Latest news with #AliaHussainLootah
Khaleej Times
11-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Khaleej Times
This Emirati artist is inspiring children to see water as more than a resource
In her deeply introspective and socially conscious practice, Emirati artist Alia Hussain Lootah explores the evolving dynamics of motherhood, identity, and cultural continuity in a rapidly modernising UAE. A graduate of the prestigious Salama bint Hamdan Emerging Artist Fellowship (SEAF), Lootah first gained attention through early participations in Sikka Art Fair, before cementing her place in the regional art scene with a solo presentation at Art Dubai 2024 and previous showcases at Abu Dhabi Art and the Aisha Alabbar Gallery. Her sculptural work often dwells in the quiet, emotional spaces between tradition and transformation—an ongoing reflection of her journey as a mother and artist. Now, in a new chapter that bridges environmental education and creativity, Alia is co-leading the A.R.M. Holding Children's Programme alongside celebrated Nigerian artist Peju Alatise. Under the theme 'The Future of Water,' the initiative invites children across the UAE to explore sustainability through immersive workshops, reimagining water not just as a resource, but as a symbol of identity, memory, and care. "The UAE has a unique relationship with water because of its environment and history, from the Al Khor creek to pearl diving," she says in a chat with City Times. "By approaching water through interactive, hands-on workshops, we invite children to engage emotionally and creatively, to ask questions, and to imagine how they can care for it as future custodians of the environment." Furthermore, Alia talks about motherhood in today's UAE, how young artists are blending heritage with modernity, and why art remains a powerful medium for both personal reflection and public change. Edited excerpts from the interview: Why is it important to introduce sustainability through art rather than traditional educational formats? Art allows children to process complex ideas in ways that feel natural to them. Rather than memorising facts or figures, they get to experience, create, and observe change through materials like seeing how water transforms their artwork on plexiglass. This approach nurtures curiosity, empathy, and critical thinking. In my experience, when children create with their hands and hearts, the lessons are far more lasting than simply being told about environmental issues. Your latest body of work explores the interpersonal relationship between mother and child, particularly in times of uncertainty. What prompted this focus, and how do you feel the context of the modern UAE plays into these themes? My experience of motherhood has made me more attuned to the quiet shifts that happen over time internally and around us. My work doesn't try to explain motherhood, but rather holds space for its complexity: the soft and the strong, the seen and unseen. Through form and material, I try to reflect that constant negotiation, between repetition, isolation and connection. How do you think societal expectations around motherhood have changed in the UAE, especially in urban settings? In the UAE, many mothers are balancing more roles than ever before. We are caregivers, professionals, creatives, entrepreneurs, among others. Society has opened more space for women to pursue personal ambitions while raising their families. At the same time, the cultural importance placed on family remains very strong. This balance between personal identity and family responsibility is something I see reflected in the lives of many mothers here, and it often finds its way into my work. Is your work also a personal reflection, or more a commentary on broader generational shifts? It's both. My work often starts from personal experience - my own journey as a mother and an artist. But I also see it as part of a wider dialogue about how motherhood is shifting across generations. Today, many women are navigating spaces our mothers and grandmothers didn't have access to. That expansion brings both freedom and new pressures, and my work tries to capture those emotional layers. How do you see the intersection between traditional Emirati culture and modern creative expression in the UAE's younger generation? The younger generation in the UAE is growing up with access to both strong cultural roots and global creative influences. What's beautiful is that many young artists aren't choosing one over the other, but they're blending the two. You see it in how they explore themes like environment, heritage, or identity, while using new materials, technologies, or styles. As an educator, it's exciting to watch them build something uniquely Emirati, but also globally relevant. Do you think there's a shift in how female Emirati artists are being perceived—both locally and internationally? Yes, absolutely. There's greater visibility and appreciation for female Emirati artists now than when I first started. Locally, institutions are giving us more platforms to share our work, and internationally, there's growing curiosity about our stories and perspectives. I think people are beginning to see the depth, diversity, and strength of women's voices in the UAE art scene, which brings more nuance to the global conversation around Middle Eastern art. How has your journey been shaped by mentors, collaborators, or female-led initiatives in the UAE art scene? I've been fortunate to be part of spaces like the Salama bint Hamdan Emerging Artist Fellowship, which offered both mentorship and community. Having a support system of peers and mentors, especially women, makes a tremendous difference. It's encouraging to see how many women-led initiatives are building safe, creative spaces where artists can learn, experiment, and grow. Collaboration, in particular, has always been important to my own practice. What advice would you give to emerging female artists navigating their creative and cultural identity? Trust your voice. It's okay if your work evolves over time because that's part of our growth. Don't be afraid to draw from personal experiences as they often hold the most powerful stories. And surround yourself with people who encourage and challenge you in healthy ways. The art world can feel overwhelming, but staying true to your vision will help you build something authentic and meaningful.
