REFLECTIONS: A CELEBRATION OF ART, CULTURE, AND SUSTAINABILITY

The recently concluded Reflections art exhibition brought together a diverse array of artistic voices, each weaving narratives of identity, tradition, and environmental consciousness. Organised by Art4you Gallery and hosted in the heart of the UAE, at Mehromah Art House Gallery, this exhibition highlighted the transformative power of art in bridging cultures while advocating sustainability.

Among the standout artists were Eric Kwadwo Afranie, Abir Ouertani, Shakiba Rabiei and Tamara Noori, whose works captivated audiences with their unique approaches to eco-friendly and heritage-inspired artistry.

Eric Kwadwo Afranie: Sustainability Through Mosaic and Collage

Eric Kwadwo Afranie, a Ghanaian artist known for his groundbreaking work in mosaic and collage, took center stage with his masterpiece crafted from recycled materials. Afranie’s work seamlessly integrates artificial and natural elements—stone, colored glass, plastic, recycled leather, newspaper, African print cloth, beads, and electronic waste—to challenge artistic norms while promoting sustainability. His featured piece, a breathtaking mosaic of a falcon in flight, symbolized his journey of migration and adaptation, merging his African roots with Emirati heritage. Using upcycled plastics and repurposed leather, he transformed discarded materials into a narrative of resilience and renewal, proving that sustainability and art can coexist in powerful harmony.

Abir Ouertani: The Elegance of Ceramic Art

Tunisian artist Abir Ouertani mesmerized viewers with her ceramic sculptures, which encapsulate the delicate balance between form, texture, and nature. Her works, inspired by traditional North African pottery, employed sustainable clay techniques and natural pigments, reinforcing her commitment to eco-conscious artistry. Each piece told a story of heritage and craftsmanship, celebrating the timeless beauty of handmade ceramics in a world dominated by mass production.

Tamara Noori: The Poetry of Silk Painting

Tamara Noori’s silk paintings of Horses infused the exhibition with ethereal elegance. Drawing inspiration from traditional textile arts, Noori employed eco-friendly sustainable silk to craft dreamlike compositions that honored both heritage and environmental responsibility. Her works, characterized by soft color transitions and fluid forms, echoed themes of nature and cultural fusion, making them a striking addition to Reflections.

Shakiba Rabiei: Plastering as an Artistic Medium

Shakiba Rabiei introduced a unique approach to texture and form through the use of plastering in her artwork. By layering and sculpting plaster, she created highly tactile surfaces that emphasized depth and emotion. Her technique added a raw and organic quality to her pieces, reflecting themes of resilience, transformation, and impermanence. Rabiei’s work stood as a testament to the versatility of plaster as a sustainable and expressive artistic medium.

Other Participating Artists

In addition to Afranie, Abir, and Tamara, the exhibition featured remarkable works from a diverse roster of artists, including Mehboobeh Shahnavas, Jesno Jackson, Roya Vahidi, Clarisse Meneghetti, Rija Umar, Labiba Ferhat, Elyazia Aljassmi, Yashi Khatanhar, Lucinda Holland, Tatiana Lamiri, Thauheeda Thameem, Vasilisa Eliseeva. Their collective contributions added depth and vibrancy to the exhibition, making Reflections a truly global celebration of artistic expression.

The exhibition’s curator lauded the artists’ commitment to art, emphasizing that Reflections was more than an art show—it was a movement towards conscious creativity. The curator’s review highlighted how Afranie’s work redefined waste as artistic material, creating stunning mosaics that spoke of transformation. Ouertani’s ceramics, rooted in traditional craftsmanship, reinforced the idea that sustainable practices are timeless. Meanwhile, Noori’s silk paintings exemplified how contemporary art can embrace eco-friendly processes without sacrificing beauty. The curator noted that in an era of rapid environmental change, these artists serve as a beacon of hope, proving that sustainability and artistic excellence can seamlessly intertwine.

As Reflections came to a close, it left behind a powerful message: art has the ability to transcend cultural and ecological boundaries, fostering a more sustainable and connected world. www.art4yougallery.com