A unique artistic experience is currently taking place at the Aisha Alabbar Gallery in Dubai, featuring the exhibition titled “Deep Intimacy in Gatherings.” Launched in April, the exhibition will run until May 23 and showcases contemporary works by Emirati artists exploring the concept of intimacy from both personal and human perspectives, amidst the fast-paced rhythm of modern life.
To gain insights into the artists’ views on intimacy and its artistic representation, a local newspaper spoke with several of the participating artists. Salim Al Suwaidi, the exhibition’s curator, explained how the idea originated from his visits to the artists’ studios, where he sought to understand their unique artistic expressions and aesthetic approaches closely.
He noted that while every artist has their own distinct language, the common thread among them is a focus on human relationships. Sultan Al Remeithi concentrates on his connections with friends and strangers, while Taqwa Al Naqbi reflects on her profound emotional bond with her grandmother, and Asma Khoury delves into her relationship with herself and her memories.
Al Suwaidi highlighted that all the works aim to explore relationships through the passage of time, especially given the accelerated pace that dominates contemporary lives. He explained that the artists employ techniques such as painting, embroidery, and paper-making to slow down time and document its moments. He remarked that today, many of us are caught in a continuous obsession that every minute of our time must be productive—be it through learning, working, or earning money. We need reminders that time should not be viewed purely as a commodity, but rather as a life experience to be felt deeply.
Analyzing the artists’ expressive techniques, he described Sultan Al Remeithi’s paintings as poetic, celebrating beautiful moments with loved ones. In contrast, Asma Khoury connects memories with simple everyday objects, like tea bags or small drawings. Taqwa Al Naqbi memorializes her grandmother by crafting paper from her personal belongings, giving her works a deeply human archive-like quality.
He concluded by stating that the message we wish to convey through the exhibition is to rediscover the value of shared time with loved ones, freeing ourselves from viewing time merely as a metric for productivity. Artist Taqwa Al Naqbi elaborated that, for her, intimacy embodies the deep feelings we share with those closest to us, especially those we spend most of our time with.
She shared: “For me, intimacy is tied to my grandmother—her clothes, her voice, her scent, and even her knitting. These elements provided me with a sense of comfort and warmth.”
In the same vein, Al Naqbi noted that expressing intimacy is not difficult, but she considers documenting those fleeting moments a challenge due to their abundance and overlap. She added, “I chose to document my relationship with my grandmother by making paper from her clothing. Paper serves as a medium that preserves information and absorbs memory, and I also used it to wrap items that grandmothers would keep in their pockets.”
The Concept of Intimacy
Meanwhile, artist Sultan Al Remeithi explored the concept of intimacy in his work through the relationship between image and journey. He stated: “I enjoy capturing moments. Most of my paintings are inspired by photographs taken with my Polaroid 35mm camera, and I love the imperfections that emerge during photo processing, as they give an authentic spirit to the images.”
Al Remeithi explained that he chooses specific moments that evoke feelings or memories, adding, “These photos transport me back to experiences I’ve had before, and I hope that viewers can connect with them as well.”
He asserted that life experiences, both positive and negative, shape us and influence our responses. He continued, “I believe intimacy can be recalled from memory just as it can be built from experiences. A moment, a sound, or even a scent can instantly bring you back to a warm memory.”
Regarding her use of tea bags as an artistic medium, Asma Khoury explained: “I chose tea bags as they are a staple of our daily details, found in every household and present in every gathering. Conversations, laughter, and memories often revolve around them, and many stories begin with a cup of tea. For me, tea bags symbolize intimacy, sharing, and those small moments that build our collective memory.”
She added, “I hope my work serves as a window for visitors to reflect and recall memories—not solely in a personal context but through common elements that resonate with us all. The work opens space for contemplation about those details we experience daily, often without acknowledging their depth.”
By the end of their visit to “Deep Intimacy,” attendees leave changed. Each artwork and each written piece acts as a mirror or a window—or perhaps both. This is what transforms the exhibition into a genuine experience that intersects with personal memories, becoming more than just a collection of artworks to observe from afar.