Dhai Dubai, the first-ever Emirati-led light art festival, is in full swing at Expo City Dubai until February 4. Organised by Expo City Dubai, in partnership with AGB Creative and Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, the event has created a notable buzz within UAE’s art circles and garnered notable attention from local and international media, with the Emirati artists’ talent and artworks being the focus of attention.
Among the highlights of Dhai Dubai is a spectacular series of immersive light projections, titled Sisters of the Desert, which has transformed Al Wasl Plaza’s iconic dome into a vibrant, larger-than-life canvas. The show is inspired by the work of the late Dhabia Juma Lamlah, an Emirati artist celebrated for embodying Dubai’s perseverance and resilience through symbols of nature and intergenerational stories.
Unable to use her right hand or communicate through speech due to a medical condition, Dhabia turned instead to art to express her innermost feelings and overcame adversity to create more than 200 artworks over the span of a decade. Fittingly, Dhabia’s work overlooks a striking installation by her son, acclaimed Emirati artist Mattar bin Lahej, titled Movement of Stillness.
Sisters of the Desert also features artworks by women from other desert regions across the world, including Rene Kulitja from Australia and Dr Esther Mahlangu from South Africa.
“When we saw the patterns in Dhabia’s work, we instantly recognised similarities with other artists in desert regions around the world,” said co-curator Amna Abulhoul, Executive Creative Director of Entertainment and Experiences at Expo City Dubai. “I had just come back from Australia, where I was immersed in beautiful indigenous art, and the parallels were striking. The tribal, geometric patterns; the symbols filling the page from corner to corner; and the many vivid colours. I thought, ‘What if Al Wasl Plaza brought together several such artists, as sisters?’ Thus, the ‘Sisters of the Desert’ was born.”
Co-curator Anthony Bastic AM, Executive Creative Director and CEO at AGB Creative, said: “Sisters of the Desert encapsulates the spirit of Dhai Dubai as a place that celebrates the light that lives within all of us. We believe that when people come together, no matter where they are from, each of our lights glow a little brighter. Despite coming from such different backgrounds, with their own unique experiences, stories and perspective, these women are united in their resilience and strength. Together, their works take on a life of their own through this wonderful display.”
The 5-minute installation features a total of four works, starting with a starry night and a sandstorm to reveal the first piece by Dhabia Juma Lamlah, before moving on to Rene Kulitja and Dr Esther Mahlangu, and ending once again with Dhabia.
Rene Kulitja also commented on her participation: “I’m very happy to be a part of this for the first time with the other women from desert areas. I’m happy to share my story, for people to look at my art, from around the world and for them to see and learn about our Tjukupa (creation stories) from Australia.”
The installation is designed to make visitors feel like they are standing within the heart of a sand jar, as the inner walls of the dome fill from the oculus downwards with a projection of sand that transforms into lively colours, and the sound of shifting granules fills the air. The touching projections also feature a grand reveal of Dhabia Juma Lamlah’s distinct signature, which reads “Allah Kareem” (God is generous).
Projected over a 360-degree surface, their works represent the unifying power of art to bridge people across cultures and geographic distance. It stands in testament to Dubai’s spirit of multiculturalism and international collaboration, which have always been crucial ingredients in the emirate’s success and growth. It also represents a message to future generations, communicated through the common language of art, beauty and optimism.
Dhai Dubai will also illuminate Al Wasl Plaza with a series of installations by Emirati artists Mattar Bin Lahej, known for designing the calligraphic façade on the Museum of the Future; pioneering artist Dr Najat Makki, honoured with the French Chevalier of Arts and Letters; Emirates Fine Arts Society co-founder Dr Mohamed Yousef; designer Abdulla Almulla, who participated in last year’s London Design Biennale; multi-disciplinary artist Maitha Hamdan; esteemed designer Khalid Al Shafar and celebrated visual artist Reem Al Ghaith.
