Seven New Art Installations Launched at Sharjah Islamic Arts Festival

The 26th edition of the Sharjah Islamic Arts Festival kicked off with the unveiling of seven captivating artworks, inaugurated by Mohammed Ibrahim Al Qaseer, Director of Cultural Affairs at the Sharjah Department of Culture and the festival. This event spanned two key cultural sites—the House of Wisdom and the Sharjah Research, Technology and Innovation Park (SPARK). Notable attendees included Marwa Al Aqroubi, Executive Director of the House of Wisdom, alongside international artists, members of the press, and art aficionados.

Four impressive works were showcased in the open courtyards of the House of Wisdom, each conveying unique artistic narratives.
The first installation, “The Cloak Pavilion”, by Hong Kong artist Aden Chan from Studio LYYH, introduced a novel architectural aesthetic to the festival. The second piece, “Illuminated Passages: The Five Pillars,” created by UK artist Romina Khanum, illuminated key principles through the medium of contemporary light art.
Emirati artist Salma Al Mansouri’s third artwork, “Lighthouse,”, embodied themes of guidance and hope with a bright, minimalist design. Lastly, Saudi artist Fatima Abdulhadi’s work, “Keep Your Eyes on the Light,”, inspired viewers to focus on positivity and enlightenment. Together, these installations fostered a vibrant atmosphere rich in artistic significance and cultural resonance.

Three additional pieces were exhibited at SPARK, each presenting distinct artistic insights.
Emirati artist Rawda Al Marzouqi exhibited “Ashes and Order,” a fusion of emotion and organized design. Kuwaiti artist Mahmoud Shaker showcased “Circle of Light,”, emphasizing symmetry and repetition’s beauty. Iranian artist Neda Salmanpour’s artwork, “Repetition,”, offered a contemplative exploration of patterns and spiritual rhythms. Collectively, these pieces underscored the festival’s dedication to diverse artistic expressions from various backgrounds.

During the inauguration, Al Qaseer led attendees on a tour of the seven installations, diving into the concepts behind each creation. The artists shared personal narratives regarding their creative processes, elucidating the journey from initial inspiration to completion. Visitors were encouraged to discover how each piece intricately aligned with the festival’s theme, “Siraj” (Lantern), representing illumination and enlightenment.
The tour facilitated a thoughtful exploration, where guests lingered before the artworks, appreciating their textures, colors, lighting, and the meanings embedded within.

This year's exhibition highlighted a remarkable array of artistic styles and cultural backgrounds. Though the artworks conveyed different visions, they were unified by the festival's core theme. While some artists employed modern materials, others leaned on traditional methods. Several installations focused on light, while others engaged with structure, movement, or symbolic representations.
This rich diversity showcased the depth of contemporary Islamic art and reaffirmed the festival’s mission to foster creativity on a global scale.

The unveiling of these installations signified a pivotal moment for the festival, as it aims to promote cross-cultural dialogue through art. Visitors appreciated the personal stories and cultural contexts each artist conveyed through their work. The Sharjah Islamic Arts Festival has once again emerged as a significant platform for global creativity, innovative ideas, and meaningful artistic exchange.
Through these seven installations, the festival highlighted its commitment to celebrating artistic excellence, inspiring fresh perspectives, and enriching Sharjah’s cultural landscape.