Whether you are a nature lover, an artist, or simply curious, Native: Plants in the UAE, a free collective exhibition currently on view at Cultural Foundation, may be a wonderful place for you to visit. Curated by Sumayya Al Suwaidi (an Emirati curator and artist), along with Aysha Al Aseeri and Huda Marzooq, this immersive show explores the Emirates’ outstanding green world and will run through 1 September 2024.
The exhibition examines the living conditions of native Emirati flora, highlighting the environmental factors that influence each plant’s development, leading to its distinct colours, textures, sizes, and behaviour. The presented specimens each tell a story of adaptation and survival strategies, brought to life through informative exhibits and artworks created by 19 distinguished creatives that shed light on the ecological importance of these plants and trees.
The participating artists include Mattia Gambardella, Reem Al Hashmi, Saoud AI Dhaheri, Maitha Al Omaira, Reem Al Mubarak, Mahra Al Falahi, Alia Jalabi, Maryam Al Shamsi, Turfah Al Tamimi, Boubaker Boukhari, Jassem AI Ali, Mana Al Marbooei, Mohamed Al Jaberi, Musaab Al Messabi, Salem Alsawafi, Claudia Steuber, Edgar Camats, Hasan Al Hosani, and Abdulla Makki. Through paintings, drawings, sculptures, photographs, embroidery, and installations, these artists celebrate the beauty of native flora, drawing our attention to how important it is to preserve the natural habitats for future generations.
The exhibition is composed of several sections dedicated to a particular plant. For example, the Mangroves section focuses on the mangroves that thrive along Abu Dhabi’s coastlines. Mangrove forests form a unique ecosystem, offering sanctuary to multiple bird and marine species. Additionally, these trees play a crucial role in combating climate change by absorbing significant amounts of carbon dioxide.
Another plant featured in the exhibition is the Ghaf, the national tree of the Emirates that holds deep cultural and traditional significance. A symbol of stability and peace in the Emirati environment, this resilient tree can endure the harsh desert climate while remaining green. Ghafs provide shelter to people and numerous animals, protecting them in the intense heat.
One of the exhibition’s highlights is an installation comprising a small dune with a Date Palm Tree growing on it. The installation is accompanied by a video narrating how the date palm became a crucial part of the life of the Emirati people in earlier times. Visitors can learn how different parts of the tree were utilised for various purposes, such as making ropes for fishing nets, contributing to the livelihood of earlier generations.
To get more information about Native: Plants in the UAE, please go to the official web page of the show.
In addition, you might be interested in visiting Artist’s Garden: Samur by Zheng Bo on display at the Jameel Arts Centre.
