Palestinian artist Dima Srouji explores ‘death and rebirth’ in latest show at Lawrie Shabibi in Dubai

Palestinian artist Dima Srouji explores ‘death and rebirth’ in latest show at Lawrie Shabibi in Dubai
Palestinian artist Dima Srouji during a workshop in Palestine (Photo by Elias Anastas, courtesy of artist Lawrie Shabibi)
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Updated 05 June 2024
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Palestinian artist Dima Srouji explores ‘death and rebirth’ in latest show at Lawrie Shabibi in Dubai

Palestinian artist Dima Srouji explores ‘death and rebirth’ in latest show at Lawrie Shabibi in Dubai
  • Artist’s first solo gallery exhibition is titled ‘Charts for a Resurrection’

DUBAI: In contrast to the horrifying upheaval and violence in Gaza on news channels across the world, Palestinian artist Dima Srouji offers an uplifting dose of transcendence with her latest work.

Titled “Charts for a Resurrection” and on view at Lawrie Shabibi in Alserkal Avenue in Dubai until July 6, the multidisciplinary show offers some kind of imaginary liberation from the ongoing ruptures and tumult.

“There’s this idea of a return to life in this show,” Srouji told Arab News, stating how it coincidently opened during Orthodox Easter. “Some of us feel like we are returning to Biblical themes these days for obvious reasons. I’ve been thinking a lot about this relationship between death and rebirth,” she said.

Much of her work, she added, begins with a historical exploration of archeology in Palestine and finding ways to enter and explore a landscape — even from afar — through research and archival materials.

In the exhibition Srouji presents works in glass, stone and photography. Each of these is grounded in Palestine’s history, land, heritage, archaeology and living archives, to consider ideas of displacement and offer hope amid hardship.

The exhibition has two separate spaces: a larger “terrain” or land-focused area, and a more intimate “chapel” where installations and archival prints merge imaginary archaeological sites and historical artefacts.

“The reason they’re separate is to refer to this reality on the ground, of the land itself and the different lenses we view the land through, for example, through the history of glass, archeological excavations or stone,” explained Srouji. “All of it offers an intimate encounter with the land itself.”

“The other half of the exhibition offers this almost placeless space where spirituality takes over and this sense of liberation comes through. It’s almost like the process towards resurrection or at least a prayer for resurrection,” she added.

The “chapel” was a way to create a space that feels “somewhat physically safe and spiritually safe.”

An example of the mystical qualities found in Srouji’s work can be found in the larger room, which presents on one wall her delicate stone-carved windows with their distinctive colored-glass inlay. These are meant to reflect ideas of potential future archaeological monuments for the Palestinian landscape.

The creation of the windows themselves present possibilities for restoration and renewal. They are created using the traditional technique for Qamariyyah windows, often found in mosques and churches in Palestine, Yemen and Egypt.

Srouji has long collaborated with archaeologists, glass blowers, anthropologists and sound designers to create her installations, as well as for writing, product designs and architectural projects.

Through her work, which is made across a varied range of media, including text, archival materials, glass, maps and film, Srouji explores identity, displacement, globalization, the spirit of places, and people left behind often with little documentation. Through her art she gives new voice and meaning to the fractured, the displaced and what is seemingly forgotten.

Evocative works include “Maternal Labor,” a series of archival black-and-white prints on aluminum that champion real women often labelled as “basket girls.” They were hired by Western institutions during the 20th century to excavate the land in Palestine they owned and cultivated for centuries. Through their work they uncovered valuable artefacts that were subsequently displaced.

Another poignant work is “The Red River” comprising suspended hand-blown glass sculptures. This is a reference to the Belus River, where some historians say glass-making was first invented.

The evocative red color references the river’s pollution by nearby industries including the Rafael Advanced Defense Systems’ military factory.

The work also contains personal references including to the artist’s grandmother and her homeland of Palestine.

In the intimate dark space that evokes the idea of a chapel, floating replicas of ancient vessels historically given as gifts to the dead for their afterlives set another tone of spiritual resurrection and transcendence.

“There are ideas of healing here, meditation and the possibility of a new future for Palestine,” said Srouji. “We’re so connected to the land. I think there is this spiritual relationship to the land that often gets forgotten in relation to liberation.”

