Emirati artist Zeinab Alhashemi sparks reflection as concrete meets nature in her Abu Dhabi Bus Terminal artwork

Al Etihad

29-04-2025

30 Apr 2025 00:25
SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)Amid rapid urban growth, pockets of nature continue to flourish — and Emirati conceptual artist Zeinab Alhashemi captured just that in her artwork 'Equilibrium.''Equilibrium' was among the installations showcased as part of the Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennial, which concludes on April 30. This year's series brought together more than 70 artists from the UAE and abroad.Those who have been to the Abu Dhabi Bus Terminal recently must have seen the unique concrete installations that have been topped by a layer of grass. This, Alhashemi said, highlights the link between nature and urban development.'My work explores the contrast between the UAE's rapid industrialisation and the resilience of natural elements,' Alhashemi told Aletihad.'By using materials like concrete and steel—symbols synonymous with the industrial boom — I reflect on the country's architectural transformation and urban growth. At the same time, integrating elements like grass highlights nature's quiet persistence amidst this expansion. This duality mirrors my art practice, which often examines how human interventions reshape natural landscapes, encouraging viewers to reflect on the balance between progress and preservation.'Alhashemi's work consistently explores both the tension and harmony between the natural and the artificial. She uses materials like cement and metal to represent human progress, and elements like grass or coral to reflect nature's resilience.The rapid urbanisation of the UAE significantly influences her vision and material choices.'Urbanisation is both an inspiration and a subject in my work. The rapid transformation of cities like Abu Dhabi reflects a fascinating intersection of tradition and progress,' she said.'By integrating natural elements, I question what is lost or preserved in this process, inviting viewers to contemplate their relationship with the spaces they inhabit.'Her installations, such as the one inspired by Abu Dhabi's Bus Terminal, aim to create a thoughtful dialogue on the coexistence between industry and the environment.For Alhashemi, location is never just a backdrop — it is a collaborator. The physical and cultural context of each site deeply influences her approach.'Each site carries its own history, cultural significance, and environmental context, which I deeply research before beginning a piece.''Equilibrium' draws inspiration from Abu Dhabi's brutalist heritage but also incorporates natural elements that speak to the city's ongoing urban and environmental evolution, Alhashemi said.'My aim is to create installations that resonate with the public's surroundings, inviting them to connect with the space on a deeper level.'Creating art in public spaces brings unique challenges—logistical, climatic, and cultural. For Alhashemi, however, the harsh weather, the limitations, and audience diversity are not hurdles but opportunities for innovation.
Global Appeal Though inspired by the UAE's urban landscape, Alhashemi's work resonates globally. Its themes — nature vs industry, tradition vs modernity—are universal.Material selection plays a key role in driving this dialogue. For Alhashemi, every choice is intentional.'I select materials that carry symbolic weight —concrete for strength and industrialisation, steel for transformation over time, and grass for nature's persistence. I enjoy pushing these materials beyond their traditional roles,' she said.In 'Equilibrium', for example, concrete becomes 'a canvas for life' with the living grass on top of it, encouraging interaction and blurring the line between natural and artificial, she said.Alhashemi uses her art to spark reflection on the environment, hoping it leads viewers to greater awareness and, ultimately, action.'Participating in the biennial is an incredible honour and a milestone in my career. It signifies the growing recognition of public art's role in shaping cultural identity and fostering dialogue,' she said.'The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi has been instrumental in supporting artists like me, offering platforms that celebrate contemporary practices while honouring the UAE's heritage. Their vision aligns with my own, allowing me to contribute to Abu Dhabi's evolving cultural landscape in meaningful ways.'
The biennial, she added, not only celebrates art but also 'amplifies the voices of Emirati artists, showcasing our unique perspectives to a global audience.'