Ambassador Goufan: Culture is a two-way bridge between Kuwait and France
The French Ambassador to Kuwait, Olivier Gouven, affirmed that cultural cooperation between Kuwait and France cannot be a “one-way dialogue,” stressing that strengthening ties between the two countries is not limited to presenting French culture in Kuwait, but also involves showcasing Kuwaiti creativity and opening broader horizons for joint work between artists in both nations.
Speaking at the opening of Kuwaiti artist Maryam Al-Salem’s exhibition at the French Institute in Kuwait, Gouven said that the Institute’s new cultural season for 2026–2027 will feature a diverse program including concerts, art exhibitions, film screenings, literary meetings, and educational activities, alongside events and projects organized in collaboration with partner institutions across Kuwait.
He noted that the new cultural program will pay special attention to Kuwaiti artists and creators, explaining: “Cultural cooperation cannot be a one-way dialogue. It is not just about presenting French culture in Kuwait, but also about better showcasing Kuwaiti creativity and creating opportunities for joint work.”
Gouven’s remarks came as the French Institute in Kuwait resumed its cultural activities and French language courses after months of suspension, marked by the opening of Maryam Al-Salem’s exhibition, which will remain open to the public until December 12, attended by several cultural and art enthusiasts.
The French Ambassador stated that what distinguishes the artistic experience of visual artist Maryam Al-Salem is “the way she views Kuwait,” as she starts from familiar scenes in daily life and reinterprets them through composition, color, and movement.
He explained that Al-Salem’s works naturally blend elements of Kuwaiti heritage with contemporary life, highlighting the presence of “the swimmer and the stock exchange, the Kuwaiti boat and the modern city, and falcons and skyscrapers” in her paintings.
For her part, Al-Salem emphasized during the exhibition that art serves as a bridge between the Kuwaiti and French peoples, expressing her hope that the French public will come to know Kuwaiti identity through her work.
She said she strives to convey Kuwaiti identity and its message to the world while preserving it, noting that the beauty and power of any artistic work lie in how it reflects on the viewer and how the viewer reflects on it.
Regarding her painting “Falcons,” which she created during the war period, Al-Salem said it carries a message about the security and peace experienced in Kuwait. She pointed out that the wings of the falcons flying over the country symbolize “the front lines and air forces,” and that the wing conveys a sense of encompassing protection.
She added that the presence of Kuwaiti heroes who sacrifice their time and personal safety to safeguard the country’s security gives a feeling of protection and encompassing care, making the painting, at the same time, an artistic expression of security, tranquility, and connection to the homeland.
Ambassador Gouven affirmed that the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations between France and Kuwait cannot be reduced to official visits and political dialogue, noting that the strength of these relations is also evident in cultural, educational, and academic fields.
Soraya Sa’i, Advisor for Cooperation and Cultural Affairs and Director of the French Institute in Kuwait, stated that “freedom, creativity, and diversity” represent the core values underpinning the Institute’s mission, explaining that these values will be present in the selection of artists, projects, and events during the new cultural season.
She added that the Institute aims to embody in Kuwait an open space for creativity, multiple perspectives, and dialogue, noting that the choice of a Kuwaiti artist to inaugurate the new season aligns with this direction.