Srouji said the land connects all Palestinians, including those in the diaspora and martyrs. “All the works are inspired by archeological excavations in Palestine and those that actually did the excavations,” she added.

The works on show strive to find new life away from the violence and destruction on the ground “to foster this imagination of what liberation might feel like.”
 


Saudi artist teams up with Sephora for Founding Day 

Saudi artist teams up with Sephora for Founding Day 
Updated 22 February 2025
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Saudi artist teams up with Sephora for Founding Day 

Saudi artist teams up with Sephora for Founding Day 

DUBAI: Saudi visual artist Aseel Al-Yaagoub this week collaborated with Sephora to celebrate Saudi Founding Day through digital illustrations blending heritage and modern beauty.

One illustration features a henna-adorned hand reaching for a Sephora shopping bag descending with a parachute, set against traditional Arabian architecture. 

Another depicts two Saudi women in cultural attire applying Sephora makeup, surrounded by palm trees and a patterned bird symbolizing creativity.

“Heritage meets artistry. This Founding Day we’re celebrating Saudi beauty and culture with a special collaboration with Saudi artist,” the artist wrote on Instagram. 


Saudi designers push new boundaries at Saudi Cup

Saudi designers push new boundaries at Saudi Cup
Updated 22 February 2025
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Saudi designers push new boundaries at Saudi Cup

Saudi designers push new boundaries at Saudi Cup

RIYADH: Designers and models from across the Kingdom gathered at the Saudi Cup this weekend to showcase their designs, pushing the boundaries of creativity and innovation and paying tribute to the Kingdom’s heritage, landscapes and tradition.

“We love to see brands pushing those boundaries and giving us a surprise every year,” Fashion Commission CEO Burak Cakmak told Arab News.

(AN/ Huda Bashatah)

Pushing boundaries in fashion is exactly what happened at the 2025 Saudi Cup, with designers and models celebrating the Kingdom’s architecture and landmarks, such as a thobe-inspired suit decked in mirrors and a silk wrap-around to replicate AlUla’s Maraya or a 3D headband that replicated the Kingdom’s first UNESCO World Heritage of Hegra.

When asked what themes or tributes the CEO had seen most often at this year’s event, Cakmak said that there was a focus on regional references.

(AN/ Huda Bashatah)

“I think there’s always a regional reference, clearly the Saudi Cup is very much about Saudi culture and the country represents itself, especially designers based on where their origins are from, and heritage is from,” Cakmak said.

“So you will always see things that are very, very Najdi, very Hijazi, very Asisir, but at the same time are also thinking about, for example, sustainability using natural elements.

(AN/ Huda Bashatah)

“And we’ve seen brands that are using dates, palm leaves, organic materials, to create looks for an exhibition.”

The CEO underlined that sustainability and creativity remain common and consistent themes at this year’s Saudi Cup.

(AN/ Huda Bashatah)

“There are a lot of inspirations that are coming from elements of craft and architecture and also the regional references, but at the same time all the way to things that are very much inspired by nature and then the sky and then the positioning of the country, that’s basically giving new ideas around what design can look like,” he said.

For the fourth year, the Saudi 100 Brands has continued its partnership with the Saudi Cup, featuring a gallery of some of the top 100 Brands designers from bridal, couture, ready-to-wear, jewelry and bags.


Dubai-based footwear brand DUHA launches Ramadan collection

Dubai-based footwear brand DUHA launches Ramadan collection
Updated 22 February 2025
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Dubai-based footwear brand DUHA launches Ramadan collection

Dubai-based footwear brand DUHA launches Ramadan collection

DUBAI: Dubai-born footwear brand DUHA, founded by Tunisian designer Duha Bukadi, has unveiled a new collection for Ramadan, blending style, comfort and a touch of nostalgia. 

Bukadi, who launched her brand a year ago when she moved to Dubai, draws inspiration from childhood memories of Ramadan in Tunisia, where gatherings, gifts and festive celebrations played a central role.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by DUHA (@worldofduha)

“Ramadan has always been a joyful and exciting time for me,” Bukadi told Arab News. “It’s a time for family, for coming together, and for celebrating. I wanted this collection to reflect that spirit of joy, comfort and togetherness.”

