'Art brings people together': From Kochi to Venice, Emirati artist promotes UAE culture

Latifa Saeed's recent works have been featured as part of the ‘Beyond Emerging Artists’ initiative by Abu Dhabi Art under the Department of Culture and Tourism

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Published: Wed 28 Aug 2024, 4:33 PM

Latifa Saeed, a Dubai-based multidisciplinary Emirati artist, has been making waves on the international art scene with her immersive installations highlighting the UAE culture. Showcased in prestigious venues from Kochi to Venice, her works are capturing the imagination of art enthusiasts and critics alike.

Her notable installation, ‘Dust Devils’, draws inspiration from the vast deserts of the UAE. It integrates a smoke machine, a hologram and an electro-magnetic device to recreate a sensory experience that mirrors natural whirlpools and tornadoes. Her installations have seen visitors delve into an immersive world she has created with the support of scientific and engineering talents.

“Visitors would leave with a fascination, understanding and gain knowledge about the atmospheric phenomenal landscapes of the Middle Eastern deserts,” Latifa told Khaleej Times ahead of Emirati Women’s Day.

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Reflecting on her artistic journey, Latifa noted that creative expression came naturally to her while attending Latifa School for Girls in Dubai. “The school had a strong art curriculum and considered art an important core subject throughout the student’s academic journey. I believe that was the catalyst for my artistic career.”

Her recent works have been featured as part of the ‘Beyond Emerging Artists’ initiative by Abu Dhabi Art under the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi). This year, she has showcased her works at Kochi’s Durbar Hall Art Gallery in the Indian state of Kerala and Biennale Arte 2024 in Venice, Italy. Both events are known to attract top-tier artists, collectors, curators, and critics.

“The Venice Biennale is a globally renowned biennale. Abu Dhabi Art placed our exhibition on the most important cultural international platform, this will significantly impact our artistic careers.”

Talking about her participation at the Kochi fair, she noted it was a platform for both emerging and established artists, particularly from the Global South.

“Kochi is home to one of the most significant contemporary art in Asia.”

In Kochi, her work titled ‘Notes from Another Shore’, supported by Rizq Art Initiative was a celebration of the UAE-Kerala relationship.

“This relationship brings new dimensions to the cultural landscapes of both regions,” she said and pointed out that being part of the Kochi fair was a “profound experience”.

“It reinforced the idea that art transcends borders and languages, acting as a universal medium that brings people together. I am grateful for the opportunity to bring a piece of Emirati culture to the people of Kerala and to engage in a meaningful dialogue with the community. Our works found resonance in Kerala.”

Latifa highlighted that such international exposure provided her with a broader perspective on her work and sees it in a global context.

“It deepens my understanding of my own nation and culture. This exposure enriches our creativity, increases our credibility, and inspires us to explore new ideas and innovation while staying rooted in the values and traditions that define our identity,” she said.

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