Dubai's Tashkeel announces artists for its Critical Practice Programme

The four artists selected for the programme will present a group exhibition later this year

A collage by Hamdan Buti Al Shamsi, part of his 'This Is Personal' series. Courtesy the artist 

Tashkeel, an art and design space in Dubai, has announced the list of artists selected for its Critical Practice Programme – a professional development initiative launched in 2014.

This year, Tashkeel has chosen four visual artists from a pool for 49 candidates, namely, Mays Albaik, Hamdan Buti Al Shamsi, Hind Mezaina and Nora Zeid.

The work of Mays Albaik is rooted in literary writing, as the artist draws from oral traditions in her Palestinian culture. Forthe programme, Albaik plans to delve deeper into language, specifically how it can influence thought or vice versa.

Self-taught photographer Hamdan Buti Al Shamsi, who was part of the Salama Emerging Artist Fellowship, will use the programme to develop new techniques and concepts for his practice, which mostly deals with materials such as collage, digital media and printmaking.

In her practice, Hind Mezaina investigates ideas of heritage and the media representation of Dubai and the UAE. Building a “visual archaeology” over the years, the artist will continue to dissect the notion of archiving and documentation throughout the programme.

Illustrator and animator Nora Zeid will look at behavioural psychology, specifically how it can be used to form new perspectives on home and nationality. The Egyptian artist often collaborates with practitioners from various fields, including architects and musicians, to produce more interdisciplinary projects.

As part of the programme, the artists will spend a year working with two mentors, which will help them prepare for a group exhibition to be presented this year and next. In addition, they will be granted studio access to Tashkeel’s spaces, training, critique and production support for their individual projects.