OFF THE GRID
Ahmed Al Areef, an Abu Dhabi-based multidisciplinary Bedouin artist, tells Sangeetha Sagar about Lady Lioness – a project that depicts the strength and resilience of women through history – and how you can escape a mundane life through art
Ahmed Al Areef, an interdisciplinary Bedouin artist, talks of depicting strong women, and how the UAE’s cities have worked as inspiration for him.
Walk us through what Bedouin artistry entails?
Bedouin artistry is a form of reflection of ancestry and heritage depicted through art. It entails the interpretation of history using numerous art forms. It is a medium where you convey historical knowledge to the viewer while leaving room for their own interpretation.
How have the cities you’ve lived in – Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and Dubai – influenced your art?
As much as Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Al Ain make up part of the UAE, they are unique in their own right. Al Ain has always – and will continue to be –where I acquire my cultural inspirations while Dubai is at the heart of transformation and Abu Dhabi allows me to view a blend of both worlds.
What are the different mediums you blend into your art?
I am a multidisciplinary artist and I create illustrations, photo manipulations, video installations and fine art photography. My upcoming exhibition for Abu Dhabi Art will feature a blend of several art mediums.
You mention exploring and experimenting with art nomadically. How do you go about this? Nomadism involves minimalism, constant movement and it is void of physical boundaries. With my art, I try to embrace creating without barriers, never holding on to dogmatic thought, reexamining my surroundings to uncover the unknown.
Your favourite project?
I wish it was that easy to select a favourite, however with every new project, I learn and grow from it. Thus, every project has its respective place in my heart. My most recent work was Qaser Al Haakim and I was able to explore with the ‘then and now’ aspects of the UAE.
How do you ensure that your culture and heritage remain part of your art?
A significant portion of my art embodies the culture and heritage of the UAE. Lady Lioness, an iconic character that I created, is a true depiction of the strength, beauty and resilience that local women have displayed over the course of history.
What are the challenges of being a Bedouin artist? I don’t view being a Bedouin artist as a challenge but rather an opportunity. It allows me to look for new ways to depict the beauty of my heritage using mediums that can speak to this generation and can engage the viewer to want to learn more.
Do you think being left-handed adds an edge to your art?
About 10 per cent of the world is lefthanded. Many of the world’s great artists were left-handed. Without any scientific bearing, I associate being left-handed with my creativity and it is a part of what individualises my art pieces.
What are some thrilling trends in your field at the moment?
The most thrilling trend right now is technology. Technology is changing the way we see and define art. It is bringing new art forms to the mainstream population and I often employ technology to make art more relevant to this generation.
What artist(s) form your inspirations? My favourite artists come from different backgrounds and mediums. They range from the concepts of old masters such as Picasso and Dali, to the techniques of Da Vinci and Caravaggio as well as contemporary work from artists including Mohamed Ahmed Ibrahim and Hassan Sharif. The sum of all my inspirations would be the manual of everything I create.
Do you think art has the potential to heal?
Art is a form of ‘soft power’. It has immense capabilities to influence, persuade and definitely heal. Art therapy is used to promote overall well-being. Simply by engaging artistically, you give yourself the chance to escape from the mundane of today and feel more.
What tip would you give artists looking to follow in your footsteps?
Take a leap and try, would be my tip. The bare minimum you will gain is selfreflection and a deeper understanding of who you are as a person as well as an artist – and that in itself is priceless.
Ahmed Al Areef will showcase his work at Abu Dhabi Art next month, exhibiting a two-minute animation called Lady Lioness’ Secret Garden.
He will also showcase at Dubai Design Week next month with Qaser Al Haakim, pictured in the background.