Zeinab AlHashemi's Hybrid Practice Explores UAE Transformation Through Camel Hides and Industrial Materials

Zeinab AlHashemi's journey as an artist commenced following a devastating car crash in 2009, which left her with 13 fractures and necessitated 11 surgeries, including a hip replacement. The Emirati conceptual artist identifies as "half natural, half artificial," utilizing materials such as steel and camel hides to delve into themes of urbanism and resilience. She showcased her work at the Sharjah Biennial 11 in 2013 and participated in the Louvre Abu Dhabi's CoLab exhibition in 2018 with her piece 'Metamorphic.' In 2022, AlHashemi presented 'Camouflage 2.0' at Desert X AIUla and created an obelisk for Art D'Égypte at the Pyramids of Giza, earning a spot on the shortlist for the Richard Mille Art Prize. Her latest work, 'There May Exist,' was on view at Vienna's Theseus Temple until October 13. Additionally, she is set for a solo exhibition at Leila Heller Gallery this autumn and will take part in Public Art Abu Dhabi in November. Born in Dubai in 1986, she pursued visual art studies at Zayed University, inspired by Dr. Najat Makki.