Khaleejesque

Asma Belhamar is an interdisciplinary artist and assistant professor at Zayed University hosting a solo exhibition Solid Void at 421 in Abu Dhabi. This captivating solo collection offers a deeper look at UAE’s megastructures and their impact on the geographical memory of local landscapes through an interdisciplinary approach. 

The works narrate the topographic evolution of the UAE, as influenced by Western classical modernity, contemporary traditionalism in Islam, and the historic trade relationships that shaped much of that landscape. The artist's deft interpretation reveals the diversity and fragmentation of the design sensibilities that have made the nation’s aesthetic identity what it is today. 

We spoke to Asma about this exhibition, what she is trying to capture with it, and the message she wants to convey.

Saira Malik (S.M.): Give us a short insight into how you developed into the artist you are today?

Asma Belhamar (A.B.): My journey as an artist has been shaped by a variety of experiences and influences. The amalgamation of my interdisciplinary practice stems from a deep-seated curiosity about the impact of megastructures on the local topographical memory. This curiosity led me to explore hybrid spaces, using installation, experimental print, video, and three-dimensional modelling. Over time, my practice has evolved to delve into the intersections of temporality, spatial memory, and architectural trends, aiming to illuminate perceptions of the UAE both within the local landscape and on a global scale.

(S.M.): What draws you to depicting the subject of tensions between shifting natural geographies and dynamic urban environments as an artist? 

(A.B.): As an artist, I find the juxtaposition between changing natural landscapes and evolving urban environments intriguing. It's a captivating subject as it encapsulates the essence of transformation and adaptation in society. Through my work, I endeavour to illustrate the harmonious and at times tumultuous relationship between these two contrasting yet interdependent facets.

(S.M.): Tell us about the idea behind this solo exhibition and what you are trying to capture with it?

(A.B.): The idea behind my solo exhibition at 421 sprouted from my observations and realizations concerning the collective memory of space. Witnessing the rapid changes in the urban landscape sparked a profound realization within me. I vividly remember passing construction sites and witnessing entire houses develop within remarkably short periods. These experiences, viewed predominantly through the lens of a car window, felt akin to watching a fast-paced movie where everything seemed in motion and constantly evolving.

The car, as a pivotal element in these observations, became an inspiration that guided my artistic exploration. It led me to prioritize motion as a central theme in much of my work. This fascination with the fluidity of movement and the rapid transformation of spaces became a cornerstone of my artistic expression.

In this exhibition, I aim to capture the essence of these experiences: the rapid evolution of the urban landscape, the fusion of architectural elements, and the dynamic interplay between natural and man-made environments. The artwork embodies these ideas through large-scale sculptural installations and intricate wall reliefs, encapsulating the tensions between shifting natural geographies and dynamic urban settings. It's an invitation for viewers to contemplate the ever-evolving narrative of the UAE's architectural history, shaped by a complex interplay of societal, cultural, and environmental influences.