Today's Edition
SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)
The Abu Dhabi International Book Fair 2025 is an all-embracing exhibition, celebrating Emirati artistic talent among its more than 2,000 events, which provides a platform for self-expression in visual storytelling.
Aletihad spoke to local women artists being exhibited at the fair, which is being held at the ADNEC Centre until May 5.
Visual artist Amna Al Maskari shared her journey with horses and art: "My artistic beginnings started with drawing horses. I was raised among them and loved them deeply, though I had a childhood phobia of them. My father – may God have mercy on him – always tried to familiarise us with horses, but I found them intimidating. Over time, my passion grew and art became the way I conquered that fear."
She continued: "To draw horses accurately, I had to see them up close, touch them, study their movements and muscles. This helped me overcome my fear and deepen my understanding. Now I can recognise the finest details in their gaze, form and especially the beauty of the Arabian horse.
"Now, I am no longer just an artist who draws horses, but I have also become a rider."
Among her standout works is a painting of a white horse.
"This horse," she says of the picture, "as you can see, is from our own stable and a winner of a beauty award. I painted her against the backdrop of a traditional heritage gate to connect our culture with my lifelong love for horses.
"Its veins, expression and eye contact reflect its soul. I always emphasise traditional accessories on the horse's neck, especially gold elements that symbolise our heritage."
This is Al Maskari's first participation in the Book Fair, but she has previously exhibited at the Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition and Art Dubai.
Alia Al Shamsi, a digital artist, adds modernity to tradition through technology.
"I specialise in digital painting, which reflects traditional art using modern tools. With my iPad, I can draw anywhere. That's the beauty of technology – it makes creativity more accessible."
She added: "I am presenting two artworks here. One is a painting of His Highness Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler's Representative in Al Ain Region, inspired by his vision for Al Ain. I wanted to showcase the city's evolution while preserving its identity, seen in the backdrop of oases and traditional houses."
She also showcased an interactive digital display: "I wanted viewers to pause and reflect. The painting moved subtly, and many visitors were surprised and intrigued."
Of another work, she said: "I reimagined a photo of the The late Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan during a hunting trip. I changed the colours and tone to reflect peace and warmth, as if painted in the present moment."
Dalal Al Jaberi, an artist and founder of a children's publishing house, blends art with childhood imagination.
"Last year, we collaborated with photographers who documented the extremes of the desert and South Pole, and we turned it into a children's book.
"This year, I created an interactive painting of the Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan surrounded by children," Al Jaberi said, "to help kids reflect on the meaning of community through visual details and dialogue."
As a publisher, she sees art as inspiration. "I want children to have a new kind of book fair experience. The painting is a starting point. They interpret, I listen, and from that exchange, I might create a new book. The goal is for children to feel seen and heard through art."
Maryam Al Mazrouei offered a deeply personal piece.
"This is my third participation at the fair, and I wanted to do something different. Each of my five large paintings has meaning, but this one is closest to my heart," she said.
"I used gypsum, mosaic and oil paint to express challenges I've faced and the strength I drew from them," she explained. "The central rose symbolises me. The leaves branching outward represent freedom, and the mosaic roses reflect my life's journey."
"Visitors connected with the piece deeply," Al Mazrouei said. "Through this artwork, I was able to tell my story using my materials, my colour and my heart."
