Emirati Artist Jalal Luqman Rebuilds Career After Dh5 Million Art Loss in Fire
JL
Emirati digital art pioneer Jalal Luqman has risen from the ashes after losing 33 years of artwork—valued at Dh5 million—in a devastating fire last year. The fire, which engulfed his Abu Dhabi warehouse studio in May 2024, destroyed over 140 pieces, including paintings, sculptures, and digital works.
'I was like a parent left childless,' said Luqman, recalling the heartbreak of seeing his life's work reduced to ashes. However, rather than succumbing to despair, the 58-year-old artist vowed to rebuild. Within six months, he staged an artistic comeback, using artificial intelligence and industrial materials salvaged from the fire to create a new body of work.
Long recognized as the UAE's first digital artist, Luqman has always been at the forefront of artistic innovation. He pioneered digital art in the region, exhibiting internationally since 1996. His signature style blends digital techniques with metal and steel, earning him the moniker 'Iron Man of Art.'
The fire forced Luqman to redefine his creative process. He painstakingly reconstructed his lost works using AI and digital tools, while also welding and sculpting molten metal from the debris. This transformative journey culminated in his exhibition What the Fire Left Behind (Oct 31–Nov 11, 2024), where visitors experienced the devastation and resilience through immersive installations.
'Art is our history; it documents our struggles and triumphs,' he reflected. His new works—comprising immersive experiences, AI-enhanced digital art, and sculptures forged from the fire's remains—are now available on CIFRA, a Dubai-based global streaming platform that documented his remarkable resurgence.
For Luqman, the fire was a test of endurance. 'Creativity is about adapting and evolving. Life happens, but resilience is what defines us. When we fall, it's our will to rise that makes all the difference.'
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