In honour of Emirati Women’s Day we shine the spotlight on 8 creatives championing womanhood through art. The UAE's art scene is brimming with talent, as a new wave of Emirati artists push creative boundaries and offer fresh perspectives. From contemporary installations to innovative takes on traditional mediums, these artists are not just contributing to the UAE art landscape; they are redefining it, making them essential figures to watch in the coming year.

Image source: mozaalmatrooshi.com

Moza Almatrooshi

Moza Almatrooshi is a force to be reckoned with. Known for her multidisciplinary approach, Almatrooshi blends performance, writing, and visual art to explore deep cultural narratives. Her work often draws on her Emirati heritage, offering a critical yet loving examination of the traditions that shape her identity. Through her art, Almatrooshi challenges viewers to consider the intersections of culture, memory, and personal history, making her a pivotal figure in the contemporary art scene.

Instagram: @mozaalmatrooshi

Image source: harpersbazaararabia.com

Sarah Alagroobi

Sarah Alagroobi is multidisciplinary artist with both Emirati and Syrian heritage. Her work navigates the intricate terrains of culture and identity politics, offering a critical perspective on both Arab and Western contexts. Her art challenges the notions of ‘othering’ and whitewashing, reflecting her deep exploration of the search for belonging. Sarah is the founder of ‘The Letters Project,’ an online platform that amplifies anonymous voices through shared letters. She also hosts The Native Informant, a podcast dedicated to global cultural discussions with a focus on Arab-centric issues.

Instagram: @sarahalagroobi

Image source: arabnews.com

Aisha Juma

Aisha Juma's work is a masterclass in abstract and conceptual art. Her pieces delve into themes of time, space and existence, often leaving the viewer in a contemplative state. Aisha's art is characterized by its minimalist aesthetic, where every line, shadow and void serves a purpose. By using a variety of mediums, she creates works that are both visually striking and intellectually stimulating. Aisha's ability to distill complex concepts into simple forms makes her one of the most intriguing artists in the region.

Instagram: @aishamjuma

Image source: e-flux.com

Nujoom AlGhanem

Nujoom AlGhanem is a multifaceted artist whose influence extends beyond the visual arts into poetry and filmmaking. Her work is deeply rooted in Emirati culture but resonates with universal themes of identity, displacement and the human experience. AlGhanem's films and art pieces are known for their emotional depth and narrative richness, often addressing societal issues with a nuanced perspective. Her contributions to the art world have not only enriched Emirati culture but also placed her among the most respected artists in the region.

Instagram: @nujoomalghanem

Image source: harpersbazaararabia.com

Alia Hussain Lootah

Aliah Hussain Lootah, a dynamic force in the Emirati art scene, effortlessly balances her roles as a mother of four and a visionary artist. A SEAF fellow and the creative mind behind Medaf Studio in Dubai, Aliah’s work is a compelling reflection of her life experiences. Her recent showcase at Art Dubai 2024 captivated audiences with a series of wireframe sculptures and acrylic paintings, unraveling the complexities of motherhood and the evolving bonds between mothers and children in a rapidly changing world. Aliah’s art is not just a personal narrative; it’s a universal story told with grace and insight.

Instagram: @aliahlootah_

Image source: drawdeck.com

Afaaf Saeed

Afaaf Saeed has quickly established herself as a dynamic force in the contemporary art world. As a self-taught artist with a passion for abstract art, Saeed’s work is a vibrant expression of her emotions and inner world. Her compositions, characterized by bold lines, diverse mediums, and rich colors, invite viewers into a deeply personal narrative.

Instagram: @artpiece_ae

Image source: harpersbazaararabia.com

Farah Al Qasimi

Farah Al Qasimi is an Emirati artist who excels in photography, filmmaking, and music, creating work that blurs the line between the ordinary and the fantastical. Her art examines power dynamics, particularly concerning women, colonialism, and cultural tastes, often reflecting on consumer culture in the United States and the Persian Gulf. Al Qasimi's global influence has grown significantly, with solo exhibitions in Australia and Europe in 2023, showcasing her intricate and layered compositions that combine elements of futurism, kitsch, nature, and artifice.

Instagram: @frequentlyaskedquestion

Image source: instgram.com/olaaaly

Ola Allouz

Ola Allouz is not just a photographer; she’s a community builder. In 2016, she founded *@fotoUAE*, an Instagram platform dedicated to supporting and creating opportunities for passionate photographers and artists in the UAE. Through this feed, Allouz shares the work of others, helping to connect like-minded individuals and fostering a vibrant artistic community. Foto UAE’s initiatives, including photowalks, meet-ups, and workshops, have become vital in nurturing the UAE’s creative talent, with Allouz at the helm, driving this vision forward.

Instagram: @olaaaly

Textile

We certainly noticed an increase in our hotel projects on this one. Similar to folk art, textile art seamlessly combines art and craft, displaying intricate patterns and vibrant colors crafted from modest materials. Artists in this medium may create traditional items such as macramé, woven tapestries or tufted compositions. Textile pieces not only infuse spaces with warmth and character but also pay homage to the skilled artisans responsible for their creation. This interest is the exact opposite to the clean computer gentrated art where the hand of the artist is apparent, and a sense of how it was made can resonate.