‘Wave of Imagination’ - Interconnectivity Between Water and Earth
The installation ‘Wave of Imagination’ by Emirati artist Jassim Alawadhi is part of the Dubai Public Art initiative led by Dubai Culture. The piece is inspired by the interconnectivity between the elements of water and earth, extending from the Arabian Sea to the desert landscape. The 3D sculpture, located near Jumeirah Beach, is made of solid materials, characterised by its curves and the yellow colour inspired by ‘the Sunflower’, reflecting the richness of Dubai's local environment, strength, and energy. The artist used recycled materials, highlighting Dubai Culture's commitment to promoting environmental awareness through innovative projects.
The sculpture ‘Al Duroor’ is another Dubai Public Art initiative. Inspired by traditional astronomical calculations used by the people of the GCC in the past, the Emirati artist and designer Mattar bin Lahej created this unique piece commissioned by Dubai Culture in Al Shindagha Historic Neighbourhood. The sculpture, weighing 400 kilograms and standing at a height of 5 metres, reinterprets an important element of heritage through a contemporary artistic vision, aligning with the Authority’s efforts to promote Emirati heritage in public spaces.
The murals ‘The Tide’, ‘Amalgamation’, and ‘Epitome’, as part of the Dubai Calligraphy Biennale, under the artistic supervision of Ahmad Makary, represent a qualitative addition to the Dubai Public Art initiative. These murals enrich Dubai's cultural and artistic scene, reflecting the efforts of Dubai Culture to create a creative environment supporting artistic talent and encouraging them to showcase their creative works publicly.
UAE-based Argentinian Yubran Gosne (aka Sanctum) presented his mural ‘The Tide’ at the entrance of Umm Suqeim Park. Inspired by the movement of the sea and its energy, and their connection to the sands, Yubran used three greens, blues, and turquoises to depict the bond between water and land.
The mural ‘Amalgamation’ by UAE-based Algerian artist Ahmed Amine Aitouche (aka Sneak Hotep) located in Nad Al Sheba Park, consists of three angular wall surfaces, visible from one angle as a singular art piece. Aitouche aims to highlight how Dubai serves as a model of balance between tradition and modernity, freedom and discipline, and utilising cultural diversity for urban and social development.
The mural ‘Epitome’ also created by Sneik Hotep in Abu Hail Park, serves as a silent message for those striving to be better versions of themselves every day.
Dubai Culture adorned the facade of Al Safa Arts and Design Library with a monumental gypsum mural inspired by Dubai's heritage, contributing to highlighting its cultural diversity and contemporary artistic vitality. The Lebanese artist Chafa Ghaddar, through the mural, reimagines the ancient architectural design of the library building, emphasising the beauty and precision of Islamic ornamentation that was part of the library before undergoing comprehensive restoration.
Through the mural composed of 1200 ceramic pieces coated in blue and white and covered with glass, Ghaddar seeks to create an intra-era dialogue by addressing the relationship between architecture and the arts. The artist drew inspiration from the Azulejos ceramic technique, a classic Portuguese ceramic heritage with roots in Islamic, Chinese, and ancient Spanish arts, demonstrating its adaptability to global cultural and architectural diversity, aligning with Dubai's nature and architectural heritage.
The Jaddaf Waterfront Sculpture Park, adjacent to the Jameel Arts Centre, hosts the artistic work ‘I Dreamt of a City Everyone Calls Home’, produced by the design group Theories of Imagination. The collective includes the artist and architect Noor Alwan and artist-designer Abdulla Buhijji, UAE-based artists. The artwork reflects the significance of the Jaddaf area and its historical importance as a shipbuilding basin, celebrating its role in enabling trade and cultural exchange, which has contributed to enhancing cultural diversity in Dubai.
Some elements of the innovative artwork draw from the nature of the Jaddaf area, combining vernacular architecture, local plants, modern designs, and fantastical installations resembling rain showers, fog, and light dances. The artwork enhances the power of creative imagination for visitors, especially children and families, providing them with a unique interactive experience.
The ‘Theories of Imagination’ project won the inaugural edition of the Jaddaf Artistic Commissions: Playscape, launched by Dubai Culture in collaboration with Jameel Arts Centre as part of the Dubai Public Art initiative. The project has been selected by an esteemed international jury, receiving nearly 100 proposed projects from artists and designers across the country.
