The UAE art scene is celebrating a major win. Emirati painter Aisha Al Shamsi has been selected to represent the UAE at one of the most prestigious global art events—the Venice Biennale. Her stunning, desert-inspired artwork will be showcased to an international audience, putting both her and the UAE’s creative community in the spotlight.
This year’s edition of the Venice Biennale is extra special for the UAE. Aisha’s piece reflects not only her deep personal connection to the land but also the country’s cultural identity. With swirling colours, shifting sands, and symbolic strokes, her painting captures the beauty and resilience of the desert. And now, that vision is about to be shared with the world.
A Big Moment for UAE Art
Held every two years in Italy, the Venice Biennale is like the Olympics of the art world. It brings together artists, curators, and visitors from all over the globe. For Aisha to be selected is not just a personal triumph—it’s a big moment for the UAE’s growing creative industry.
Over the years, the UAE has taken bold steps to promote art and culture. Initiatives like the Sharjah Biennial, Louvre Abu Dhabi, and Alserkal Avenue have helped shape a thriving local scene. Now, with Aisha’s work making it to Venice, there’s proof that homegrown talent is making waves internationally.
Meet Aisha Al Shamsi
Born and raised in Abu Dhabi, Aisha Al Shamsi has always been drawn to colour, texture, and the stories hidden in landscapes. Her early sketches were inspired by the vast desert plains and the golden hues of the UAE’s natural surroundings. She later studied fine arts and found her voice in abstract expressionism, often blending traditional themes with a modern touch.
“I grew up with the desert around me,” Aisha says. “Its silence, strength, and beauty have always spoken to me. My paintings are my way of translating that into something others can feel too.”
Her chosen piece for the Biennale, titled Echoes of Sand, is a large-scale canvas work layered with earth tones, mixed media textures, and delicate calligraphic elements. It tells the story of memory, tradition, and identity—three themes that are close to her heart.
UAE Pavilion: A Platform for Local Voices
The UAE has been taking part in the Venice Biennale since 2009, showcasing a wide range of talent from different fields. Each year, the National Pavilion UAE selects an artist or group whose work reflects the nation’s values, stories, and future vision.
For the 2025 edition, the Pavilion’s curators were drawn to Aisha’s deep connection to Emirati heritage, as well as her ability to translate that into something visually powerful and emotionally moving.
The Pavilion itself will be a desert-inspired installation, offering a calm, immersive space for visitors to engage with the artwork. Sand-like textures, warm lighting, and ambient sounds will create a multisensory experience to complement Aisha’s piece.
Art with a Message
Aisha’s work isn’t just beautiful—it also carries a strong message. It speaks about the importance of preserving traditions in a fast-changing world. It highlights the strength and adaptability of Emirati culture. And above all, it shows how art can be a bridge between the past and the future.
“At the heart of my work is a love for where I come from,” Aisha explains. “But I also want to show how we are evolving—how we can honour the past while looking ahead.”
This blend of nostalgia and modernity is one reason her work stood out. It resonates with people from all walks of life, reminding them of the emotional power of place, memory, and cultural roots.
A Boost for the Next Generation
Aisha’s selection has already inspired young artists across the UAE. Schools, universities, and art centres have started discussing her journey in workshops and classes. For many aspiring creatives, she’s proof that you don’t need to come from a major city like Paris or New York to make it big—you just need vision, passion, and perseverance.
“This shows that our voices matter,” says Noor, a 21-year-old art student in Sharjah. “Seeing someone from here succeed on such a big stage makes me feel like maybe I can too.”
Local galleries have also started spotlighting more Emirati artists, hoping to give them a platform to share their work with the world. There’s a renewed sense of energy and optimism in the scene—and much of it is thanks to Aisha’s achievement.
Looking Ahead
With her work heading to Venice, Aisha is already preparing for what comes next. She’s planning to host workshops in the UAE to teach young artists about blending heritage with contemporary techniques. She’s also working on a new series of paintings that explore the relationship between nature and identity.
“I’m proud to be part of this journey,” she says. “It’s not just about me—it’s about all of us who believe in the power of art.”
As the countdown to the Venice Biennale begins, there’s a buzz in the air. The UAE is ready to take its place on the world art stage, and Aisha Al Shamsi is leading the way—with a paintbrush in hand and a story to tell.
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