Emirati-Mexican group exhibition highlights UAE-Mexico cultural ties

Muhammad Yusuf, Features Writer

On the occasion of 212th anniversary of the Independence of Mexico and the 47th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Mexico and the UAE, the Embassy of Mexico in the UAE, in collaboration with the Emirates Fine Arts Society, is hosting a group exhibition of artworks by Emirati and Mexican artists. Inaugurated on September 8 and to run till November 8, over forty artists are taking part in the show titled UAE to Mexico.

“On these very special occasion,” said Luis Alfonso de Alba, Ambassador of Mexico to the United Arab Emirates, “the Embassy organises this important exhibition, in collaboration with the Emirates Fine Arts Society, to pay tribute to the Emirati and Mexican artists, and to encourage even more cross-cultural dialogue between Mexico and the UAE, to strengthen and expand the existing cultural bonds between our two countries.”

Culture is a natural bridge for peoples to interact and become aware of the common and distinguishing features of their societies, he said, noting that promoting and encouraging the exchange of cultural dialogue with the rest of the world is one of the key mandates of Mexican Cultural Diplomacy.

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“This exhibition is the ninth art exhibition that the Embassy is hosting in its premises; but it is the first exhibition that integrates such a big number of participating artists (42) exhibiting incredible art pieces, which have already sparked the imagination of so many people.” 

He said that “the cultural space of the Embassy of Mexico in the United Arab Emirates, is a space that has become a part of the cultural life of Abu Dhabi and its surroundings.”

He offered his special thanks to Khulood Al Jaberi, Vice President of the Emirates Fine Arts Society, “who, with her valuable contribution, has made this magnificent exhibition possible.” He also thanked the Embassy’s team.

“Thank you very much, Muchas gracias, Shukran Jazeelan!” he signed off, encouraging everyone to “please enjoy the exhibition, the Mariachi show, and the Mexican food!” Mariachi is a typed of traditional Mexican folk music, performed by a small group of strolling musicians.

The exhibition incorporates many styles of art.

Khalid Al Banna (UAE) is presenting his work Disappearing Tense 3, created in fabric collage and mixed media on wood. Karima Al-Shomely (UAE) has titled her work Ornamental. The artwork presents pieces of the Emirati Burqa, with patterns transforming it into interior decoration.

“The philosophy behind this work,” says the artist, “is that nowadays less people are wearing Burqa, and new generations are using it as an accessory rather than traditional country costume. They are wearing it as bracelets, rings, or necklaces.” The Burqa is an enveloping outer garment which covers the body and the face that is worn by women in some Islamic traditions. Emirati artist Sultan Al Shamsi’s oil painting on canvas, Together We Aspire, merges the Emirati and Mexican heritage “that aspire and inspire each other to live in peace and progress.”

Obaid Suroor Almas (UAE) presents the Sheikh Zayed Mosque in acrylic on canvas. “It represents the uniqueness of Islamic architecture,” he says. “Also, it’s one of the main landmarks in the UAE.”

Aalya Alattar (UAE) offers What After The Storm. It is an abstract oil painting in gold leaf “that embodies the question that stands in confusion.” Well known Emirati artist Ahmed Al Awadhi’s acrylic on canvas is titled Frida Kahlo – 2. Kahlo (1907 – 1954) was a Mexican painter known for her many portraits, self-portraits, and works inspired by the nature and artifacts of Mexico. She has been described as a surrealist or magical realist and is known for painting about her experience of chronic pain. Mexican artist Alejandra Palos Ortega’s artwork Emergence, modelled in clay and cast in bronze, has been described as a place where “Beauty emerges from encapsulated forces.” Jose Toledo’s (Mexican artist) Amanecer 2 depicts sunrise, or a new day by the sea. “It is an invitation to think about ourselves, our plans, projects, or to stay calm and relax,” says the artist.

Joe Barros Chaparro from Mexico offers his acrylic on paper work The Keeper Of What Has Never Been Told. “The wise know how to keep the secrets safe; some things are better maintained if one shuts them up,” is his message.

The inaugural was attended by Mubarak Al Nakhi, Under Secretary, UAE Ministry of Culture and Youth; Younis Haji Al Khoori, Under Secretary, Ministry of Finance; Rita Aoun-Abdo, Executive Director, Culture Sector, Department of Culture and Tourism, Abu Dhabi; Khalil Abdulwahid Hassan, Director, Fine Arts Department, Dubai Culture & Arts Authority; Khulood Al Jaberi, Vice President, Emirates Fine Arts Society and members of the Diplomatic Corps.     

Since its foundation in 1980, the Emirates Fine Arts Society, has attempted to consolidate cultural transmission, and encourage mutual cultural and artistic experience through exhibitions, workshops and seminars organised by the Society.

In its message to the current exhibition, it said that “the phenomenon of cultural interaction between peoples and human societies has been deep rooted in the concept of building the UAE and the idea of the union. The exchange of knowledge and the dialogue of civilisations is an important need for growth and development.

“This is embodied through the relations that the UAE establishes with other countries, and through artistic agency in exhibitions, where the artist goes beyond the borders of lines and colours, to interact with other cultures. The exhibition highlights the depth of the brotherly bilateral relations that unite the two nations and countries. It is a window to cultural interaction and integration, aiming at reaching knowledge goals and achieving common high human values.”