Dubai: Meet 7 top Emirati artists who add sparkle to 10 nights of light art festival

Seven renowned Emirati artists will be featuring their remarkable installations during the 10-day inaugural Dhai Dubai Light Art Festival at the iconic Al Wasl Plaza in Expo City Dubai.

Each artist will be presenting their own unique stories embodying the spirit of Dubai through a fusion of tradition and contemporary artistry.

Expo City Dubai, in partnership with AGB Creative and Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, revealed the lineup of artists for the inaugural edition of the event, which will illuminate Dubai for 10 nights from January 26 to February 4. Curators Amna Abulhoul, Expo City Dubai Executive Creative Director, and Anthony Bastic AM, founder of AGB Creative, have picked this amazing selection of artists.

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Mattar Bin Lahej

A versatile artist is known for designing the calligraphic facade of the Museum of the Future. He specialises in painting, photography, sculpture and design. His art is distinguished by the creative use of Arabic calligraphy and a bold approach to form and movement, often inspired by the majesty of horses in motion – a testament to their historic importance in Emirati culture.

Referred to as the ‘Man of Steel,’ Bin Lahej’s works embody a distinctive narrative, blending emotion and storytelling, which vividly represent the cultural essence of the UAE.

Dr Najat Makki

She is a pioneering artist renowned for her abstract and colourful depictions of the UAE’s natural landscapes and her female figures. Her work, characterised by the use of fluorescent paints and UV-A lighting, creates immersive, dreamlike experiences, drawing inspiration from the country’s inspiring women, and Dubai’s historic lifeline of the Creek.

Makki’s art, deeply rooted in her curiosity for colour and form, reflects a unique perspective on the region’s beauty, bridging the gap between traditional aesthetics and contemporary art. She has been awarded the ‘Chevalier of Arts and Letters’ by the French government.

Dr Mohamed Yousif

The Emirates Fine Arts Society co-founder is celebrated for his whimsical and delicate sculptures inspired by his memories of growing up in the UAE, often crafted from palm tree fronds native to the UAE desert.

Mohamed’s multifaceted talent extends to the theatre, where he contributes as a playwright, director, and actor, infusing his artworks with a dynamic interplay of motion and stillness. His significant participation in international exhibitions, including the Venice Biennale, and numerous awards highlight his influential role in shaping the UAE art scene.

Abdalla Almulla

He is celebrated for his geometrically inspired architectural designs, particularly his interpretation of the minaret, which explores the relationships between light and the five prayer times. His work, characterised by the innovative use of patterns and geometry, explores the intersections of tradition and technology, and design theory and visual aesthetics.

Almulla’s creations embody a fusion of creativity and functionality, marking him as a key figure in the contemporary architectural scene of the UAE. Last year, Almulla participated in the London Design Biennale and Dubai Design Week.

Khalid Alshafar

He is known for his groundbreaking fusion of Emirati culture and contemporary design elements. With a distinct portfolio spanning furniture and intricate objects, Alshafar’s creations transcend mere aesthetics, embodying a profound personal connection between form and function.

He is renowned for his collaborations with LASVIT and the Louvre Abu Dhabi. His work, characterised by both aesthetic allure and practicality, serves as a dynamic testament to the evolving design landscape of Dubai and the broader Middle East.

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