Silent whispers

The figures in this exhibit represent mute witnesses to war, destruction and natural calamities.

It was part of the mixed media work exhibition titled "Silenced" by Dubai-based artists Carrie Robertson-Wright and Nelda Gilliam-Nosal; and was displayed at the Dubai International Art Centre last month.

Speaking about this particular artwork titled "Mute Witnesses", Scottish artist Robertson-Wright says, "It is about a sense of loss and a feeling of emptiness … These are the figures I visualised in the aftermath of destruction. They are like cocoons, empty and soulless."

She made use of wrapping paper, burnt silk and wood to translate these emotions. "I wanted to impart a sad message," she says, "but wanted it to look aesthetically pleasing."

A graduate of Scotland's Art College, this was one of her first conceptual works, as most of her earlier works were decorative in nature, and had an element of textile.

In her 25-year-old career, she has held exhibitions in Brunei, Malaysia and the UK.

She calls herself a textile artist who experiments with mixed media such as handmade paper, hair, pieces of metal and silk cloth, and uses natural colours.

(For more information on their work, contact Dubai International Art Centre.)