Latifa Saeed, a multidisciplinary Emirati artist based in Dubai, is making a significant impact on the international art scene with her innovative installations that celebrate and promote UAE culture. Her work, which has been exhibited in prominent art venues from Kochi, India, to Venice, Italy, is gaining widespread acclaim from both art enthusiasts and critics.
One of Saeed’s most notable installations, titled ‘Dust Devils,’ is inspired by the vast deserts of the UAE. The piece creatively combines a smoke machine, a hologram, and an electromagnetic device to simulate natural whirlpools and tornadoes, offering viewers a sensory experience that captures the essence of the Middle Eastern desert landscapes. “Visitors would leave with a fascination, understanding, and gain knowledge about the atmospheric phenomenal landscapes of the Middle Eastern deserts,” Saeed explained, speaking ahead of Emirati Women’s Day.
Saeed’s passion for art was nurtured during her time at Latifa School for Girls in Dubai, where she found a strong art curriculum that treated art as a core subject throughout her academic journey. Reflecting on her beginnings, Saeed noted, “I believe that was the catalyst for my artistic career.”
Recently, Saeed’s work has been featured as part of the ‘Beyond Emerging Artists’ initiative, organized by Abu Dhabi Art under the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi). This initiative has brought her art to esteemed platforms such as the Durbar Hall Art Gallery in Kochi, Kerala, and the Biennale Arte 2024 in Venice, Italy. Both of these events are known for attracting leading artists, collectors, curators, and critics from around the world.
Speaking about her participation in the Venice Biennale, Saeed remarked, “The Venice Biennale is a globally renowned biennale. Abu Dhabi Art placed our exhibition on the most important cultural international platform, this will significantly impact our artistic careers.”
At the Kochi fair, Saeed presented a piece titled ‘Notes from Another Shore,’ supported by the Rizq Art Initiative, which celebrated the cultural relationship between the UAE and Kerala. “This relationship brings new dimensions to the cultural landscapes of both regions,” she noted, adding that her experience at the Kochi fair was profound. “It reinforced the idea that art transcends borders and languages, acting as a universal medium that brings people together. I am grateful for the opportunity to bring a piece of Emirati culture to the people of Kerala and to engage in a meaningful dialogue with the community. Our works found resonance in Kerala.”
Saeed emphasized that her international exposure has provided her with a broader perspective on her work, allowing her to view it within a global context. “It deepens my understanding of my own nation and culture. This exposure enriches our creativity, increases our credibility, and inspires us to explore new ideas and innovation while staying rooted in the values and traditions that define our identity,” she said.
