Mexican Embassy and HCT-ADWC celebrate cultural fusion with show

Muhammad Yusuf, Features Writer

The Embassy of Mexico in the United Arab Emirates in collaboration with the Higher Colleges of Technology — Abu Dhabi Women’s College (HCT-ADWC), has launched the exhibition titled ‘Fusion: a celebration of Emirati and Mexican women’. On view till May 27 at the Embassy, it is the tenth art exhibition the Embassy is hosting on its premises, and the first that showcases artworks by artist students.

Salama Mohamed Ali presents the work I love Frida, which expresses her love and connection with Mexican artist Frida Kahlo. Rodha Almansoori’s Delicious Music expresses the joy of listening to Mexican music while eating the traditional Emirati dessert Luqaimat! Maitha Abdulla Almarar’s Mexican Picnic in the UAE shows how Mexican food is enjoyed in the UAE the Emirati way.

Maitha Abdalla Alabdouli offers Desert Lilacs, which shows a beautiful desert — a destination enjoyed by both Mexicans and Emiratis, “especially women who feel calm and free among its many dunes”. Mahrah Habes Almansoori showcases Desierto Rosa which points out Mexican and Emirati women’s love for traditional clothes and the desert via a magical and transformative desert dusk. Mahra Aldhaheri’s Momento de Paz shows a moment of peace and tranquility in the artist’s imaginary Mexican/Emirati garden.

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Mahra Ali Aldhaheri, in her Childhood Pleasures, is where she has placed some of the characters from children’s shows in the UAE and Mexico in one collage, to celebrate children of both cultures. Sheikha Ali Al Mansoori’s The Visitor underlines the similarity between Mexican and Emirati carpet patterns. Alyaa Alzaabi’s Taco Time juxtaposes trees and plants that are native to the UAE and Mexico — the palm tree and the cactus.

Lena Mohammed’s Dia de los Muertos or the Day of the Dead, is a celebration of life and death. The artwork expresses how the artist imagines herself in Mexico on that day. Fatima Hashem Alblooshi’s Harvesting Color expresses the beauty of the harvest season in both Mexico and the Emirates. Aryam Aljneibi’s Feminine Spirits indicates how women in both Mexican and Emirati cultures enjoy the peace and lightness of the desert.

Amna Saeed’s artwork Our Beloved Writers pays tribute to fiction and non-fiction writers of both countries, Carlos Fuentes and Alamira Reem Bani Hashim.  Amna Saeed’s Desert Joy expresses the happiness that women experience in the desert among traditional desert plants that are found in both Mexico and the UAE.

 The exhibition is a celebration of commonalities.

Alyazya Aljahoori’s Crafting Traditions shows the popularity of traditional crafts in the UAE and Mexico. Shahad Alafeefi’s Harees and Taco suggests the growing popularity of Mexican food in the UAE. Reem Almansoori’s Sunset Henna Sombraro shows her love of Henna patterns and Sombreros.

Mazna Almeraikhi’s The Two Fridas shows the artist reflecting on the concept of two Fridas. She was most impressed by Kahlo’s use of the “heart” in her paintings. Mahra Alblooshi’s Mexican Vibes also deals with El Dia de los Muertos. The artist gives an Emirati touch to the type of art that commemorates the day. Noor Al Hashmi’s The Dhab & The Salamander underlines the similarities between the Dhab in the UAE and the Salamander in Mexico. Shahad Salah Al Ameri’s The Tree of Culture presents symbols of Emirati and Mexican cultures.

Roudha Alhosani’s Mexican Notes shows the Oud. It lies against a colourful Mexican Serape that brings out the beauty of the instrument. Fatima Mohammed Alqemzi’s The Scared Heart of Unity expresses the peace and unity that exists between the UAE and Mexico. Fatema Ali Alhemeiri’s work Coffee in Color expresses the artist’s love for Mexican colours and patterns. It shows a young Emirati woman enjoying her coffee among vibrant and vivacious colours.

Hind Alhajeri’s The Four Fridas shows a young Emirati woman who is enjoying the spirit and work of Mexican artist, Frida Kahlo. Budoor Alhammadi’s Majestic Birds notes that birds are well-loved in both the UAE and Mexico. The artwork shows two popular birds in the UAE and Mexico, namely, the macaw of Mexico that symbolises summertime and healing, and the majestic falcon, which is the national bird of the UAE.

Baderalduja Almurshidi’s Father of the Nation utilises Mexican patterns and symbols that are used to decorate the frame that holds a photo of the beloved Father of the UAE, Sheikh Zayed. Aaesha Salem Almazrouei’s My Mexican Garden in the UAE recalls that in 1963, the dahlia flower was declared the National Flower of Mexico. It is a source of food, medicine and ornamental value and adds colour and beauty to many UAE home gardens.

“Between the Emirati and Mexican cultures there are many similarities, despite the long distances that separate both countries: we have deserts, we have flowers, we have common trees, and we also share many traditions in crafts, in the way of dressing and in the way we enjoy life,” said Luis Alfonso de Alba, Ambassador of Mexico in the United Arab Emirates.

President and CEO of HCT-ADWC, Dr. Faisal Alayyan, highlighted his interest in “investing more in the arts and culture” to “make the United Arab Emirates a global centre and a destination for anyone who wants to get involved in the arts industry.” Professor Dalia Rehab received a certificate of recognition from the Mexican Ambassador for curating the show and the work of Nawal Boulos, in charge of Cultural Affairs of the Embassy of Mexico, was also honoured. From 2020 to date, Boulos has coordinated ten exhibitions at the Embassy.