This piece was created as part of a group exhibition at Yadewei Studio in Dubai. The exhibition theme of “totem” was an open call to studio members to create stacked sculptures of their original design & concept.

As I was nearing 8 months in Dubai, I thought it fitting to create a totem representing some of the imagery, and cultural symbols associated with the city I currently called home- tackling more history imagery in contrast to the contemporary luxury associated with the infamous marketing- “Habibi, Come to Dubai” .

Represented within the piece are the icon duo of coffee and dates representing food, a band of Al Sadu textile, a classic wind tower, cityscape, and a pair of Emiratis eyes in traditional wear.

To read about the exhibition at Yadawei, check out the Stacked Saturday in Al Quoz posting in Happenings.

This piece was also featured in the Sikka Art & Design Festival in March 2024.