Huna Al Emarat in the Gallery of Light

The exhibition “Huna Al Emarat”, meaning Here UAE or This is UAE, opens to the public today in the Gallery of Light, DUCTAC, Mall of the Emirates.

It was a privilege, as one of the Mobipixuae members participating, to be present at the preview last night. 

The exhibition, which will run from 10th-16th February 2015, takes the form of a collective memoir which reflects the past decade in the UAE and the evolution which has taken place in that period. Painting, photography, sculpture and video are featured. Artists taking part include Mattar bin Lahej, Ammar Al Attar, Khalil Abdulwahid, Camille Mallat, Nour Sokhon and Mobipixuae. The  exhibition also showcases design works by Caravan, and presents publications including Brusselssprout and WTD. 

The evening was a great success and Ductac can certainly be proud. There was a distinct sense of camaraderie as the artists mingled willingly with all the guests present, sharing information and stories about their works.   

Two works in particular spoke very strongly to me. 

The first was the installation, False Ceiling, from Caravan.  It was originally installed in a traditional courtyard house in the heart of Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood in Dubai, being suspended by helium inflated balloons which enabled it to wave freely as it was exposed to the elements. The need for shelter, often seen as a basic need for human life, is brought into question, and the viewer is encouraged to embrace the challenges of life.

I have long been following the exquisite sculptures of Mattar bin Lahej, and the piece on show was a delight to behold.  Ensihar or Fusion, is an installation made in stainless steel. It has a diameter of two meters and its form, spheres, curves and Arabic calligraphy depict the pearl. Light reflecting onto the verses from the Holy Quran at different angles add to the incredible movement present in the piece. Heritage and present day culture merge.    

The concept and depiction of movement is very strong in all Mattar’s pieces and I resonate very strongly with this. One of the highlights of the evening for the Mobipixuae members was when he came over to our installation to discuss our images with us. 

 

(More photos from the evening can be viewed here)

The exhibition, presented by CBRE to coincide with the firm’s 10th anniversary in the Middle East, is open daily from 9am to 10Pm, Gallery of Light, Ductac, Mall of the Emirates, Dubai, 04 341 4777, www.ductac.org