Asaad Arabi emerges as a luminary whose work is interwoven with the essence of the United Arab Emirates in the vivid tapestry of modern art. His five-decade career is a monument to the transformational power of cities, memories, and cultural transitions, which resonates powerfully with the UAE’s changing terrain.
Asaad Arabi’s artistic journey began in Lebanon during the vibrant mid-century art scene. Arabi’s early works, influenced by visionaries such as Nicolas de Stal, danced on the edge between reality and abstraction, producing a visual language that transcends borders. As he landed in Abu Dhabi, the cosmopolitan vibrancy of the city poured fresh life into his paintings, infusing them with UAE colours and rhythms.
Arabi’s brushstrokes reflect the UAE’s lively pulse, where tradition and modernity coexist. Scenes inspired by Abu Dhabi’s soaring skylines and the serene serenity of the Emirates’ natural surroundings come to life on his paintings. Arabi’s work embodies the UAE’s heartbeat, a vibrant nation that is continually growing while honouring its rich legacy.
For Arabi art reflects the paradox of a country that values both tradition and progress. His dualistic technique, which combines expressive, constructivist strokes with abstract, lyrical compositions, reflects the UAE’s own path of conserving cultural traditions while moving forth into the future. Reflections of the UAE’s skyline, the play of light on desert dunes, and the interaction of many cultures can all be seen in his work.
Arabi’s artwork is a symphony composed of several inspirations, with every brushstroke reflecting the vivid fabric of the United Arab Emirates. Arabi’s canvases serve as a home for the heritage of painters such as Shafiq Abboud and Saliba Al-Duwaihi, whose ghosts may be heard in his creations. His canvases are given vitality by the UAE’s rich history and varied cultural tapestry, which serve as a continual source of inspiration.
For Arabi, art is more than just a painting; it incorporates a melody that is expressed via photography. Verticals and horizontals combine to form notes in a symphony, enhancing his technique and giving his creations a distinct brightness. The UAE’s own philosophy of accepting many influences while creating a distinct identity is reflected in this blending of artistic disciplines.
“Still Life to Abstraction,” Arabi’s next show, seems to be an engaging tour of his foundational works. This collection, which spans the years 2008 to 2023, provides a distinctive look into Arabi’s artistic development while capturing the essence of the United Arab Emirates. Viewers are welcome to take part in a visual investigation of Arabi’s complex, multifaceted universe, which is firmly anchored in the UAE, at the Artbooth Gallery in Abu Dhabi.
Entering this exhibition transforms us from viewers of Asaad Arabi’s development into participants in a conversation with the dynamic contemporary art scene, set against the colourful backdrop of the United Arab Emirates. We are reminded by his canvases that art is a symphony—a live, breathing tribute to the human experience.
