Today's Edition
MAYS IBRAHIM (Al AIN)
Crystal portraits of UAE leaders are stopping visitors at Al Ain International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition (AAIHEX) at ADNEC Centre Al Ain.
The portraits on display depict the Founding Father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan; President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, along with His Highness Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in Al Ain Region.
The inaugural edition is being held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed, and runs until November 30.
The portraits were created by Emirati artist Majedah Aljarrah, using a distinctive technique that involves arranging crystals to form detailed images.
Speaking with Aletihad, Aljarrah explained that her method relies not on varying colours, but on manipulating shadow, light, and crystal size to create depth and tone.
The crystals used in the artworks are in sizes SS30, SS20 and SS16 – standard 'stone size' units measuring roughly 6.5 mm, 4.8 mm and 4 mm respectively.
"All the colours are the same," Aljarrah said. "The technique is based on using the shine of the crystal to form the shadow, not the fill."
Each artwork requires meticulous precision and can typically take between three weeks to a month and a half, depending on its size.
The process begins with digitally preparing the image to guide the placement of each crystal.
This involves changing the picture's measurements to match the exact proportions she will build with crystals.
"Then I convert the image to black and white," Aljarrah explained.
"Removing the colour helps me focus only on the light and shadow. I add extra shadows in the areas where I want stronger depth and highlights in the areas I want to stand out."
Once the image is prepared, she divides it into sections so she can work on each area with accuracy.
The larger crystals are placed in the darkest shadow areas for depth, while the medium and smaller crystals are reserved for the lighter parts of the image.
