Juma Al Haj finds new meaning in seclusion with first institutional solo show in Abu Dhabi
Juma Al Haj’s new exhibition arrives at a turning point in his life. Last June, after 15 years in a corporate career, the Emirati artist left his job and returned to university to fully commit himself to art. Revelation, now on view at 421 Arts Campus in Abu Dhabi, grew out of this period of reassessment. The exhibition – which is also Al Haj ’s first institutional solo show – was developed…
Juma Al Haj, an Emirati artist, has found new meaning in seclusion with his first institutional solo show in Abu Dhabi, titled "Revelation." The exhibition, currently on display at the 421 Arts Campus, showcases a variety of mediums including painting, glass, text, light, shadow, water, and installation.
The show reflects Al Haj's period of reassessment after leaving his 15-year corporate career to pursue art full-time. His work explores themes of seclusion, reflection, and personal revelation as a continuing process. "Revelation" was developed through 421 Arts Campus's Artistic Development Programme and is the artist's first solo show in an institutional setting.
The works in the exhibition are interconnected, with glass panels displaying text that changes based on light, shadow, and reflection. The surrounding conditions, such as the placement of the panels and light, are equally important to the overall experience. The installation gradually leads visitors to a darker, more enclosed space called Hijr, where water symbolizes movement and renewed energy.
Al Haj uses water as a metaphor for the cyclical nature of revelation, likening it to ripples in the water that create new moments of understanding. The exhibition also incorporates physical elements, such as a thick carpet that requires visitors to remove their shoes, symbolizing the transition into a sacred space. The subdued lighting and dark walls serve to slow down the pace of the room and create a contemplative atmosphere.
Al Haj's visual language is influenced by Arabic handwriting exercises he practiced as a child, which have evolved into gestural marks across his work. His goal is to turn the intangible into something visually tangible, opening up the layers of his paintings and presenting them in a spacious, contemplative environment.
In his current thinking, Al Haj reflects on his place within the wider Emirati art scene, recognizing himself as part of a third generation of Emirati artists. While he acknowledges the increased opportunities for younger artists, he emphasizes the importance of exposure beyond the UAE to build a successful career.
Written by urgent.news from The National UAE's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
