The Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi has unveiled Homesickness, a new public art installation by Emirati artist Farah Al Qasimi, presented as part of the Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennial. Positioned around the museum, the immersive work connects the UAE’s pearl diving heritage with the natural landscapes and marine ecosystems explored within the museum, creating a dialogue between culture, history, and the environment.

Comprising five monumental oyster sculptures embedded with sound and light, Homesickness reimagines the nation’s maritime legacy through a contemporary lens. As visitors move through the installation, concealed speakers play a composition inspired by Tob, Tob Ya Bahar, a traditional chant sung by the wives of pearl divers, offering a moving tribute to the emotional and cultural narratives tied to the Gulf’s pearling history.

Raised in Abu Dhabi, Farah Al Qasimi is renowned for her multidisciplinary practice spanning photography, video, performance, and installation. Through Homesickness, she continues her exploration of identity, memory, and place, bringing together heritage and contemporary art in a work that invites visitors to reflect on the enduring relationship between people, nature, and the sea.