Emirati Artist Shaikha Al Mazrou Revealed as Visual Campaign Artist for Abu Dhabi Art 2025
17th Edition to Take Place from 19 to 23 November at Manarat Al Saadiyat
Gallery Applications Now Open Until 30 April 2025
Abu Dhabi, UAE – 03 April 2025:
Abu Dhabi Art, organised by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), proudly announces that the 17th edition of the fair will return from 19 to 23 November 2025 at Manarat Al Saadiyat. This year, celebrated Emirati artist Shaikha Al Mazrou has been selected as the Visual Campaign Artist, reflecting her pioneering role in the UAE’s contemporary art scene.
Shaikha Al Mazrou, represented by Lawrie Shabibi in Dubai, is known for her innovative sculptural language that fuses industrial materials with geometric abstraction. Her appointment underscores Abu Dhabi Art’s commitment to platforming regional voices and its influential role in nurturing the UAE’s rapidly expanding art ecosystem.
A Journey of Artistic Evolution
Abu Dhabi Art Director Dyala Nusseibeh reflected on Al Mazrou’s journey, stating:
“Shaikha participated in our 2017 edition as a Beyond Emerging Artist, and we are thrilled to witness the remarkable evolution of her career. Her appointment is a testament to her vision and impact. The selected campaign series explores materiality and transformation, using discarded materials from UAE fabrication sites to symbolically unfold moments of becoming.”
At the fair, Al Mazrou’s piece Beyond All Measures (2024)—a striking oxidation on brass—will be featured. The work contemplates the horizon as a threshold for perception and transformation, metaphorically prompting audiences to reassess their place in the world.
Artist Statement
Shaikha Al Mazrou shared her thoughts on the selection:
“Art isn’t about making things—it’s about provoking thought. My work questions assumptions through the transformation of materials. It’s a journey that invites curiosity more than conclusions.”
Her work draws from Minimalism and Conceptual Art, with influence from icons like Paul Klee, Carl Andre, and Wassily Kandinsky. Her geometric sculptures often blend colour theory with mass-produced materials such as electronic waste and construction debris, transforming industrial remnants into philosophical forms.
Al Mazrou’s accolades include the Paulo Cunha e Silva Art Prize (2020) and a shortlist placement for the Louvre Abu Dhabi Richard Mille Art Prize. Her works are held in esteemed collections like RMZ Foundation, Art Jameel, and The Farjam Foundation. She currently serves as Assistant Arts Professor of Visual Arts at NYU Abu Dhabi.
Gallery Applications Now Open
Galleries wishing to participate in Abu Dhabi Art 2025 can now submit applications online through 30 April 2025. Categories include Modern and Contemporary, Special Projects, and Emerge. The fair not only acts as a key sales platform for international and local galleries but also encourages experimental installations and public engagement through year-round programmes.
For details and submissions, please visit: www.abudhabiart.ae
For Media Inquiries:
Email: ADA@sevenmedia.ae
About Shaikha Al Mazrou
Born in the UAE in 1988, Shaikha Al Mazrou earned her MFA from Chelsea College of Fine Art in London in 2014, where she won the MFA Student Prize. She previously studied and taught at the University of Sharjah. Her practice is deeply informed by Minimalism and Conceptual Art, with a distinct focus on the interplay of material, form, and physical space. She lives and works in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Representation: Lawrie Shabibi Gallery
About Abu Dhabi Art
More than just an art fair, Abu Dhabi Art is a year-round platform that connects artists, curators, and collectors through exhibitions, commissions, and talks. The annual fair culminates in November, offering a stage for global galleries and ambitious art experiences.
Visit: www.abudhabiart.ae
About the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi)
DCT Abu Dhabi steers the sustainable development of the emirate’s cultural and tourism sectors, fostering economic growth while preserving Abu Dhabi’s rich heritage. Through global partnerships and innovative initiatives, the department shapes the emirate into a premier international destination.
Learn more: dct.gov.ae | visitabudhabi.ae
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