If the past couple of weeks have proved anything, it’s that Dubai’s arts scene is positively crackling with local talent.
The hum of imagination is more than just an audible undertone in this part of the world right now, and on the back of a catalogue of exhibitions to have taken over the capital in 2021, the future has never looked brighter for the arts.
Here, we profile ten Emirati and emirates-based artists that you need to get on your radar right now.
Abdulla Lutfi
Known for his black and white pop-art drawings, Emirati Abdulla Lutfi is one of the UAE’s most well known artists – even for those who may not recognise the name. Lutfi’s unique style of drawing is in permanent place at DXB Terminal 3 as part of diorama illustrating daily life at the bustling airport, and is viewed by thousands of passengers each day. Lutfi helped Time Out Market Dubai celebrate its grand opening with a live demonstration of his talents and you can check out his work on display this month.
@abdullalutfi
Chie Nakano
Japanese artist Chie Nakano discovered her passion for painting at a tender age, and has since mastered her craft of contemporary realistic brushwork here in Dubai. A member of Tashkeel, she is based out of Al Fahide Historical District, and believes that the diversity of the emirate provides a wealth of inspiration for her and her contemporaries. She helped welcome Time Out Market Dubai to town with a live, still-life session. Don’t miss her work on show at the Market this month.
chienakano.com
Ebtisam AbdulAziz
Science plus mathematics usually makes for some very rigid equations, but that hasn’t stopped Ebtisam AbdulAziz finding an artful solution for the pair. The talented creative takes a unique approach to the arts, and places her focus on structures of systems to question identity. Catch her expressions in installations as well as performance pieces.
artistebtisamaziz.com
Maisoon Al Saleh
Telling emotional tales through art, the work of Maisoon Al Saleh uses skull and bone to reach her audience in a way like few others can. In each of her masterful paintings, skeletal compositions reveal stories from past Emirati life, as well as the nation’s culture and rich history.
maisoonalsaleh.com
Mike Arnold
Having spent 40 years working in the architecture game, it comes as little surprise that Mike Arnold is a dab hand with the sketchbook. Pursuing a passion to bring light to his creations, Arnold fuses his knowledge of built structures and his ability to almost see through the exterior to the inner forms of his subject, be they living or landscape. His practice extends across oil-on-canvas, oil-on-glass, mono prints, oil sticks and oil-on-paper. He was another to help launch Time Out Market Dubai as a platform for Dubai-based artists and his work is on display throughout Ramadan.
mikearnold.art
Pierre Abboud
Here is a man who knows a thing or two about getting the most out of his resources. Pierre Abboud holds a Guinness World Record for crafting the planet’s largest recyclable material mosaic. His wide-reaching acclaim led him to be commissioned by the Time Out Market Dubai team to create another homage to sustainability from reclaimed bottles, and the powerful sculpture will reside at the Souk Al Bahar destination until live entertainment resumes.
@abboud.pierre
Sarah Al Agroobi
The fingerprints of Sarah Al Agroobi can be found at galleries all across the UAE and beyond. Her studies have taken her all over the world, and with residencies at both Sharjah Art Foundation studios and Warehouse421 last year, feels it is her social responsibility to advocate for herself and stay true to the authenticity of her practise.
sarahalagroobi.com
Saman Sadlik
Saman Sadlik has earned notoriety in the social media space, with Instagram in particular providing plenty of oxygen for her status to grow. Her illustrations have earned her credits with Dior Joaillerie, L’Occitane En Provence and Aqua Di Parma, and she is definitely one to keep tabs on as the local arts scene continues to flourish.
@samarsadikdesigns
Tarlisa Schubert
The city’s most popular new attraction, Time Out Market Dubai, is also home to an installation from Brazilian-born street artist Tarsila Schubert. Schubert’s stock has never been higher, and it’s little wonder given that the talented creative was selected as the first female artist to paint a wall in Amman, Jordan, in celebration of the FIFA Women’s World Cup. Keep an eye out for her mural on your next Market visit.
@tarsilaschubert
Victor Sitali
Victor Sitali excels in the field of fine art, using brush and canvass to express himself after being diagnosed with a hearing impairment aged three. Born and raised in Zambia but a UAE resident for more than 10 years, his practice explores both the abstract and figurative primarily in oil and acrylic on canvas but also in watercolour, pastel and charcoal on paper. His motto: “My voice is heard through the work of my hands.” Look closely and you’ll find his work at Time Out Market Dubai.
@Vsitali90
