“43: A Tribute to the Union of the Emirates”

“43: A Tribute to the Union

of the Emirates”

A collective exhibition that looks into the essence, culture, tradition, and heritage of the UAE highlighting its advancement in symbolic and artistic expressions

Dr. Najat MakkiEmily GordonGiovanna MaguglianiHoma Farley Khaled NajjadMuatasim Alkubaisy Sathi Streeton Svilen PetrovWilma Burton Yiannis Rousakkis

Dr. Najat Makki Dr. Najat Makki is one of the world-renowned female contemporary painters who has exhibited in Egypt, France, Germany, India, Jordan, Switzerland, Syria, Turkey, and the United Kingdom. She obtained her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in relief sculpture and metal from the College of Fine Arts in Cairo, where she also received her doctorate in the philosophy of art in 2001. Dr. Makki currently works and lives in Dubai.

Chosen from "Sultan Bin Ali Al Owais Poetry" by Dr. Najat Makki Collage, Paper and Acrylic

50 x 50 cm

Chosen from "Sultan Bin Ali Al Owais Poetry" by Dr. Najat Makki Collage, Paper and Acrylic50 x 50 cm

Chosen from "Sultan Bin Ali Al Owais Poetry" by Dr. Najat Makki Collage, Paper and Acrylic

50 x 50 cm

Chosen from "Sultan Bin Ali Al Owais Poetry" by Dr. Najat MakkiCollage, Paper and Acrylic50 x 50 cm

Chosen from "Sultan Bin Ali Al Owais Poetry" by Dr. Najat MakkiCollage, Paper and Acrylic

50 x 50 cm

Chosen from "Sultan Bin Ali Al Owais Poetry" by Dr. Najat MakkiCollage, Paper and Acrylic50 x 50 cm

Emily Gordon Emily’s startlingly modern and colourful sculptures consist of multiple layers of acrylic paint, interlaced with paraffin, resin, gold and silver leaf. Personally developed this unique style of art, a form of multi-media, which progressively evolved through years of extensive experimentation until she finally found the final technique that she finds satisfying. This collection of paintings consists of Emily’s trademark Arabic doors and minimalist designs. Having lived for over 30 years in the Middle East, Emily admits a fascination for the sensual shapes, colours and designs of Arabic, Moorish and Byzantine architecture, and communicates this passion through her work.

"Untitled" by Emily Gordon Mixed media

90 x 30 cm

"Untitled" by Emily Gordon Mixed media90 x 30 cm

"Untitled" by Emily Gordon Mixed media60 x 30 cm

"Untitled" by Emily Gordon Mixed media

60 x 30 cm

Giovanna Maguagliani

Giovanna is an exemplary artist who worked as a fine arts teacher in many countries around the world, including Italy, Saudi Arabia as Fine Arts and Craft teacher of the Royal Family in Riyadh from 1986 to 1989, Libya, India and in UAE. She graduated in 1967 at the Liceo Artistico of her town in Fine Arts, followed by a post-graduate diploma in Graphic Design in 1973, at the Academy of Artistic Activities, Milan. Giovanna currently lives and works in Abu Dhabi.

"UAE Celebrate 43 years of life" by Giovanna MaguglianiOil and Acrylic on Canvas

90 x 90 cm

"Freedom" by Giovanna MaguglianiOil on Canvas120 x 150 cm

"The Cube of Vermeer" by Giovanna MaguglianiOil and Acrylic on Canvas77 x 91 cm

Homa Farley Homa is an internationally-acclaimed contemporary potter who has taken part in various exhibitions throughout the Emirates and internationally. Homa started pottery over 20 years ago and founded the Abu Dhabi Pottery in 1994. She has been taught under the instruction of Oliver De Silva, Judy Firmin, Richard Phethean, Jack Doherty, Margaret and David Frith and Tetsui Okuda in Japan. She graduated with a BA Ceramic Design degree at Glasgow School of Art in the UK.Homa is currently living and working in the United Arab Emirates.

“Ocean’s Treasure” by Homa Vafaie-FarleyStoneware Vase 1260ºc, Wheel Thrown, Volcanic Glazes.

"Inspired by the Sea I have tried to capture the effects of the ocean on an ancient pot."

“Waves” by Homa Vafaie-FarleyRaku 1000ºc Hand built.

"Always trying to experiment with textures this pot was created using a wire to cut the clay in a particular shapes and forms to

create textures similar to waves."

“Sunset- Abu Dhabi” by Homa Vafaie-FarleyStoneware Bowl 1260ºc, Wheel Thrown, Volcanic Glaze.

"These pieces were inspired by the beautiful sunsets in Abu Dhabi I have tried to capture all the elements and colours in these pots by using textured and coloured glazes."

“Sunset - Abu Dhabi ” by Homa Vafaie-FarleyStoneware Vase 1260ºc, Wheel Thrown, Volcanic Glaze.

"These pieces were inspired by the beautiful sunsets in Abu Dhabi I have tried to capture all the elements and colours in these pots by using textured and coloured glazes."

“Abu Dhabi Sea Inspiration” by Homa Vafaie-Farley Stoneware, 1260ºc, Wheel and Hand-built, Barium Glaze.

