emirates7 - H.H. Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture), inaugurated the "Narratives of Belonging" exhibition, which celebrates both emerging and established Emirati artists. The exhibition, held at the Al Safa Art & Design Library until 18th October, features the works of 23 Emirati artists, showcasing their creativity across various art forms and highlighting their personal experiences. These artists play a key role in advancing the local art scene and enriching the creative landscape of the region.
During her tour of the exhibition, H.H. Sheikha Latifa explored the range of works, noting how they transcend traditional artistic boundaries and offer innovative interpretations. She interacted with some of the participating artists, praising their unique visions and high-quality work, emphasizing that the coming together of Emirati artists contributes significantly to the country’s cultural landscape. She also stressed the importance of such exhibitions in fostering a sustainable artistic environment that supports Dubai’s growing cultural and creative industries.
Sheikha Latifa further remarked that "Narratives of Belonging" serves as a creative platform, reflecting the artistic spirit of the emirate and its dedication to nurturing local talent. She stated, "The exhibition highlights the strength of Emirati art, which is deeply connected to a rich cultural, intellectual, and civilisational heritage. It also promotes creative diversity, encouraging cultural dialogue and the exchange of ideas, which inspires artists to collaborate and expand their artistic horizons." This, she noted, helps to build a rich and vibrant artistic legacy that shares the message of creativity with the world.
The exhibition offers artists the opportunity to express their ideas and perspectives on themes such as belonging, storytelling, cultural heritage, and identity exploration. Notable Emirati artists like Dr. Najat Makki, Nujoom Al Ghanem, Mohammed Al Mansoori, and the late Hassan Sharif are featured.
Some highlighted works include Roudha Al Mazrouei’s documentation of the lives of Siji’s residents in Fujairah, capturing the nomadic and Bedouin way of life. Salmah Al Mansoori’s "I Reminisce in Colours" explores her hometown of Ghayathi through painting, while Mai Al Rumaithi’s paintings evoke the warmth and nostalgia of childhood.
Aisha Al Hammadi’s "Echo of Memory" focuses on the dhow harbour at Zayed Port, emphasizing its connection to maritime heritage. Maryam Bin Bishr’s work reflects the transformation of vibrant neighbourhoods, while Maryam Al Zaabi’s abstract piece inspired by the ‘Mertashaa’ (choker) addresses societal pressures on women.
Dr. Afra Atiq presents a three-part poem capturing her grandmother’s experiences during the pearl diving seasons, while Sheikha Alyazia Al Nahyan explores landscapes as vessels of cultural memory. Alia Lootah’s series, "Shadows at Play," looks at the interaction between light, shadow, and form. Eman Al Hashemi’s "Waiting Series: Sockets" contemplates the passage of time, and Sara Al Haddad weaves themes of loss and belonging using yarn and fiber.
Other featured works include Shamsa Al Omaira’s exploration of the symbolic importance of the date seed, Juma Al Haj’s use of the tally system and abstract expressionism, Sheikha Al Ketbi’s immersive installation combining film and interactive elements, and Hussain Sharif’s "Intersections," which delves into the relationship with traditional spaces.
The exhibition also includes works by Faris Al Shafar, Mohammed Al Alawi, Hessa Al Marzouqi, and Shama Al Hamed, adding to the rich and diverse showcase of Emirati creativity.
During her tour of the exhibition, H.H. Sheikha Latifa explored the range of works, noting how they transcend traditional artistic boundaries and offer innovative interpretations. She interacted with some of the participating artists, praising their unique visions and high-quality work, emphasizing that the coming together of Emirati artists contributes significantly to the country’s cultural landscape. She also stressed the importance of such exhibitions in fostering a sustainable artistic environment that supports Dubai’s growing cultural and creative industries.
Sheikha Latifa further remarked that "Narratives of Belonging" serves as a creative platform, reflecting the artistic spirit of the emirate and its dedication to nurturing local talent. She stated, "The exhibition highlights the strength of Emirati art, which is deeply connected to a rich cultural, intellectual, and civilisational heritage. It also promotes creative diversity, encouraging cultural dialogue and the exchange of ideas, which inspires artists to collaborate and expand their artistic horizons." This, she noted, helps to build a rich and vibrant artistic legacy that shares the message of creativity with the world.
The exhibition offers artists the opportunity to express their ideas and perspectives on themes such as belonging, storytelling, cultural heritage, and identity exploration. Notable Emirati artists like Dr. Najat Makki, Nujoom Al Ghanem, Mohammed Al Mansoori, and the late Hassan Sharif are featured.
Some highlighted works include Roudha Al Mazrouei’s documentation of the lives of Siji’s residents in Fujairah, capturing the nomadic and Bedouin way of life. Salmah Al Mansoori’s "I Reminisce in Colours" explores her hometown of Ghayathi through painting, while Mai Al Rumaithi’s paintings evoke the warmth and nostalgia of childhood.
Aisha Al Hammadi’s "Echo of Memory" focuses on the dhow harbour at Zayed Port, emphasizing its connection to maritime heritage. Maryam Bin Bishr’s work reflects the transformation of vibrant neighbourhoods, while Maryam Al Zaabi’s abstract piece inspired by the ‘Mertashaa’ (choker) addresses societal pressures on women.
Dr. Afra Atiq presents a three-part poem capturing her grandmother’s experiences during the pearl diving seasons, while Sheikha Alyazia Al Nahyan explores landscapes as vessels of cultural memory. Alia Lootah’s series, "Shadows at Play," looks at the interaction between light, shadow, and form. Eman Al Hashemi’s "Waiting Series: Sockets" contemplates the passage of time, and Sara Al Haddad weaves themes of loss and belonging using yarn and fiber.
Other featured works include Shamsa Al Omaira’s exploration of the symbolic importance of the date seed, Juma Al Haj’s use of the tally system and abstract expressionism, Sheikha Al Ketbi’s immersive installation combining film and interactive elements, and Hussain Sharif’s "Intersections," which delves into the relationship with traditional spaces.
The exhibition also includes works by Faris Al Shafar, Mohammed Al Alawi, Hessa Al Marzouqi, and Shama Al Hamed, adding to the rich and diverse showcase of Emirati creativity.