This Emirati artist is inspiring children to see water as more than a resource

Khaleej Times

2 days ago

In her deeply introspective and socially conscious practice, Emirati artist Alia Hussain Lootah explores the evolving dynamics of motherhood, identity, and cultural continuity in a rapidly modernising UAE.
A graduate of the prestigious Salama bint Hamdan Emerging Artist Fellowship (SEAF), Lootah first gained attention through early participations in Sikka Art Fair, before cementing her place in the regional art scene with a solo presentation at Art Dubai 2024 and previous showcases at Abu Dhabi Art and the Aisha Alabbar Gallery. Her sculptural work often dwells in the quiet, emotional spaces between tradition and transformation—an ongoing reflection of her journey as a mother and artist.
Now, in a new chapter that bridges environmental education and creativity, Alia is co-leading the A.R.M. Holding Children's Programme alongside celebrated Nigerian artist Peju Alatise. Under the theme 'The Future of Water,' the initiative invites children across the UAE to explore sustainability through immersive workshops, reimagining water not just as a resource, but as a symbol of identity, memory, and care.
"The UAE has a unique relationship with water because of its environment and history, from the Al Khor creek to pearl diving," she says in a chat with City Times. "By approaching water through interactive, hands-on workshops, we invite children to engage emotionally and creatively, to ask questions, and to imagine how they can care for it as future custodians of the environment."
Furthermore, Alia talks about motherhood in today's UAE, how young artists are blending heritage with modernity, and why art remains a powerful medium for both personal reflection and public change. Edited excerpts from the interview:
Why is it important to introduce sustainability through art rather than traditional educational formats?
Art allows children to process complex ideas in ways that feel natural to them. Rather than memorising facts or figures, they get to experience, create, and observe change through materials like seeing how water transforms their artwork on plexiglass. This approach nurtures curiosity, empathy, and critical thinking. In my experience, when children create with their hands and hearts, the lessons are far more lasting than simply being told about environmental issues.
Your latest body of work explores the interpersonal relationship between mother and child, particularly in times of uncertainty. What prompted this focus, and how do you feel the context of the modern UAE plays into these themes?
My experience of motherhood has made me more attuned to the quiet shifts that happen over time internally and around us. My work doesn't try to explain motherhood, but rather holds space for its complexity: the soft and the strong, the seen and unseen. Through form and material, I try to reflect that constant negotiation, between repetition, isolation and connection.
How do you think societal expectations around motherhood have changed in the UAE, especially in urban settings?
In the UAE, many mothers are balancing more roles than ever before. We are caregivers, professionals, creatives, entrepreneurs, among others. Society has opened more space for women to pursue personal ambitions while raising their families. At the same time, the cultural importance placed on family remains very strong. This balance between personal identity and family responsibility is something I see reflected in the lives of many mothers here, and it often finds its way into my work.
Is your work also a personal reflection, or more a commentary on broader generational shifts?
It's both. My work often starts from personal experience - my own journey as a mother and an artist. But I also see it as part of a wider dialogue about how motherhood is shifting across generations. Today, many women are navigating spaces our mothers and grandmothers didn't have access to. That expansion brings both freedom and new pressures, and my work tries to capture those emotional layers.
How do you see the intersection between traditional Emirati culture and modern creative expression in the UAE's younger generation?
The younger generation in the UAE is growing up with access to both strong cultural roots and global creative influences. What's beautiful is that many young artists aren't choosing one over the other, but they're blending the two. You see it in how they explore themes like environment, heritage, or identity, while using new materials, technologies, or styles. As an educator, it's exciting to watch them build something uniquely Emirati, but also globally relevant.
Do you think there's a shift in how female Emirati artists are being perceived—both locally and internationally?
Yes, absolutely. There's greater visibility and appreciation for female Emirati artists now than when I first started. Locally, institutions are giving us more platforms to share our work, and internationally, there's growing curiosity about our stories and perspectives. I think people are beginning to see the depth, diversity, and strength of women's voices in the UAE art scene, which brings more nuance to the global conversation around Middle Eastern art.
How has your journey been shaped by mentors, collaborators, or female-led initiatives in the UAE art scene?
I've been fortunate to be part of spaces like the Salama bint Hamdan Emerging Artist Fellowship, which offered both mentorship and community. Having a support system of peers and mentors, especially women, makes a tremendous difference. It's encouraging to see how many women-led initiatives are building safe, creative spaces where artists can learn, experiment, and grow. Collaboration, in particular, has always been important to my own practice.
What advice would you give to emerging female artists navigating their creative and cultural identity?
Trust your voice. It's okay if your work evolves over time because that's part of our growth. Don't be afraid to draw from personal experiences as they often hold the most powerful stories. And surround yourself with people who encourage and challenge you in healthy ways. The art world can feel overwhelming, but staying true to your vision will help you build something authentic and meaningful.