A Delegation from the (SIH) Visits the “Marakeb” Exhibition at Asoar Art Center
A delegation from the Sharjah Institute for Heritage, headed by H.E. Dr. Abdulaziz Al Musallam, Chairman of the Institute, visited the “Marakeb” exhibition by artist Ismail Al Refaei, currently being held at Asoar Art Center in Sharjah’s Creative Quarter. The visit reflects the Institute’s commitment to engaging with artistic and cultural initiatives inspired by heritage and national identity.
Tour of the Exhibition
The delegation was welcomed by Salem Al Junaibi and Dr. Noha Farran, founders of Asoar Art Center, who presented an overview of the center’s vision and objectives before accompanying the visitors on a tour of the exhibition. “Marakeb” highlights the UAE’s maritime heritage through a contemporary artistic perspective. The delegation viewed a collection of artworks depicting traditional Emirati boats and their historical and cultural significance within the local collective memory.
Traditional Boats Through a Contemporary Artistic Lens
The exhibition featured a number of paintings created by artist Ismail Al Refaei using black and its various shades. Employing diverse artistic techniques, the works reflected the aesthetic qualities of traditional Emirati boats while emphasizing their artistic details and cultural symbolism associated with the maritime environment. The exhibition offered a visual experience that successfully blended authenticity with contemporary artistic expression.
Art as a Window to Heritage
H.E. Dr. Abdulaziz Al Musallam stated: “The ‘Marakeb’ exhibition represents an important aspect of the UAE’s maritime heritage and demonstrates the ability of art to revive elements of heritage and present them through a contemporary visual language that enhances awareness of national identity and connects younger generations with their cultural legacy. The exhibition also highlights the importance of artistic initiatives in showcasing the components of national heritage through creative approaches that resonate with modern audiences.”
Appreciation of the Artistic Excellence
At the conclusion of the visit, the delegation expressed its gratitude to Salem Al Junaibi and Dr. Noha Farran for their generous invitation and warm hospitality. The delegation also praised the high artistic quality of the exhibited works and their role in highlighting the beauty of the UAE’s maritime heritage and strengthening its presence within the cultural and creative landscape, contributing to the preservation of national memory and the reinforcement of identity and belonging.