Expo 2020: Preparing the artistic landscape

Sheika Bin Dhaher’s People in Motion for Dubai Expo 2020 (Courtesy: Dubai Expo 2020)

Over the last few weeks, you may have noticed these linear sculptures dotted all over Dubai. They are to celebrate the Expo 2020, something that the whole country is looking forward to welcoming in five years time. The showcase of art was put together by 21 artists from around the world, who have all designed the sculptures according to Dubai Expo’s key themes: Opportunity, Mobility and Sustainability.

The two Emirati artists involved are Sheikha Bin Dhaher and Hamdan Buti Al Shamsi. Al Dhaher's sculpture displayed in Dubai's Mall of the Emirates and titled People in Motion, was supposed "to capture the positive elements of migration and how people acquire new skills, ideas and experiences throughout their lives," she says. "I take inspiration from a range of sources including English and Arabic typography, layout, illustration, film and other mediums. I am passionate about the power art can have and believe we encounter artistic expression daily."

Al Shamsi's piece, which was situated in Abu Dhabi's Marina Mall, was called Nurturing Human Capital. "I strongly relate to this topic because my favorite subject is the human mind. I also feel very connected to this theme in part due to my inspiration from the late Sheikh Zayed, whose work was driven by trying to build a better life for his people and his country. It is strange to imagine that 20 years ago, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai's main thoroughfare, was mostly sand. Now it is one of the world's most modern urban landscapes, linked by multi-lane highways and a technologically advanced metro system. We as a nation have come a long way."

Trying to express these ideas in a piece of art was a challenge but one that all the artists relished, especially as it gave them a chance to be part of the widening art and culture environment in the UAE.

Iraqi calligrapher Wissam Shawkat was another of the artists commissioned to produce a sculpture. "My topic was Knowledge and Tradition, which falls under the Expo 2020 subtheme of sustainability," he explains. "The topic addresses our association with sustainability and preservation and how we're also responsible for passing on craft skills and traditions to future generations.

“I have been passionate about the beauty of Arabic calligraphy since I was very young. In fact, when I was ten years old my art teacher drew letters in Arabic calligraphy on the blackboard and from that moment I was captivated. I taught myself by closely observing Turkish calligraphy masters. Later, my studies in engineering began to complement my artistic pursuits, offering me the skills necessary to excel as a designer.

“I am proud of my theme because I believe that I am helping to preserve a unique and important tradition. Calligraphy is an old and traditional art and I am confident that Expo 2020 Dubai will be a platform for highlighting its rich history and journey through different time periods, cultures and nations.”

* Although the Dubai Expo 2020 showcase is now over you can still be involved in all their creative pursuits. Visit expo2020dubai.ae for more information and join the competition to design a logo