Mid East Info
21-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Mid East Info
A.R.M. Holding Children's Programme launches fifth edition on World Creativity and Innovation Day - Middle East Business News and Information
The fifth edition of the A.R.M. Holding Children's Programme launches today in schools across the UAE, timed to coincide with World Creativity and Innovation day – a special day marked by the United Nations to celebrate the role of creativity in human development. This year introduces the first collaborative artist pairing for the UAE's largest cultural initiative, that has reached over 30,000 children since its launch in 2021. The programme has been developed by Peju Alatise, a widely recognised contemporary African artist who represented Nigeria at the 2017 Venice Biennale, and Alia Hussain Lootah, an established Emirati artist and educator who co-founded Dubai-based art studio Medaf that offers workshops introducing both children and adults to art, and it will explore the 'Future of Water' with hands-on artist-led workshops running through June 2025. The artist-led sessions are designed for children aged 5 to 17, allowing them to paint or create mixed-media collage on clear plexiglass sheets. As water is stored within these sheets, it interacts with their work, reshaping and distorting the visuals. This process reflects how our relationship with water continues to shift and be influenced by the world around us. This edition also expands to include a masterclass for educators, led by the artists and industry professionals, to embed more creative and flexible teaching strategies into the UAE's classrooms. The programme will also feature a panel discussion during Art Dubai 2025, bringing together educators to reflect on the value of arts education and its impact on future generations. Bridging Art and Education This initiative is developed through a partnership between Art Dubai, the Middle East's leading international art fair, and Dubai-based private investment firm A.R.M. Holding. H.E. Mohammad Saeed Al Shehhi, Chief Executive Officer of A.R.M. Holding, said: 'Our patronage of the arts goes beyond collecting, and this programme reflects our broader mission to help build vibrant, connected communities. It reinforces our commitment and ongoing support to culture and education, and to empowering the next generation of leaders, cultural ambassadors, changemakers, and creative thinkers who will shape the UAE's future.' Benedetta Ghione, Executive Director of Art Dubai, said: 'Supporting children early in their creative journey is incredibly important and something we care deeply about. We are proud to work with artists, schools and students to produce world-class programmes to inspire and encourage the next generation of creative minds. Dubai is a global city, welcoming people from all over the world. We are proud to be working with two artists – one local, one international – for the first time. This initiative gives young minds the chance to experience art in new ways – through discovery, expression, and meaningful connection – which lies at the core of this long-term partnership.' Artists' Perspectives 'Water is central to life, and through this project. We're inviting children to treat it as a creative medium that reflects their thoughts, hopes, and questions about the future. As artists, we can guide the process, but it is the children who will show us new ways of thinking. It will reflect on their relationship with water—how it shapes their homes, environment, and culture. The programme offers a unique creative lens through which we can reimagine how we care for our shared world,' said Alatise, who is a leading voice in African contemporary art. Lootah, whose work explores meditative expression through patterns and the interpersonal relationships between mother and child, said: 'As both an artist and educator, I believe in art's power to foster connections between people and with the environment. In the UAE, water holds deep cultural significance, with traditional transportation once centred around the Al Khor (the creek). Through this programme, art becomes a gateway for children to explore and share values, helping them reflect on water as a precious resource. We bring these ideas into classrooms in an engaging, thought-provoking way through workshops that encourage reflection and inspire a deeper appreciation for the environment.'