"I love collecting shells on the beaches of the U.A.E. to create this piece I have collected each shell and have used them to make a small press mold after which all the small pieces have been molded together to create the

final shape over a period of time."

“Damavand” by Homa Vafaie-FarleyStoneware Vase, Multiple firings at 1260ºc, Wheel Thrown, Slips and Volcanic Glazes.

"Inspired by a Mountain where I grew up this pot captures the ruggedness of the mountain. I have used several slips and textured glazes as well as multiple firing to achieve the texture."

Khaled Najjad Khaled is one of the most promising young painters who has consistently been exhibiting work in solo and collective shows in Syria, the UAE, Canada and Spain. As a teenager he was selected by the Syrian government to represent his country in Cairo International Art Competition in 2004, receiving important recognition for his work. In Syrian art circuit he is regarded as currently representing the country abroad. Khaled is based in Abu Dhabi.

"UAE Spirit" by Khaled Al NajjadOil on canvas

200 x 100.5 cm

"Falcon Feather" by Khaled Al NajjadMixed media

60 x 60 cm

"UAE Falcon Feather" by Khaled Al NajjadMixed media100 x 100 cm

"Horse" by Khaled Al NajjadOil on canvas60 x 60 cm

"Camel" by Khaled Al NajjadMixed media50 x 120 cm

"UAE Falcon" by Khaled Al Najjad

Oil on canvas100 x 80 cm

"Candles" by Khaled Al Najjad

Oil on canvas25 x 25 cm

"Arabian Horse" by Khaled Al NajjadOil and acrylic on canvas

100 x 100 cm

"UAE Hand" by Khaled Al NajjadOil on canvas99.5 x 90 cm

Moatasim Al Kubaisy Mu'tasim is versatile sculptor and painter who has exhibited in Bagdad, Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Paris, receiving enthusiastic reviews and awards around the world. He graduated from Fine art Academy at University of Bagdad in 1992. Mu’tasim currently works and lives in Sharjah.

Untitled by Muatasim AlkubaisyBronze





Sathi Streeton Sathi Streeton is a multifaceted artist working with watercolor and embroidery, oil painting and sculpture, ceramic and pottery. Her work has been honored by solo exhibitions in Abu Dhabi, Qatar, and Malaysia. She studied Chinese painting in Malaysia, gained diplomas in Interior Design in the UK where she also studied Montessori Education. Sathi currently lives and works in Abu Dhabi.

"Arabian Horse 1" by Sathi StreetonGypsum71 x 51 cm

"Arabian Horse 2" by Sathi StreetonMarble

76 x 50 cm

Svilen PetrovSvilen, is a well-known sculptor consistently working in classic materials and genres who has exhibited in Bulgaria and extensively in the UAE. He received his sculpture education at the National Academy of Arts in Sofia in the 1980s. Svilen works as a Master Sculptor for Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage.

"Wind Tower" by Svilen PetrovMarble

100 x 40 x 40 cm

"Three Graces" by Svilen PetrovBrown Onyx, Bronze 60 x 35 x 50 cm

"Waterfall" by Svilen PetrovBrown Onyx, Bronze 60 x 45 x 45 cm

"Heritage 1" by Svilen Petrovbronze65 x 10 x 11 cm



"Heritage 3" by Svilen Petrovbronze

65 x 10 x 11 cm

"Portrait" by Svilen PetrovStone

60 x 50 cm

"Movement" by Svilen PetrovResin65 x 28 x 10 cm

"Sand & Bronze" by Svilen Petrovbronze54 x 36 x 36 cm

"Dugong" by Svilen PetrovBronze30 x 75 x 15 cm

"Stile" by Svilen PetrovPlaster45 x 30 x 10 cm

Wilma Burton Wilma Burton is a very enthusiastic painter who has exhibited extensively in the UAE and received various recognitions for her works as a film producer and for her paintings and community initiatives. Wilma received her Bachelors of Arts degree from the University of Southern California. Now living in Abu Dhabi, Wilma has been able to explore and embrace her Arabic heritage from her mother’s side.

"Three Sisters" by Wilma Burton Mixed media50 x 50 cm

"UAE Butterflies" by Wilma Burton Mixed media60 x 80 cm

"Three Sisters 2" by Wilma Burton Mixed media

50 x 50 cm

Yiannis RoussakisYiannis is a versatile photographer and digital artist who has presented his works in solo and collective shows in London, Athens, Glasgow and Middle East. For the past 12 years, he has been living and working around the world (Indochina, Qatar, Mexico, Ghana, India, Oman, Scotland, London and Athens). Yiannis is now based in Abu Dhabi.

"Camel with Shadow" by Yiannis Roussakis

Giclee print on archival paper81 x 61 cm

"Caravan" by Yiannis RoussakisGiclee print on archival paper65 x 118

"Dolls at Madinat Zayed" by Yiannis RoussakisGiclee print on archival paper80 x 60 cm

"I am calling you" by Yiannis RoussakisGiclee print on archival paper61 x 83 cm

"Kebabs at Madinat Zayed" by Yiannis RoussakisGiclee print on archival paper

63 x 85 cm

"Ras Al Kaimah Forest" by Yiannis RoussakisGiclee print on archival paper62 x 83

Art & Photos

“43: A Tribute to the Union of the Emirates”