United by sea: Emirati and Maltese artists explore maritime similarities
- 22 Oct 2024
Muhammad Yusuf, Features Writer
The Embassy of the Republic of Malta in the United Arab of Emirates held an exhibition titled ‘The Sea, Il-Bahar, Al Bahr’ (Oct. 7 – 16) at the capital’s Salwa Zeidan Gallery. Curated by Dr. Noha Farran, the themed exhibition showcased newly commissioned artworks from two artists from Malta and two from the UAE. Artists taking part were Anna Galea, Adrian Scicluna (Malta) and Azza Al Qubaisi and Salem Aljuneibi (UAE). The curatorial vision of ‘Il-Bahar’ revolved around exploring and celebrating the sea’s pivotal role in shaping the cultural, historical, and social identities of Malta and the UAE. It showed the commonalities of two nations, divided by land and united by sea.
By featuring the works of two artists from each country, the exhibition endeavoured to present a multifaceted narrative that reflected on the sea’s omnipresence in the lives of citizens and residents of both places, as a source of sustenance, exploration, and inspiration. “My two main artworks capture the cultural essence of our two countries: Pearl for the UAE and Salt Pan for Malta,” said Anna Galea. “Additionally, my smaller watercolour paintings are abstractions reflecting the spirit of the sea.”
Emirati artist Azza Al Qubaisi presented ‘Bahr’, a sculpture reflecting nature’s power to unite. Crafted in stainless steel with blue hues and grounded by mild steel, it captured the sea’s dynamic movement and its role in shaping cultures. It was inspired by her journey between Malta and her homeland. “I explore the connections between past, present and future through ‘Bahr’, the Arabic word for sea,” Al Qubaisi said. “In both Arabic and Maltese, ‘Bahr’ symbolises a cultural connection, transcending borders. The sea, timeless and ever-flowing, links our histories and shapes our futures. My work honours these common bonds.”
Through his paintings, Adrian Scicluna explored the sea as a catalyst for storytelling and imagination. Historically, stories travelled by sea, blending myth, history, and personal experiences. Maltese myths such as the Dragonara Serpent and the nymph Calypso who kept Odysseus prisoner for seven years when his ship was shipwrecked after a fierce storm, along with UAE tales of djinns such as Baba Darya and Umm Al Duwais, fill the subconscious with stories of sea creatures and spirits, he says. In his project, he immersed viewers in a surreal underwater world, combining myth, personal experiences and memories through motifs such as caves, fish and coral, in a magical visual narrative.
Since prehistory, the sea, or bahr, has been crucial for both the UAE and Malta. In the Emirates, pearl diving was a primary livelihood, deeply ingrained in its culture and symbolising the region’s humble beginnings. This tradition fostered healthy competition, unity, and a profound respect for the sea. In contrast, Malta has a rich history of extracting salt from the Mediterranean, a vital commodity for preserving food and for medicinal purposes. The iconic salt pans carved into rocky shores define the Maltese landscape.
‘Il-Bahar’, translating to ‘The Sea’ in both Arabic and Maltese, encapsulated the essence of the show, which sought to explore the deep connections between the United Arab of Emirates and Malta through their shared maritime heritage. It aimed to highlight the cultural dialogue and artistic synergies between the two coastal nations, and foster a deeper understanding and appreciation of an interconnected world.
Maria Camilleri Calleja, Ambassador of the Republic of Malta and Permanent Representative of Malta to IRENA in Abu Dhabi, said that “Malta and the UAE, though geographically distant, share a common vision for innovation, cultural collaboration, and mutual respect for diversity. This event celebrates the cultural and environmental significance of the sea to both our countries, while also supporting artistic expression and exchange. It reinforces the strong friendship and collaboration between Malta and the UAE, deepening our cultural ties and fostering mutual understanding.”
Curator Dr. Noha Farran, while underlining the importance of the exhibition, said that it offered an immersive visual experience that transcended geographical boundaries, forging a compelling link between the UAE and Malta through the universal language of art. Funded by the Ministry for Foreign and European Affairs and Trade of Malta through the Cultural Diplomacy Fund, the initiative aligned with Malta’s foreign policy strategy, focusing on key themes such as security, sustainability, and solidarity.
By emphasising innovation, youth empowerment and cultural diversity, the Embassy of Malta aims to strengthen international partnerships, enhance global ties, and support multilateral cooperation through cultural diplomacy, using art as a medium to build bridges and address global challenges.
Founded in 1994 in Abu Dhabi and reopened in 2009, Salwa Zeidan Gallery focuses on contemporary art, representing both established and emerging global artists. It showcases artworks in a diverse range of mediums, including paintings, photography, sculptures and performance art. Besides representing prominent regional artists, the gallery has facilitated successful auctions at Christie’s and Sotheby’s. It prioritises participation in reputed art fairs and launched the Middle East’s first online gallery in 2013, to enhance artists’ visibility and appeal.