Zawya
21-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Zawya
A.R.M. Holding Children's Programme launches fifth edition on World Creativity and Innovation Day
The fifth edition of the A.R.M. Holding Children's Programme launches today in schools across the UAE, timed to coincide with World Creativity and Innovation day ( - a special day marked by the United Nations to celebrate the role of creativity in human development. This year introduces the first collaborative artist pairing for the UAE's largest cultural initiative, that has reached over 30,000 children since its launch in 2021. The programme has been developed by Peju Alatise, a widely recognised contemporary African artist who represented Nigeria at the 2017 Venice Biennale, and Alia Hussain Lootah, an established Emirati artist and educator who co-founded Dubai-based art studio Medaf that offers workshops introducing both children and adults to art, and it will explore the 'Future of Water' with hands-on artist-led workshops running through June 2025. The artist-led sessions are designed for children aged 5 to 17, allowing them to paint or create mixed-media collage on clear plexiglass sheets. As water is stored within these sheets, it interacts with their work, reshaping and distorting the visuals. This process reflects how our relationship with water continues to shift and be influenced by the world around us. This edition also expands to include a masterclass for educators, led by the artists and industry professionals, to embed more creative and flexible teaching strategies into the UAE's classrooms. The programme will also feature a panel discussion during Art Dubai 2025, bringing together educators to reflect on the value of arts education and its impact on future generations. Bridging Art and Education This initiative is developed through a partnership between Art Dubai, the Middle East's leading international art fair, and Dubai-based private investment firm A.R.M. Holding. H.E. Mohammad Saeed Al Shehhi, Chief Executive Officer of A.R.M. Holding, said: 'Our patronage of the arts goes beyond collecting, and this programme reflects our broader mission to help build vibrant, connected communities. It reinforces our commitment and ongoing support to culture and education, and to empowering the next generation of leaders, cultural ambassadors, changemakers, and creative thinkers who will shape the UAE's future.' Benedetta Ghione, Executive Director of Art Dubai, said: 'Supporting children early in their creative journey is incredibly important and something we care deeply about. We are proud to work with artists, schools and students to produce world-class programmes to inspire and encourage the next generation of creative minds. Dubai is a global city, welcoming people from all over the world. We are proud to be working with two artists - one local, one international - for the first time. This initiative gives young minds the chance to experience art in new ways - through discovery, expression, and meaningful connection – which lies at the core of this long-term partnership.' Artists' Perspectives "Water is central to life, and through this project. We're inviting children to treat it as a creative medium that reflects their thoughts, hopes, and questions about the future. As artists, we can guide the process, but it is the children who will show us new ways of thinking. It will reflect on their relationship with water—how it shapes their homes, environment, and culture. The programme offers a unique creative lens through which we can reimagine how we care for our shared world,' said Alatise, who is a leading voice in African contemporary art. Lootah, whose work explores meditative expression through patterns and the interpersonal relationships between mother and child, said: 'As both an artist and educator, I believe in art's power to foster connections between people and with the environment. In the UAE, water holds deep cultural significance, with traditional transportation once centred around the Al Khor (the creek). Through this programme, art becomes a gateway for children to explore and share values, helping them reflect on water as a precious resource. We bring these ideas into classrooms in an engaging, thought-provoking way through workshops that encourage reflection and inspire a deeper appreciation for the environment.' Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Art Dubai. Notes to Editors: Press Kit - A.R.M. Holding Children's Programme 2025 ( Media Contacts: Art Dubai International: David Field david@ +44(0)7843673393 UAE / MENA: Sheila Tobias sheila@ +971 55 567 4158 About A.R.M. Holding: A.R.M. Holding is a private investment firm and a multi-focused economic enabler investing in partnerships that reinforce Dubai's position as the global capital of culture and innovation. It collaborates to that end with Art Dubai on several initiatives that foster young talent and creativity in the emirates. The A.R.M. Holding Children's Programme brings together artists and designers to closely collaborate with schools across the UAE through bespoke workshops. It provides school children from ages 5 -17 with important opportunities to grow and develop their interest and understanding of the arts through interactions with international artists and introductions to a wide range of art and design practices. To learn more about A.R.M. Holding, please visit: About Art Dubai: Founded in 2007, Art Dubai is the most significant global art gathering in the Middle East. A catalyst for the rapid growth of the region's art scene and creative economy, Art Dubai provides an important gateway for discovery, learning and exchange, championing galleries and artists from less-represented geographies. Each year Art Dubai spotlights around 120 contemporary, modern and digital galleries from over 40 countries. The gallery programme is accompanied by artist commissions, an ambitious education programme and the most extensive talks programming of any international art fair. Art Dubai reflects the robust growth and spirit of its home city – a cosmopolitan hub of innovation and the Gulf region's financial and commercial hub. With over 40 commercial galleries, global auction houses, and a rapidly expanding private and corporate collector base, it is also the centre of the region's art market. Art Dubai works in partnership with government and business to develop and deliver ambitious long-term initiatives to support the long-term growth of the UAE's cultural sector. These include Dubai Collection - the first institutional art collection for the city of Dubai; Dubai Public Art, a multi-year and city-wide public realm commissioning programme; the most extensive cultural education programmes in UAE schools, developed in partnership with A.R.M. Holding, and Campus Art Dubai, which supports the next generation of cultural leaders through professional development, training and mentoring. Art Dubai is held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. Art Dubai is held in partnership with A.R.M. Holding. The fair is sponsored by Swiss Wealth Management Group Julius Baer. Art Dubai's exclusive high jewellery and watch partner is Piaget. Culturally driven lifestyle developer HUNA Living is a partner of Art Dubai. The Dubai Culture&Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) is the fair's strategic partner. Madinat Jumeirah is the home of Art Dubai.
