Rendering The UAE: The polemic

Jalal Luqman, one of the UAE’s most celebrated and controversial artists, is known for his vivid, exceptional and larger-than-life creations. Luqman is equally famous for his volcanic temperament, and for a brilliance that is disturbing as it is celebratory. But this is how he is perceived, to hear it from the man himself presents another dimension. "My work is not beautiful… it is meaningful and definitely an acquired taste, not all people enjoy the energy I carry around. Some think it is negative, others think it is great. I know the media has called me the most provocative artist in the UAE, as well as volcanic and eruptive. But others who have seen my work and have had the opportunity to meet me are shocked — they say they expected to see an angry, violent man who is hard to talk to, but I come across as happy and content… I leave the final decision to the viewers."
In this case it’s not a tough decision to make, the painting titled Ma yihizzak Reeh, is an Arabic saying that means you are strong and firm and cannot be moved. And what better concept considering the turmoil and revolutionary times this region is witness to, as the history of many Arab nations is being rewritten. Luqman celebrates the UAE stoicism in the face on this anarchy. "Just like a side of a mountain, our country remains strong, unfazed, and unmoved by the evil winds of change. I painted the flag of rock that cannot be dislodged and stands proud on its 40th National Day."

Ode to a rock-solid nation
At first glance you see a broken, cracked flag and may be quick to jump to the wrong conclusion and read the wrong message, says Luqman. However, the UAE has stood the test of time. Through the vision of its wise leaders and the unstinting loyalty of its citizens, this nation has sprung from the arid dryness of the Arabian desert to traverse in a few short years what other countries have taken centuries to accomplish. The painting shows rocks of all sizes coming together to create one rock-solid nation.
The artist interprets the UAE as a kind mother clad in green. "I see a mother with arms wide open embracing people from near and far, welcoming them, nurturing them. I see a young beautiful mother who at 40 has the wisdom of other nations far older," he explains.
Trying to pigeonhole Luqman’s work is tough. The artist clearly declares that his work has never carried sensibilities of any nationality. "I free myself from any limitations when I paint, when I create a painting I don’t look at it as a Middle Eastern artist, or a Muslim artist, or an Emirati artist, or Spanish or Christian or anything, because if I do then my work will be self censored and will be untrue.
"I paint what I feel, sometimes it is acceptable and sometimes not. But I’m happy either way because if I have provoked an emotion good or bad means it means I have succeeded in engaging the viewer," he says.