Art that connects worlds: ftNFT phygital space showcases three distinct voices
The ftNFT Phygital Space in Dubai Mall continues to evolve as a vibrant hub of innovation, empathy and artistic expression, spotlighting bold and diverse voices from across the region and beyond. From exclusive exhibitions to avant-garde partnerships, ftNFT is redefining what it means to experience art.
Among the standout showcases are thought-provoking exhibitions by pioneering Emirati artist Abdulla Lutfi, visionary Turkish creator Zeynep Çilek Çimen and acclaimed Iranian artist Siamak Azmi.
'Artistic. Autistic. Abdulla', the acclaimed exhibition by Abdulla Lutfi, invites visitors into the artist's distinctive monochromatic world. Known for his candid black-and-white illustrations, Lutfi explores themes of neurodiversity, identity and imagination through emotionally resonant visuals. A highlight of the showcase is his eye-shaped canvas, 'UAE Through My Eyes' — a tapestry of heritage and modernity that captures the soul of the nation through majestic desert landscapes, futuristic skylines and cultural vibrancy. The exhibition, enriched with NFT integrations and storytelling screens, honours inclusion and imagination in equal measure.
'I believe art has the power to make people feel seen,' Lutfi reflects. 'This exhibition is not just about me — it's about the conversations we start and the understanding we build together.'
In another powerful installation, Zeynep Çilek Çimen's 'Unfolding Narratives' fills the space with colour, symbolism and poetic rhythm. Her work bridges past and present, personal and collective identity, inviting viewers into a contemplative journey supported by Turkish Airlines. With each composition, Çimen creates a visual language that speaks to transformation, tradition and the delicate act of becoming.
Adding a new dimension to the ftNFT Phygital Space's curatorial vision is Siamak Azmi, an Iranian artist whose expressive, semi-abstract works fuse architectural form, gestural abstraction and psychological depth. Azmi's practice is rooted in exploring the interplay between inner reality and urban structures, often depicting surreal, fragmented cityscapes that reflect the complexity of contemporary life. With exhibitions spanning from Tehran to Paris and Venice, Azmi's presence brings an international edge to the space's mission of creative dialogue.
'At ftNFT, we believe in art as a bridge — between worlds, between people and between realities both digital and physical,' says Henrik Sargsyan, director at ftNFT. 'These exhibitions are a celebration of connection, diversity and the unexpected ways creativity allows us to understand each other.'
With more exciting events on the horizon, ftNFT continues to lead the way in blending physical and digital realities, offering a platform where the next generation of artists, collectors, and visionaries converge.
The future of art lives here. And it's only just beginning.
The exhibitions are presented in the ftNFT Phygital Space — a gallery unlike any other, that merges traditional art with Web3 innovation. Located in Chinatown, Dubai Mall, the space invites guests into an immersive journey through NFTs, physical installations and storytelling.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The National
4 hours ago
- The National
US to evacuate non-essential staff from Middle East
The men's fashion house chose Dubai Opera for its first venue outside Milan Fashion Week
Harpers Bazaar Arabia
8 hours ago
- Harpers Bazaar Arabia
The Scent Edit: Perfumes That Will Look The Prettiest On Any Dressing Table
The emotions and stories hidden in perfumes speak not only through sensual compositions but also via their artful bottles. In the Harper's Bazaar Arabia June 2025 issue we celebrate some of the most iconic silhouettes on the scent scene…
The National
8 hours ago
- The National
Zegna's first show outside Italy is a love letter to Dubai
Zegna, the Italian master of quiet luxury, just staged its first fashion show outside Italy. On Wednesday, it transformed Dubai Opera into an oasis of fashion, with nods to both Italy and the UAE. Guests were greeted by birdsong recorded in Oasi Zegna, the land planted as a forest by the founder, as they took in the set of sand dunes, native ghaf and palm trees, and a sand-strewn floor. Across 54 looks, the spring/summer 2026 show delivered a masterclass in the impeccable, laid-back dressing Zegna is known for, formed from elegant cuts and astonishing materials. About 600 guests, many of whom were flown in for the event, witnessed the unfolding of a typically discreet palette that shifted from cream and bone, through olive and fern green to autumnal dark red and mulberry, played out across quietly remarkable pieces. The art of understatement As with everything Zegna does, this was about layered nuance. Unlined jackets were casually worn over collared shirts of perforated suede, laser-cut in dogtooth patterning; tabard tops were spun from linen and paper; and cotton ticking became summery suit jackets and matching shorts. Crumpled linen was cut into boxy jackets, and woven into airy polo tops, while loose shirt jackets and even scarves arrived in Zegna's new 'washable leather'. In a nod to the host city, 25 of these runway looks were made especially for the Dubai show. The subtle brilliance of Zegna is best seen up close, when the true beauty of its pieces becomes apparent. Knitted suede tops, roomy crocheted tops that hang just-so, jacquard jackets that resemble tweed, and actual tweed spun into a light summer coat – this is a house that has mastered the art of understatement. The show featured a diverse cast of models – from teenage to septuagenarians – some barefoot, all restrained and elegant. Although predominantly featuring male models, there were a few women on the runway, clad in the same menswear as a sign of its wearability. As owners of its own factories (to oversee a process it calls 'sheep to shop'), Zegna can push boundaries of what is materially possible. As creative director Alessandro Sartori explained ahead of the show: 'Through this experimentation, we are finding a lot of new ideas.' In turn, these become new propositions for today's client. 'There is a huge space between classic and avant-garde menswear that we can explore,' Sartori said. The looks paraded in the opera house suggests this is not a middle ground, but instead a new frontier; making daily uniforms for the ultra-refined, using hyper-modern materials and devoid of logos, for a if-you-know-you-know cache. Stepping into Villa Zegna Zegna's polished ethos extends well beyond the runway, too. Part of the opera house has been converted into Villa Zegna, a private invitation-only club open for five days. Named after the original family house in Northern Italy, Villa Zegna allows clients to sample the new limited-edition Il Conte fragrance (created as a run of just 300 and housed in Murano glass bottles), and gain exclusive access to the Dubai capsule collection. Separate from the fashion show pieces, these additional 70 or so items cater to the lives of the ultra-rich – think croc skin jackets tumbled to the suppleness of suede, and hoodies in creamy cashmere. In a moment of Narnia-like charm, this arena can only be reached by passing through a rail of suits, which represents the wardrobe of founder Ermenegildo Zegna. Elsewhere, to ensure its guests glean the most from their visit, Zegna enlisted Dubai Tourism to guide them around the city Zegna describes as being a 'celebration of vision'. Such is the level of precision at Zegna, that every detail – from triple-stitched moccasins to leather-covered buttons – is catered to. Accordingly, choosing Dubai for its first venture beyond its homeland does not feel coincidental. Carefully considered, the city has been selected for the values it shares with the storied Italian house. As one reaches for the sky, the other deals in the height of quality and sophistication. Both are fascinated by the intersection of the innovative and the remarkable. And if this evening were anything to go by, it is a quest without end.
