Emirati artist Latifa Saeed is known for her creative use of natural materials found in the region and reinterpreting what we see every day without thinking about it. Her art is a reflection of her Emirati heritage, and her talents were recognised by Adidas recently in her latest collaboration. The Kurator chats to her to find out more…
When did you first realise you wanted to be an artist and what/who influenced you when you were a little girl?
I knew that my future would be in a creative field from a very young age, I had a strong visual mind, I was very imaginative and was continuously creating.
You are perhaps best known for your stunning Braided series (labour-intensive weaved furniture), and your creative use of materials. Is this about expressing your Emirati heritage in your art?
My artwork is a narrative of metaphorical contemplation and reflection of the current times. It sometimes represents memory which for me reflects heritage, other works represent time which reflects evolution and my current work documents place which for me reflects the future as we live it now encapsulated in a multi dimensional reality, which later, will be considered a record of the future.
You are very versatile in your creativity - how do you balance your work across different fields, and mediums?
My work is versatile and it expresses the true essence of what an Emirati artist can create.
Creativity has no boundaries, as Leonardo da Vinci says, “Art is the queen of all sciences communicating knowledge to all the generations of the World”.
I am very proud of what we have achieved in my studio. We create diverse artworks, conceptual art, sculptures and art objects, we also contribute to the creative ecosystem in the UAE. I am now steering my practice towards sustainability and we are very mindful of the materials and processes we use.
Can you tell us about your collaboration with Adidas and how that came about?
I was approached by Adidas to create custom-made braided seating for the visitors at the new Adidas Originals Dubai Mall store. We worked together to realize a piece that would fit perfectly in the space which reflects both the region and the Adidas identity. It is wonderful to see international brands collaborate with and support regional talent and I truly believe that this is what the visitors want to see when visiting Dubai. My future ambition is to see more Emirati works represented worldwide.
How has the art scene in Dubai grown since you graduated in 2007?
The UAE has become one of the most prominent art destinations in the world. It is extremely diverse and is full of opportunities for everyone in the industry. Each emirate is unique in what it offers, and they complete one another.
Do you have any role models in the art landscape in the Middle East?
Sheikha Lateefa bin Maktoum, founder of Tashkeel, and Sheikha Maryam bint Mohammed bin Zayed, the Chair of the Board of Trustees of the Salama bint Hamdan al Nahyan foundation (SHF), and Sheikha Hoor Al Qasimi, president and director of the Sharjah Art Foundation.
Do you have any words of advice for young artists in the UAE, especially young girls who are considering a career in art?
First and foremost, to be an artist one must have resilience. It is also very important to have an online presence, to continuously demonstrate your creativity, seek out opportunities to exhibit works. To be part of a community, Tashkeel in Nad al Sheba is truly the heart of the art community in Dubai. It is also very important for artists to learn about their rights, and gain some business skills.
