From Sharjah watercolours to a Berlin studio: Artist Nadia Kaabi-Linke on her 'beautiful UAE memories'

Nadia Kaabi-Linke, a renowned artist, paints vivid memories of her time in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). As a teenager in the 1990s, she crafted watercolor paintings of the port of Sharjah and the skating rink at Dubai’s Hyatt Regency hotel. Decades later, she prepares to host an event at her Berlin studio, bringing together guests, one of whom is traveling from the UAE, to discuss the art scene of that era.

President Sheikh Mohamed held talks in Berlin on a state visit, and Kaabi-Linke is filled with "beautiful memories" as she reflects on her journey from the UAE to Germany.

Born in Tunisia in 1978, Kaabi-Linke initially aspired to be a dancer. However, the highly competitive art scene in 1990s Dubai offered an alternative path. She began her artistic journey with lessons from her Ukrainian mother and soon transitioned to watercolors. Exhibiting her work at the Sharjah Art Museum, where local artists received residencies, marked the beginning of her career.

Kaabi-Linke's career took off in the Emirates, with influences from her diverse cultural backgrounds of Tunisia, Ukraine, France, and Germany.

Kaabi-Linke's artwork is shaped by her worldwide experiences. Her current Berlin studio, housed in an old East German housing block, hosts her artworks and serves as a space for cultural exchange, hosting events called "lammas," or casual gatherings in Arabic. Following the outbreak of war in the Middle East in October 2023, Kaabi-Linke initiated a series of such gatherings, fearing that discussions on the war would be silenced, particularly in Germany, where a pro-Israel atmosphere prevailed.

Her connection to the UAE remains strong, as her father established himself as a football director in Emirati football after staying behind. In 2009, her breakthrough came with the exhibition "Under Standing Over Views," a collection of fragments forming the shape of the seven Emirates, symbolizing the openness of the UAE. The artwork has been displayed multiple times in Berlin, and she also has a permanent sculpture at the Dubai Expo site.

Kaabi-Linke's artwork, such as the recently acquired Guggenheim piece "Flying Carpets," often sparks conversations about her work's interpretation. She believes that her audience should engage with her art in their own ways, informed by their own backgrounds. Kaabi-Linke's life is deeply intertwined with immigration and cross-cultural experiences, allowing her to connect with people and cultures naturally.

As she resides in Germany with her husband Timo, Kaabi-Linke remains committed to fostering dialogue on immigration politics in the country, despite the current political climate. She considers Berlin to be her city and intends to resist any challenges that may arise.