AC16 SEP ART Ashwaq Abdulla Gallery

The National
  • Ashwaq Abdulla's animation 'Al Mabrouka' features 10 watercolour and pastel paintings depicting the various roles of women in UAE society in the realm of textiles, crafts and agriculture. All images courtesy of the artist
    Ashwaq Abdulla's animation 'Al Mabrouka' features 10 watercolour and pastel paintings depicting the various roles of women in UAE society in the realm of textiles, crafts and agriculture. All images courtesy of the artist
  • In her paintings, Abdulla’s female subjects are suspended against vibrant backdrops of florals, patterns and local landscapes
    In her paintings, Abdulla’s female subjects are suspended against vibrant backdrops of florals, patterns and local landscapes
  • In some paintings, the women show off their traditional jewelry and clothing
    In some paintings, the women show off their traditional jewelry and clothing
  • Abdulla hopes that her video makes viewers "understand the role of the Emirati woman and the impact she had on our society throughout the generations"
    Abdulla hopes that her video makes viewers "understand the role of the Emirati woman and the impact she had on our society throughout the generations"
  • Abdulla produced the work with Emirati composer Muhammad Al Ahmad, who provided the music for the animation
    Abdulla produced the work with Emirati composer Muhammad Al Ahmad, who provided the music for the animation
  • Abdulla has also included a portrait of the late Sheikh Zayed, who spoke of the importance of literacy for women in the UAE.
    Abdulla has also included a portrait of the late Sheikh Zayed, who spoke of the importance of literacy for women in the UAE.
  • To showcase her work, Abdulla filmed a video of herself walking around a space with her paintings projected on the walls
    To showcase her work, Abdulla filmed a video of herself walking around a space with her paintings projected on the walls
  • Abdulla's work is often tied to Emirati culture, combining elements of local culture with nationalistic tributes
    Abdulla's work is often tied to Emirati culture, combining elements of local culture with nationalistic tributes