Graceful Runes

Yusuf, the Story of Joseph by Dahlia Mahmoud. Part of an exhibition currently on display in Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi

Words by Charlie Whebell

Five years ago Professor Dahlia Mahmoud began a journey that would not only test her work as an artist but her mental attributes too.

It was a journey that brought her heartbreak as well as much joy, but the hard road has proved to be worth every emotion with her successful exhibition of nine images currently being held at the Emirates Palace hotel in Abu Dhabi.

The exhibition, entitled Graceful Runes, and held under the patronage of Hamed bin Mohammed Khalifa Al Suwaidi, is attracting a huge amount of interest with its images made up of painting, graphic design, photography and calligraphy that use mystical letters within them.

One particular work, entitled Maryam, which like another piece Yusuf, the Story of Joseph, took three years to complete – no surprise when you consider it contains hand painted verses from the Quran, the entire scriptures of Maryam and Yusuf, each finished off meticulously.

The heartbreak of Mahmoud's journey is on view in her piece entitled Taha. An eye can be seen peering from behind what appears to be barbed wire but what is actually a kohl rimmed eye from beneath a distorted key of life rendition. Mahmoud, 33, who is Nubian / Sudanese, completed the piece while going through a particularly painful personal relationship.

Mahmoud, who holds an MA and MFA in photography, videography and digital imaging,  is now based in Kuwait, and is thrilled with how her exhibition has been accepted by hotel guests and visitors. "I'm delighted, it makes all the hard work worthwhile," she said.

* Graceful Runes runs in the Emirates Palace Hall until March 15.