by Ayesha Shaikh
  • 1 minute read
  • July 31, 2019
How Khulood Al Jabri Derives Inspiration From Emirati Women

Paint drips, blotches and fluid lines cover the compositions of Khulood Al Jabri. She fills her swirling, allegorical figures with vibrant colorways, drawing from the vibrancy of local heritage and presenting the evolution of Emirati women.

“Since the inception of the UAE, HH Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and HH Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak were huge supporters of Emirati women,” says Al Jabri. “It was the start of a cultural movement in the country and I got immense support from it,” she adds.

Khulood Al Jabri. Burqa’a Face 1. 2016. Acrylic, pastel and cotton on canvas. 80x120cm.

An artist and educator, Al Jabri previously served as the deputy head of fine arts at the UAE Ministry of Culture, Youth and Community Development (2012-14), and has been showcasing her works at local galleries, including Abu Dhabi’s 165 Below art gallery, and forums in Egypt, Morocco, China and Belgium. For her artwork, titled Al Tawmeena Ceremony (2018),  Al Jabri looks back to her childhood fascination with, and memories of, the bond between her mother and her friends.

Each distinct in her own identity, her figures stand united, clad in vibrant hues and layered with jewelry as a celebration of their femininity.

Her Burqa series is another remarkable survey of women and their intricate relationship with traditions. “Every Emirati woman hopes to make her dreams come true. I had envisioned that more and more Emirati women would become doctors, pilots, artists and take on any other role they wish to pursue,” she shares. “People criticized me back then, but I said us women are going to achieve a lot. I imagined this through my paintings and my wish came true.”

And so, Al Jabri continues to translate her aspirations for local women through her works, with her buoyant style signifying that the future looks even brighter.


Images Courtesy Of IAM

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