Exhibition
WHEN
February 20 - March 11, 2025
12 PM
WHERE
The Project Space, The Arts Center
WHO
NYU Abu Dhabi Art Gallery
Open to the Public
Crystal No. 6 delves into the layered histories and vibrant culture of Freej Al Murar, a historic Dubai neighborhood. The project began with an exploration of the mkhawera, the Emirati women’s traditional embroidered garment, with Freej Al Murar emerging as a symbolic epicenter of its origins. At its core, the project acknowledges the erasure driven by capitalism, where the beauty of traditional garments often overshadows the labor and stories of their makers.
This work pays homage to the artisans—the hands that meticulously arrange beads in delicate patterns but are often excluded from the narrative. It features an installation of nine addas (embroidery stretchers) adorned with embroidered personal narratives by artisans, a short film by Abdulla Majjan, and a publication with essays by Ahmed Makia, Kallol Datta, and Uzma Z. Rizvi, exploring the neighborhood’s significance.
Crystal No. 6 celebrates Freej Al Murar as a living archive of artistry, community, and resilience.
This is a research project by Sharjah-based Mobius Design Studio, led by Hadeyeh Badri, Hala Al-Ani, and Riem Ibrahim.
Tuesday through Sunday: 12-8 PM. Closed on Mondays.
Opening reception: Thursday, February 20, 5:30 PM
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