Meet Emirati who expresses love for Arabic through art

Visitors to City Walk will get a treat to his latest giant sculpture titled Aya, that is inspired by a Quran verse.

An artist's duty extends beyond merely creating eye-catching objects that attract onlookers to bringing new perspectives to the fore.
Such is the uniqueness of the Emirati artist Mattar bin Lahej, 50, that he enabled audiences to look at culture, language and form through a new lense. Today, he is considered one of the most influential figures of the country's art scene. 
Visitors to City Walk will get a treat to his latest giant sculpture titled Aya, that is inspired by a Quran verse.
Stretching eight metres high and six metres wide alongside a mosque at City Walk, the sculpture of classic Arabic font designed in waves is created using four tonnes of stainless steel.
It reflects Bin Lahej's distinctive style that portrays the concept of movement across all his work.
"Through my work, I aim to fuel an interest in current and future generations to see beyond the now and the expected," said Bin Lahej. He said he considers Aya another milestone in his quest to leave a mark in the world of Arabic art.
Practising art professionally for the past 18 years, Bin Lahej said his concept is directly related to his love and beauty of the Arabic language that shines through his different designs. He views his work as playing an important role in maintaining the integrity and presence of the Arabic language by allowing both local and global audiences access it through different character forms.
"Art generally reflects its makers' direction of ideas. I consider my use of Arabic calligraphy, sculptures and 3D forms as the drive that translates my passion for the Arabic language," he said.
Bin Lahej is considered part of the architectural culture of the country through projects carried out with select developers like The Jumeirah Group - Al Naseem Hotel artistic works, Dubai Future Foundation's Museum of the Future, and the Martyrs Monument.
In 1992, he founded Marsam Mattar, an institution that has contributed to enriching the art movement in the UAE through supporting established and emerging artists. According to him, artists must have the continued sense of self-discovery and learning. "I never limit myself to one style or path." Through employing up to seven different art techniques, he hopes to have brought a new perspective to how people relate to nature's elements like water, soil, fire and metal.
sherouk@khaleejtimes.com

• Dubai