A group of contemporary Emirati artists are having their work exhibited in Berlin as part of an initiative by Etihad Modern Art Gallery in Abu Dhabi. Art Nomads – Made in the Emirates focuses mostly on emerging young artists influenced by cultural heritage and visual traditions that have been translated for the 21st century.
It is being held at the Kunstquartier Bethanien art gallery in the Kreuzberg area of the German capital, in collaboration with Momentum, the non-profit arm of the art centre, and the Sovereign Middle East and North Africa Art Prize.
There are also presentations from leading artists of the older generation, including Abdul Qader Al Rais, who is considered a pioneer, and Najjat Makki, one of the first female artists to gain prominence as an artist in the UAE and overseas.
From the younger generation, the works of Khalid Al Banna are featured. He makes sculptural fabric collages using traditional material from the region.
Other featured artists include Maisoon Al Saleh, who takes her inspiration from history, with skulls and bones the prevalent motif in her works, and Salama Nasib, whose work consists of curtains of white fabric upon which she has printed text.
• Art Nomads – Made in the Emirates runs until Friday at Kunstquartier Bethanien. www.kunstquartier-bethanien.de
aseaman@thenational.ae
