Today's Edition
MAYS IBRAHIM (ABU DHABI)
All the way from Abu Dhabi to Kochi, Hashel Al Lamki, a prominent Emirati painter and multi-disciplinary artist, is inviting audiences to cross-cultural dialogues through exploring the rich interplay of personal heritage and universal themes.
His solo exhibition, Maqam, originally debuted in Abu Dhabi Art 2023, has made its way to the Durbar Hall Art Gallery in Kochi, India, marking his ninth solo show and first international debut, curated by Dr. Venetia Porter as part of Abu Dhabi Art's annual Gateway series.
"This gives me the platform as an artist to see the work adapt to new space, undergo new readings and engage with new cross-cultural dialogues and audiences. For this I am truly grateful to the hosts and collaborators, Kerala Lalithakala Akademi, Rizq Art initiative, and Abu Dhabi Art," Al Lamki told Aletihad in a recent interview.
Prevailing Themes
Maqam examines Al Lamki's artistic practice from 2004 to 2023 through various mediums.
"The influences stem from my hometown of Al Ain and my travels around the world, bringing forth a conversation about humanity. We have so much in common and need to highlight and appreciate our journey as a collective, rather than focusing on our differences," the artist noted.
His work "Tower" examines post-consumerism waste and the concept of documenting mundane life.
Another example is the "Sabah Al Khair" series, which consists of humorous WhatsApp messages collected from a family group. Being Emirati, the UAE's unique cultural and artistic environment significantly influences the themes and techniques incorporated in Al Lamki's artwork.
"This relationship is directly reflected in my exhibition, Maqam, which is named after my neighboorhood in Al Ain and reflects the city's impact on me. My work's topics and techniques are derived from the customs, scenery, and narratives that have molded my identity, all of which are intertwined within the rich culture of the United Arab Emirates," he said.
However, Al Lamki leaves onlookers with the freedom to lay out their own interpretations when viewing his art.
"Once the work leaves my studio, it embarks on its own journey beyond my narrative and is open for discussion, which I am proud to see has been received positively worldwide," he noted.
Facilitating Cross-Cultural Exchange
Lasting from July 12 to August 15, the Maqam exhibition was showcased by Abu Dhabi Art, under the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi).
It was featured alongside the Beyond Emerging Artists 2023 (BEA) exhibition, displaying works by BEA artists Almaha Jaralla, Samo Shalaby, and Latifa Saeed.
"The artistic heritage of both the UAE and India is rich and vibrant, with shared values of creativity, community, and artist support," said Al Lamki.
He added that these exhibitions contribute to strengthening the deeply intertwined socio-economic relationship between India and the UAE, "emphasising the importance of appreciating our shared history while also looking forward to the future."
