In a captivating endeavor that spans two decades, Emirati photographer Hussain AlMoosawi has been documenting the architecture of the UAE, capturing thousands of photos of buildings across the Emirates [351a0ec1]. AlMoosawi's primary focus is on building facades, as he seeks to unravel the puzzle of UAE architecture and reach a final statement on its design principles and styles.
AlMoosawi's project goes beyond art; it is also a cultural research initiative. He plans to create an interactive archive where researchers can utilize the data to study and inspire their own work. With a background in applied media and design, AlMoosawi's studies in Australia have equipped him with a deep understanding of art theory and history, which he incorporates into his work.
To categorize the diverse elements of the UAE's urban landscape, AlMoosawi has created different series exploring construction barriers, doors, and building facades. He believes that UAE architecture is a rich tapestry of styles and wants to uncover the many invisible elements of design that contribute to its uniqueness. Through his project, AlMoosawi hopes to gain a comprehensive understanding of the country's architectural evolution [351a0ec1].
Saudi poet and artist Hana Almilli, along with her two siblings, grew up in a household that encouraged creativity and self-expression. Through her poetry, embroidery, weaving, dyeing, and photography, she explores her own history and diverse cultural identity. Her work focuses on heritage, history, and personal narratives. Almilli's work also explores the theme of alienation or estrangement, which may have been caused by her close and nurturing family ties. She began her ongoing series 'The Echoes of My Alienation' during her college years in the US. The series features self-portraits and images of family members embellished with embroidery. Almilli's work connects with people on an emotional level, as it explores universal themes of alienation and loss. She believes that sharing personal stories can help others feel less alone and embrace multiple aspects of themselves. [5b5177c6]