Her latest collection features the standout EVA design, which includes crystals arranged in the shape of a foot on the front part of the shoes, making them both statement pieces and practical choices for Ramadan and Eid celebrations.

Her latest collection features the standout EVA design. (Supplied)

“They could also be worn for Eid. During Eid, we always received gifts or money, and new outfits were a big part of the celebration. That’s why this collection includes sparkles, studs and embellishments — small details that bring joy and excitement,” she said.

Bukadi emphasized the importance of wearability, especially during Ramadan’s late-night gatherings for iftar and suhoor, leading her to design her shoes with a cushioned sole for added comfort. 

The EVA design includes crystals arranged in the shape of a foot on the front part of the shoes. (Supplied)

“We try our best to make them comfortable. When I see women wearing them during the day, for work or for shopping, I would like them to feel like they are on a pillow. This special insole is like a pillow that people can wear, and it’s really, really comfortable, but the heel still hurts by nature. We just try to make the pain less,” she said.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by DUHA (@worldofduha)

Before launching DUHA, Bukadi worked as a hospitality designer, creating luxury hotels across the Middle East. The pandemic led her to reevaluate her career, reigniting her passion for fashion. 

Despite initial challenges, DUHA, which is being sold on Level Shoes, quickly gained international recognition, securing a spot in the Fashion Trust Arabia competition and catching the attention of Netflix’s “Emily in Paris,” which featured her designs.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

A post shared by DUHA (@worldofduha)

“Fashion is facing a crisis of affordability, and I want to offer high-quality designs without unattainable prices,” Bukadi said.


Italian brand Zegna to present its Summer 2026 collection in Dubai 

Italian brand Zegna to present its Summer 2026 collection in Dubai 
Updated 21 February 2025
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Italian brand Zegna to present its Summer 2026 collection in Dubai 

Italian brand Zegna to present its Summer 2026 collection in Dubai 

DUBAI: Italian fashion brand Zegna is breaking tradition by unveiling its Summer 2026 collection outside the usual Milan Fashion Week schedule, opting for Dubai as the backdrop for its runway show.

The event is set for June 11.

“As a company that has always looked beyond, we are excited to bring the artistry of Made in Italy to Dubai for the first time,” said Gildo Zegna, chairman and CEO of Ermenegildo Zegna Group. 

“This is not just about a fashion show — it’s about reinforcing the strength of Italian craftsmanship on a global stage. Dubai today is the center of the world, a place where cultures converge, ideas flourish, and the future takes shape. It embodies the energy, vision, and innovation that define modern luxury,” Zegna added. 

“Milan will always be our home, and our partnership with Camera della Moda remains as strong as ever. But today, luxury is about movement, evolution, and embracing new perspectives. Dubai is the perfect place for us to tell the next chapter of our story.”

As part of the event, VILLA ZEGNA, the brand’s traveling concept inspired by the original home of Ermenegildo Zegna, will also make its way to Dubai. 

The previous editions took place in Shanghai and New York. 

 


Dubai takes center stage in John Krasinski’s ‘Jack Ryan’ movie

Dubai takes center stage in John Krasinski’s ‘Jack Ryan’ movie
Updated 21 February 2025
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Dubai takes center stage in John Krasinski’s ‘Jack Ryan’ movie

Dubai takes center stage in John Krasinski’s ‘Jack Ryan’ movie

DUBAI: Dubai takes the spotlight in the high-stakes spy thriller “Jack Ryan,” which stars John Krasinski.

The Dubai Media Council confirmed in a statement on X on Thursday that filming in the city has officially wrapped.

Krasinski took to Instagram to express his gratitude and thank the people of Dubai for their support.

“So. Good. To be. Back! #JackRyanMovie is off and running!!! HUGE thank you to all the incredible folks here in Dubai for letting us kick off in epic fashion in your beautiful city! Here we go,” he wrote. 

Directed by Andrew Burstein and produced by Amazon MGM Studios, the latest installment sees Krasinski return to the role of Tom Clancy’s eponymous hero. He previously played the CIA analyst-turned-operative in four Amazon Original series.