"My process begins with taking walks, documenting, and then returning to my studio. When it comes to painting, I study the objects or pictures I have taken, drawing numerous sketches before I start painting. I don't limit myself to realism; instead, I interpret and paint them in the way I see them or study these objects, sometimes through images or by picking up the objects themselves." - Salmah Almansoori
The United Arab Emirates stands as a pillar of progress and cultural richness, seamlessly blending modernity with tradition. In this dynamic milieu, a new wave of artists is leading the charge in capturing the nation’s evolution.
Memories are Home features the works of Emirati artist Salmah Almansoori, hosted in Ventimiglia, Italy, and organized by FIDAPA Porta d’Italia e Orizzonti and ARTEK in collaboration with Firetti Contemporary.
Originally from Ghayathi, Abu Dhabi, Almansoori intertwines themes of growth and tradition in her works, reflecting the evolution of the United Arab Emirates. Her art explores the interaction between environment and identity, emphasizing the importance of maintaining one’s roots in a rapidly changing context.
The exhibition features four of Almansoori’s series: Who I Became, I Was a Forgotten Moment, Unfolding, and her latest, I Reminisce in Colours. Each series offers a unique perspective on the UAE’s changing landscape while underscoring the need to preserve its identity during these transformations.
Who I Became delves into the interplay between her environment and evolving identity. By revisiting her hometown, Ghayathi, through documented images and nostalgic memories, she examines how spaces shape one’s essence, shedding light on her history, identity, and culture. Central to this series is the process of transferring photographs onto tiles sourced from places significant in her life, imbuing them with the weight of time and memory. This exploration not only captures individual moments but also traces her broader journey of growth and transformation.
For Almansoori, place transcends mere geography, serving as a nexus for understanding identity formation. She believes our surroundings subconsciously absorb our thoughts, emotions, and memories, influencing our connection to roots, culture, and identity.
Her newest series, I Reminisce in Colours, examines the diverse landscapes of Ghayathi, from desert expanses to urban evolution, reflecting the city’s profound impact on her identity. Through painting, Almansoori finds solace, expressing her experiences and emotions in intricate layers of color, each stroke a fragment of her journey.
Inspired by her experiences of moving to Abu Dhabi and embarking on weekly round trips, she began to view Ghayathi from an outsider’s perspective, sparking her curiosity about the origins of the city’s name and its significance. The narrative traces back to the Bedouins who first discovered a source of groundwater in the area, leading to the establishment of Ghayathi as a city of grace and rest. As one of the pioneering families in Ghayathi, Salmah reflects on her family’s connection to the city and its role as a sanctuary amidst the desert landscape.
I Was a Forgotten Moment is a series of observational paintings that explore the transformation of abandoned objects within various spaces. Almansoori reflects on how time integrates these overlooked items into the landscape, capturing their essence and preserving their narratives through abstract compositions.
Unfolding marks a pivotal evolution in Almansoori's artistic journey, focusing on her hometown, Ghayathi. This series delves into the complex relationship between place and identity, using mixed media and fabric to explore the tangible and intangible aspects of these spaces, with colors driven by deeply ingrained memories and emotions.
Almansoori’s work, presented in Italy, encourages contemplation on how nations can maintain their roots while embracing forward-thinking. Her art showcases how cultural heritage and modern innovation can coexist, inspiring global audiences to reflect on their own cultural identities and progress.
Despite the rich history and culture of the Western world, there is often a sense of disconnection from the foundational roots of our culture, which can hinder our ability to move forward and fully embrace the future. In contrast, we can draw inspiration from the UAE, a nation that exemplifies forward movement, to propel ourselves out of stagnation and into a dynamic and progressive future.
