DUBAI: While women have historically served as muses for artists, their representation as creators behind the canvas remains limited. In an inspiring move to elevate the talent and visibility of women artists, Dubai hosted an exciting art exhibition titled HER STORY.
This exhibition, organised by Art4you Gallery, featured an extensive lineup of 12 female artists from various nationalities. The event aligned with the International Women’s Day (IWD) #InspireInclusion campaign theme, aimed to bridge the gender gap in the art world and provide a platform for female representation, hosted in collaboration with Picasso Gallery Dubai.
HER STORY sought to set a benchmark for female representation in the art sector, encouraging women artists to pursue and achieve great career success. The exhibition explored the theme through the artists’ lenses, highlighted how their courage, creativity, and determination made a lasting, meaningful impact on the world and future generations.
Curator Jesno Jackson emphasised the profound resonance of the #InspireInclusion theme with International Women’s Day 2024. “This show encapsulated the vision where inspiration becomes the catalyst for inclusion, fostered a world where women were not just recognised but embraced, valued, and empowered,” said Jackson.
This theme encouraged artists to infuse their works with the power to evoke change, elevate voices, and magnify the importance of inclusion for women across all spheres of life.
The HER STORY exhibition strived to unite artists in a collective effort to transform our world into a more inclusive space for women. By embracing the #InspireInclusion theme, 12 artists were encouraged to use their creative expressions to stir emotions, challenge societal norms, and spark transformation. This platform celebrated female artists, provided a stage for their brilliance, inviting them to share their distinct perspectives, and leaving an indelible mark on both the artistic sphere and society at large. “Artists hold the power to evoke change and elevate voices,” the organisers explained.
The HER STORY exhibition showcased 32 works created by various artists, each presenting their unique interpretation of identity and self-expression. These works were not only personal to the artists but also served to empower women and challenge ongoing stereotypes. The art featured a wide range of imaginative and ideologically driven depictions of women, embedding powerful narratives that addressed both personal and universal issues. Despite differences in age and artistic media, the artists shared a common identity that was prominently female, a theme that was clearly reflected in their work. Through this exhibition, the artists were able to redefine and celebrate womanhood, offering a diverse and rich portrayal of women’s experiences and perspectives.
The HER STORY exhibition not only showcased the remarkable talents of these women artists but also served as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring female artists worldwide. By championing inclusion and female empowerment, the exhibition aimed to reshape the art world into a more equitable space, where women’s contributions are recognised, valued, and celebrated. The featured artists were Angelka Basheska from Macedonia, Nawal Chemaly, Dr. Manal Dandan from Lebanon, Alzbeta Znamenska from Czech Republic, Vasilisa Eliseeva, Polina Aitkolova (Iamshell), Vera Zhukova from Russia, Shakiba Rabiei, Azin Rezaei, Golnaz Jafari from Iran, Katherine Odeja from Philippines and Maria Komal Abie from India. By showcasing the diversity, Art4you Gallery strived to challenge stereotypes, break the barriers, and promote a more inclusive society.
HER STORY celebrated the multifaceted essence of womanhood through the lens of art. The exhibition was officially opened by chief guests H.E. Yaqoob Al Ali and H.E. Laila Rahhall El Atfani, in the presence of Bhumika Maniyar, Kiara Kaur, Maktoum Al Marzooqi and Sara. This carefully curated collection showcased the diverse perspectives, experiences, and talents of women artists from around the world. From bold expressions of strength and resilience to delicate reflections on vulnerability and intimacy, each artwork offered a unique glimpse into the rich tapestry of female identity. The event was adorned with beautiful customised plant gifts by our sustainability partner The Green Revolution DXB. The closing ceremony was attended by Abdulla Al Shami, Adil Almanna and Sanad Aldosari. Visitors came together to honour the achievements of women past, present, and future, and to explore the work towards a world where every woman thrived and succeeded, regardless of their background or circumstances.
‘HER STORY: A Tribute to Women in Art’ was successfully closed, which aimed to inspire inclusion and showcased the diverse voices and experiences of women from all walks of life.
