Abu Dhabi exhibition celebrates the creativity of Emirati women

Muhammad Yusuf, Features Writer

In honour of Emirati Women’s Day, Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi at Al Maryah Island is introducing an exhibition showcasing the artworks of Emirati artist Faezeh Mohammed Hassan (Aug. 28 – Sept. 28). The exhibition will be on display in the hotel’s lobby, offering guests the opportunity to appreciate the talent and creativity of Emirati women. Faezeh’s work showcases her passion for plein air art, capturing the vibrant colours and dynamic light of outdoor scenes with a focus on ochre, symbolising happiness and warmth. They also reflect the beauty of the UAE’s landscapes and traditions, as seen by the artist.

Known for blending realism and Orientalist art, Faezeh will present paintings celebrating the rich cultural heritage and contributions of Emirati women, exploring their lifestyles and daily experiences from the past and present. Inspired by artists like Gustave Bauernfeind, Ludwig Deutsch and Rudolf Hellgrewe, as well as unique sites such as the Khorfakkan Fortress, Faezeh’s work is a captivating documentary of UAE life. The highlight of the exhibition will be her painting of Ousha bint Khalifa Al Suwaidi, whose poetic legacy has been instrumental in the development of Nabati poetry in the Emirates. Born in 1920 in Al Ain, Ousha gained recognition for her poetry at a young age, breaking barriers in what was then a male-dominated field. Her work continues to inspire young female poets, and she remains a celebrated figure in Arab literary culture.

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Inspired by Faezeh’s creations and supplementing them, Executive Pastry Chef Partha Pratim Bose of the Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi has crafted an elegant afternoon tea available at Al Meylas throughout the duration of the exhibition. The culinary experience features delicacies touched with local flair and flavour, allowing guests to indulge themselves, while celebrating the achievements of Emirati women. “This is a wonderful opportunity to learn about Emirati culture and appreciate the artistry of Faezeh Mohammed Hassan,” says Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi at Al Maryah Island. “Almost two years ago,” says Faezeh, “when I decided to work in art professionally, I joined workshops with Jack Lee in Abu Dhabi. It supported me in continuing my passion.” She began by painting Impressionistic works. “It was perfect to finish the work outdoors very quickly; it was so alive, to be immersed in rich colours and beautiful light and shadow,” Faezeh recalls.

  Old travellers among ancient mountains.

She continued on to doing portraits. But after meeting Mahmoud Azadnia, art master, and attending a few theory workshops with him, she discovered she was still infatuated with old buildings and culture and traditions and that she wanted to show their best aspects. “So I challenged myself with Orientalist art and realistic techniques,” Faezeh concludes. “And enjoyed every second of it! This was me and what I adored! I also felt that people connect more with realism and it is more accessible and appealing to a wider audience.” Ousha bint Khalifa Al Suwaidi, also known as Fatat Al-Arab (Girl of the Arabs), was born into a literature and poetry loving family. Except for a fifteen year period spent in Qatar, she lived most of her life in Al Ain, moving to Dubai in the late 1980s.

As a young girl, Ousha had the opportunity to meet many poets and listen to their poetry. Influenced by classical poets like Al Mutannabi, Abu Tammam and Al Ma’ari, and local Nabati poets including Al Majidi bin Thahir, Rashid Al Khalawi, Saleem bin Abdul Hai and Mohsin Hazzani, Ousha started writing poems. She rose to become a prominent cultural figure and her poetry, written in classical Arabic, covered a variety of themes including love, wisdom, nostalgia, praise, and patriotic sentiments. Her vocabulary and style drew heavily on the environment in which she lived, which were of intimate images of the United Arab Emirate’s local land and sea scapes and the country’s past and present. Her most important poem was written in praise of Prophet Mohammed (PUBH).

She is regarded as one of the finest Arabic Nabati poets and a large number of her poems are sung by popular Emirati and Arab artists. Her work has been influential in the development of Nabati poetry in the UAE, particularly among young female poets. Thanks partly to Ousha’s example and encouragement, the poetic voice of women has became strong and essential to the cultural scene of the Emirates. She passed away in 2018 at the age of 98. Gustav Bauernfeind is considered to be one of the most notable Orientalist painters of Germany. His oil paintings are renowned for being meticulously crafted, intricately composed and almost photographically accurate cityscapes and images of known edifices, particularly those of Jerusalem.

Ludwig Deutsch was a French painter who became a noted Orientalist artist. After visiting Egypt, he concentrated on Orientalist scenes. He was particularly interested in capturing the rich, opulent scenes of Cairo and its environs. Rudolf Hellgrewe was a German landscape painter and illustrator. He is the most famous painter of Germany’s colonies. Situated on Al Maryah Island, Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi overlooks the Arabian Gulf and offers 200 rooms, suites and diverse culinary experiences from the award-winning Café Milano and Butcher & Still to the contemporary Eclipse Terrace Lounge. With over 2,000 square metres of meeting and event spaces, it is open for business meetings, weddings and social gatherings.