Union of the Artists installation has been unveiled at the Al Hudaiba public garden

Overlooking the Etihad Museum and Union House, an artwork including seven pillars tied together by a number of bands was unveiled at the Al Hudaiba public garden. The artwork, dubbed the "Union of the Artists," was organised by Art Dubai and Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture). 

Five forward-thinking Emirati artists produced the artwork; they were chosen from more than 250 submissions received in response to an open call held in January of last year by Dubai Culture and Art Dubai. They took inspiration from the building of the Areesh, a type of traditional architecture in the United Arab Emirates made of woven palm leaves, which are used to make furniture and dwellings, among other things.

In order to keep the cold out in the winter, leaves are knotted together more tightly; in the summer, however, they are allowed more room to breathe. The artists claim that, like UAE society, Areesh's building represents teamwork, unity, and communal effort. Additionally, it represents the harmonious blending of ropes and palm branches, implying the solidarity and assistance woven throughout the complex structure of the community.

The artwork was created as a part of Dubai Culture's effort, Dubai Public Art, which strives to improve the city's visual culture. The plan aims to turn Dubai's streets, communities, and public spaces into tourist attractions with a focus on art, including murals, sculptures, paintings, and installations.

The 'Union of the Artists' exhibit explores the link between tension and balance as well as reoccurring themes in the works of these artists. They have cleverly created an artistic sculpture with seven pillars that signify the unity that unites the people of the United Arab Emirates. Themes like coherence, equality, solidarity, teamwork, and cooperation are represented by these pillars.

Five artists collaborated on the installation: Asma Belhamar, assistant professor at the College of Arts and Creative Industries at Zayed University; Shaikha Al Mazrou, professor of visual arts at New York University Abu Dhabi; Khaled Albanna, who uses collage techniques to explore topics related to the history of the UAE and its rapid transformation; and Afra Al Dhaheri, who finds inspiration from her upbringing in Abu Dhabi. Mohamed Ahmed Ibrahim is a pioneering experimental artist.