Dr. Mohamed Yousef, born in 1953 in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, is a distinguished artist and academic, recognised for his contributions to the UAE’s art and cultural landscape. He earned his BA in Fine Arts from the College of Fine Arts in Cairo, an MFA from Webster University in St. Louis, US, and a PhD in Fine Arts from Manav Rachna International University in India. Yousef’s role extends beyond that of an artist; he is an Assistant Professor at the College of Fine Arts and Design, University of Sharjah, and a pivotal figure in the founding of the Sharjah National Theatre and the Emirates Fine Arts Society.

Yousef’s artistic endeavours, particularly in sculpture and installation, reflect his deep engagement with the natural environment, often featuring themes of motion and stillness. His works, known for their whimsical and delicate craftsmanship, frequently incorporate materials like palm tree fronds from the UAE desert. This unique approach results in both figurative and non-figurative creations that mirror his multifaceted personality as an artist, playwright, director, and actor. Notable for his participation in various exhibitions, including the UAE Pavilion at the Venice Biennale (2015, 2017) and the Kunstmuseum in Bonn, Germany (2005), Yousef has significantly influenced the regional and international art scene. His solo exhibition ‘Exiting In’ at his residence in 2003 and numerous group exhibitions have showcased his diverse artistic talents.

Dr. Mohamed Yousef has been honoured with prestigious awards such as the UAE Honour Award (2009) and the first Golden Prize at the Asian Art Biennale Bangladesh (2003). Inspired by Sheikha Hoor bint Sultan Al Qasimi’s curated UAE Pavilion during the 56th Venice Biennial, he continues to contribute to the evolution of the UAE art scene, reflecting on the challenges and future directions for Emirati artists. His works and influence embody the spirit of innovation and cultural preservation in the UAE.

“I’m still a child

And childhood is an important part of people’s lives, especially when they draw and dream, armed with simplicity and spontaneity.

Through my work, intentionally or not, I intend to offer people the chance to reminisce about their childhood and envision their future. That’s why I play with them, and my playground is nature, playing without causing harm to it. The texture of wicker and wood moves you within, all the way to your heart – the child within you.

The work I present is connected to earth, deep within its roots, from it and to it, to achieve sustainability.

We have grown accustomed to development since childhood. Starting with physical and psychological transformations to no end. But through my work, I take you back to the beginning, to a time when you created your first scribbles, back to nature, mirroring childhood innocence. Here is where change and transformation become reversible, making it easy for you to go forward. It’s easy move forward, but difficult to turn your back and forget the earth, especially when looking at Dubai’s progress, civilization and history.

That is why, I hear the melodies of the Ayyalas, and from the thrones I smell the scent of oud, and in the evening incense.

The work that I present comes from a deep bank of memories, which I hope will stir your own.

I am still a child, playing with children, and my heart is still attached to wicker and wood.

Let us rejoice and be proud of the past under a palm tree that built generations and formed a new terrain, Dubai, the United Arab Emirates.

Dr Mohamed Yousef
1/2/2024