Emirati Artist Hassan Sharif, Pioneer of Contemporary Art in Dubai, Dies at 65

Hassan Sharif, the Emirati artist recognized as the foundational figure for Dubai's contemporary art scene, passed away at age 65. His career commenced in the early 1970s with caricatures published in local newspapers that offered social commentary. After studying art in London, becoming one of the first Emiratis to pursue arts education abroad, he returned to Dubai and co-founded the Emirates Fine Arts Society. In 1984, he established Al Marijah Art Atelier in Sharjah, conducting informal teaching and mentoring sessions; Mohamed Kazem was his first protégé. A pivotal 1985 one-day exhibition at the Sharjah central market introduced conceptual performance art to the country. Gallery Isabelle Van Den Eynde, his Dubai representative, described him as a prolific cultural producer who focused solely on art, disregarding conventions of age, identity, or comfort. He worked as an artist, educator, critic, activist, and mentor. His death was reported by The National on September 19, 2016.