Eman Al Hashemi looks to the sun in The Horizon We Inherit

Eman Al Hashemi's new exhibition, "The Horizon We Inherit," explores the universal themes of urban life, memory, and the cultural symbols that persist across generations. The imagery of the sun, which she first noticed in Fujairah, serves as the central motif, but Al Hashemi's work also draws inspiration from sun symbols in Kyrgyzstan and other cultures.

During her travels, Al Hashemi observed the recurring presence of suns, street lights, buildings, and roundabouts in various places, including the Gulf, Central Asia, Africa, and South America. This led her to ponder the connection between ancient drawings and writings across different regions of the world. She posits that this connection may simply be a reflection of our shared humanity.

The exhibition showcases sculptures that evoke familiar elements of contemporary life, such as the sun, street lights, buildings, and roundabouts. These motifs are presented in a manner that is both recognizable and ambiguous, prompting viewers to consider the interplay between the past and present.

Al Hashemi views herself as a "collector of stories," gathering various experiences and observations to create cohesive bodies of work. Her previous pieces have delved into topics like spoons, mass production, and communal vessels, all of which revolve around the theme of modern living. In "The Horizon We Inherit," she incorporates the building as a vessel alongside the sun and urban elements.

Throughout her work, Al Hashemi employs color strategically. While her earlier pieces leaned towards muted tones, the brighter hues used in this exhibition are a deliberate shift that she attributes to renewed excitement and inspiration. She describes the vibrant color as "a new investigation" that she hopes will generate curiosity and debate among viewers.

In addition to her artistic pursuits, Al Hashemi is a dedicated educator, currently teaching full-time at the University of Sharjah. Her interest in UAE art history deepened during her time abroad, where she discovered the pioneering work of artist Hassan Sharif. Al Hashemi sees a connection between Sharif's use of found and mass-produced objects and her own exploration of how mass production affects the value of objects.

Al Hashemi hopes that visitors to "The Horizon We Inherit" will come away with more questions than answers. She believes that engaging conversations and thought-provoking discussions are essential to the success of her work. By encouraging viewers to ponder the significance of visual languages and the connections between different cultures, Al Hashemi aims to foster a deeper understanding of our shared human experience.