Omani Artist Mays AlMoosawi shows new works in Dubai exploring themes of self-discovery

A reclining woman rests her head on one knee as if in deep contemplation. On her leg a smaller portrayal of a woman painted in light blue with her hands on her hips as if motioning to stay strong. This new painting by Omani visual artist Mays AlMoosawi is part of the artist’s latest body of work set to be exhibited this week in Dubai during Art Week as part of her solo exhibition Dear Self, You've Witnessed Women at War to be Themselves, Love Mays staged by online platform Emergeast.

The works on display present an intimate and deeply personal portrayal of the artist’s journey towards self-discovery, the challenges grappling with both societal and familial expectations and the impact of coming to terms with one’s authentic self on interpersonal relationships.

The body of work reflects AlMoosawi’s artistic growth over the past year, especially after her residency in Leipzig, Germany after which she embarked on an introspective retreat prompting her to delve deeper into her own self-exploration.

AlMoosawi completed her MFA with distinction from Chelsea College of Art in London in 2023 after which she did an artist residency with  An Effort Art in London, and subsequently held her first solo exhibition at Cromwell Place, London in June 2023. She has also participated in Art Dubai with Emergeast in 2022 showcasing her digital artworks for the first time in March 2022.

“This exhibition is my most personal yet,” says AlMoosawi in the event’s opening press release. “It’s a space where I allow myself to be vulnerable, to question the world around me and to share the moments of introspection that fuel my work. By recreating my studio, I want people to see the art not just as finished pieces but as fragments of my ongoing journey.”

The exhibition transports her studio from Muscat to Dubai, thereby presenting a new way to experience the artist's world.

“Bringing Mays’ first-ever regional exhibition to Dubai is a thrilling milestone, one that allows collectors and art lovers to witness the bold evolution of her practice up close,” said co-founder of Emergeast Nikki Meftah.

“Her fearless experimentation with new materials, from textured mixed media to sculptural elements, reveals an artist pushing boundaries and refining her distinctive voice,” adds Meftah. “’Dear Self’ isn’t just a display of her work; it’s an immersive journey into her creative world, with a meticulously staged studio environment that lets audiences feel the raw energy and authenticity behind each piece.”

The exhibition will be staged from April 15 in a private residence in Dubai after which the works will be on view and available on Emergeast.com