UAE: Meet the 9-year-old Emirati artist who shocked the art world with her thought-provoking work – News

Maitha presents approximately 10 artworks at the newly launched MRK contemporary art gallery

Maitha Khalilabdul Wahid (C).Photo: Supplied

Maitha, 9, beams with pride as the Emirati child artist witnesses the inauguration of a gallery showcasing her work. Maitha Khalilabdul Wahid was the youngest artist at the establishment of the MRK Contemporary Art Gallery, which aims to celebrate and promote the work and masterpieces of Emirati artists, including prodigy artists, in order to preserve the rich diversity of Emirati culture.

Mohammed Al Murr, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Library Foundation and former spokesperson of the UAE FNC, officiated at the opening ceremony, with prominent Emirati artists such as Dr. Najat Makki, Abdul Qader Al Rayes, Faisal Abdul Qader and Khalil Abdul Wahid (Maitha’s father).

Maitha and two other Emirati child artists have wowed art world connoisseurs with their thought-provoking work in digital art form.

Maitha Jr. explains her artwork, which is mostly digital sketches of girls showing their different emotions, “My artwork shows the different stages we girls go through in our daily lives and how we want people to understand us. Just drawing These different forms just make me happy. My father is also an artist and he always encouraged me to draw what I like. Today is one of the most memorable days in my life, because it is the first time that my work will be in the Such a well-known gallery exhibits.”

Hailed as a child prodigy in painting, Maitha presented about 10 works, some of which expressed her concerns about global warming and a polluted planet.

Another self-taught Emirati teenager, Aisha Abdul Karim, presented some nine artworks, mostly fashion illustrations, featuring women of different backgrounds, colors and ethnicities. The 14-year-old says her focus on art is realism and stylish women.

“I am very happy and nervous because this is the first time my work has been exhibited publicly and appreciated by some well-known artists from all over the world. Art inspires me and encourages me to take on new challenges. If I feel right I am satisfied with my work, my day is going well and I want to keep being creative. It makes me happy,” said the teenager, who aims to be an engineer when she grows up.

MRK’s opening night was held in two spaces at the Mazaya Center on Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, and was well attended by ambassadors, consuls general, media, art institution leaders, businessmen, collectors, artists and art lovers. The gallery promotes the work of leading Emirati artists, including prodigies, many of whom are Emirati.

Mohammed Al-Murr explained that each gallery enriches the UAE’s cultural landscape. “The MRK Contemporary Art Gallery will further provide opportunities for Emirati artists and others to showcase their talents,” he said.

“Dubai can be described as a hub of art, well-being and development, and a melting pot of cultures,” says Meena Rao Kamal, renowned abstract landscape painter and founder and owner of her eponymous gallery. “The incredible transformation of Dubai and the UAE under the vision of its Founding Father and Ruler has been beautifully documented by the UAE’s pioneering artists.”

While promoting Emirati artists is MRK Contemporary’s main mission, its collection showcases Euler (European + Western) artists. Euler’s artworks in the gallery’s collection are mainly influenced by Arabic and Islamic features, and come from well-known international artists in America, Europe and Asia.