrastructure, cities, and the politics of emotions. He was previously a curator at Bétonsalon – Centre for Art and Research in Paris and worked at the Sursock Museum in Beirut. His recent thematic exhibitions include Global Positioning System (2026), Three Tired Tigers (2024), and At the Edge of Land (2023).
Anna Pumpyanskaya is the Director and Co-founder of Dom Art Projects, a private art institution and contemporary art space in Dubai presenting exhibitions and installations by emerging and mid-career artists. She previously founded Peruta Art, providing art consultancy, exhibition design, collection management, and artist support. Before moving to Dubai, she spent 20 years living and working in Geneva, organising exhibitions and cultural events, managing private collections, and supporting artists.
Myrna Ayad is a writer, editor, and cultural strategist specialising in the visual arts and culture of the Arab world and Iran. She has authored, edited, and contributed to numerous books and publications, collaborating with international publishers including Assouline, Rizzoli, Skira, Silvana Editoriale, and Kaph Books. She advises cultural institutions, brands, and organisations on cultural strategy and publishing, and is the founder and author of Noor’s Heroes, a series of illustrated children’s books celebrating influential figures from the Arab world.
DATE
October 27, 2026, 5:00 PM
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