23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Khaleej Times
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.
