UAE-born artist Batool Al Tameemi collaborates with Flowwow this Eid Al Etihad to celebrate the Spirit of Union through local art and the deeply rooted tradition of hospitality and gift-giving. Her handcrafted ceramic cup—created exclusively for this limited-edition set—draws inspiration from Emirati gatherings where warmth, connection, and generosity come together. Paired with a Banoffee cake jar by a local baker, the collaboration brings visual art and culinary comfort into one thoughtful experience. Batool’s illustration, depicting two hands—one offering and one receiving—symbolizes the everyday acts of kindness that bring people closer. Through this partnership, Flowwow and Batool honor the joy of sharing, the culture of giving, and the spirit of togetherness that defines the UAE.
1. What was the inspiration behind the ‘Pop of Time’ exhibition?
The idea came from observing how pop culture shapes our collective memory and daily life. We wanted to create a platform where contemporary artists could explore identity and cultural narratives through bold, playful visuals. The exhibition is about connecting the energy of the present with echoes of the past, using color, form, and media as a bridge.
2. How did you select the artists featured in the show?
We looked for artists whose work combines visual vibrancy with thoughtful commentary. Each of the nine participants—Ebru Döşekçi, Sabine Boehl, Hiba Kalache, Matteo Mandelli, Jacopo di Cera, Sinem Sezgin Bozkurt, Emre Namyeter, Onur Hastürk, and Deniz Özuygur—brings a unique perspective. They each use pop aesthetics not just for decoration, but as a lens to explore identity, technology, and memory.
3. How does the exhibition balance playful aesthetics with deeper narratives?
Pop culture is often seen as light or ephemeral, but in Pop of Time, it becomes a storytelling device. The neon colors, nostalgic imagery, and graphic language are engaging visually, yet they also carry layered meanings about media, time, and identity. Each artwork invites viewers to reflect on how culture informs who we are, while still offering a joyful, immersive experience.
4. Can you share how contemporary art engages with cultural memory in this exhibition?
Many of the artists draw inspiration from shared experiences—icons, visuals, or media that evoke memory. By reinterpreting these elements in contemporary ways, the works highlight how memory evolves with time and technology. It’s about creating a dialogue between the past and present, showing that cultural identity is living and dynamic.
5. What do you hope visitors take away from this exhibition?
We hope visitors leave with a sense of curiosity and connection. The exhibition is meant to spark reflection on how we engage with culture daily, how memories shape us, and how contemporary art can make these ideas tangible. It’s both fun and thought-provoking—something that lingers beyond the gallery walls.
6. Are there recurring themes or visual motifs you noticed across the featured works?
Yes—neon color, bold graphics, and nostalgic cues appear frequently. But more importantly, there’s a shared interest in rhythm, repetition, and digital-age symbolism. These motifs unify the exhibition, while allowing each artist to retain their voice and perspective.
7. What role do you think contemporary group exhibitions play in shaping the art scene today?
Group exhibitions like Pop of Time foster dialogue—between artists, between art and audience, and across cultures. They allow experimentation and collaboration, and they help contemporary art remain relevant by addressing current social, technological, and cultural questions. We see exhibitions as living conversations that both document and influence the cultural landscape.
The Pop of Time exhibition runs until September 9 at Sevil Dolmacı Dubai, Building 11-R04, Dubai Design District, offering visitors a vivid reflection on contemporary identity and visual culture.