Inspired by the phrase “Imagine something you have never done before,” ‘Takhayyal’ reflects the power of art in cultivating connections, sparking curiosity, and inviting audiences to explore deeper meanings. The installation merges Arabic calligraphy with contemporary aesthetics, serving as a bridge between heritage, creativity, and community engagement.
Dr Saeed Mubarak bin Kharbash, CEO of the Arts, Design, and Literature Sector at Dubai Culture, highlighted that public art reflects Dubai’s cultural vibrancy and artistic appeal, saying:
“The significance of the Public Art Strategy lies in its ability to create a distinctive cultural and artistic environment in Dubai, shaping the city’s visual identity while showcasing innovative artistic experiences that contribute to the strength of the cultural and creative industries. The artwork ‘Takhayyal’ is a valuable addition to Dubai’s artistic landscape, reinforcing Dubai Culture’s commitment to empowering artists and creatives, encouraging them to express their perspectives, advance their creative journeys, and present their work to a diverse audience.”
Sheikha Lateefa bint Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Founder and Executive Director of Tashkeel, underscored the profound essence of the word ‘Takhayyal’ saying, “‘Takhayyal’ is more than just a word; it is the foundation of every artist’s journey. Imagination knows no limits—this is the essence of Tashkeel’s mission, continuously exploring new possibilities and supporting artists in realising their vision. eL Seed’s sculptural journey began right here in 2013 during his artist residency at Tashkeel, where he first mixed his now-signature pink hue on site. With ‘Takhayyal’ now installed in Nad Al Sheba, we celebrate how imagination serves as both the starting point and the destination for every artistic journey.”
Reflecting on his latest installation, eL Seed expressed his gratitude and personal connection to the piece, saying, “‘Takhayyal’ embodies the spirit of Tashkeel—an invitation to dream, push boundaries, and create beyond the ordinary. When Sheikha Latifa first invited me for an artist residency in 2013, she challenged me with these very words: ‘Imagine something you have never done before.’ That phrase led me to create my first sculpture, which culminated in my debut solo exhibition, ‘Declaration,’ painted in my signature pink (219C). Today, 12 years later, I return to complete this journey with ‘Takhayyal’—a tribute to Tashkeel, to Sheikha Latifa’s vision, and to the limitless power of imagination.”
A long-time collaborator with Tashkeel, eL Seed became an artist-in-residence in November 2013 and later partnered with ENOC during Expo 2020 Dubai. His first solo exhibition, ‘Declaration,’ was hosted at Tashkeel, marking a pivotal moment in his artistic journey. Renowned for merging calligraphy, philosophy, and storytelling, his works have graced iconic locations worldwide, including the façade of the Arab World Institute in Paris, the favelas of Rio de Janeiro, the Demilitarized Zone between North and South Korea, the townships of Cape Town, and the heart of Cairo’s Zabaleen district. Through his artistic practice, eL Seed conveys universal messages of peace, unity, and shared human experience, reinforcing the enduring power of art as a medium of connection.
About Dubai Culture & Arts Authority
Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture), under the leadership of Her Highness Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, is committed to enriching Dubai’s cultural scene based on the UAE’s heritage, and is building bridges of constructive dialogue between various cultures to enhance Dubai’s position as a global centre for culture, an incubator for creativity, and a thriving hub for talent.
Dubai Culture is keen on reviving and preserving the emirate’s historical heritage and developing the regulatory frameworks for the cultural and creative sector in line with its strategic roadmap 2020 – 2025.
The Authority also seeks to empower the enablers that support talent and stimulate active public participation by investing in the various assets under its remit, including the management of five heritage sites, five museums, Al Jalila Cultural Centre for Children, 17 archaeological sites and nine Dubai Public Library branches, all of which help contribute to creating an economic system that invigorates the cultural and creative industries. The Authority also offers 8 services and 26 sub-services.
For more information, please visit the Authority’s website www.dubaiculture.gov.ae
About Tashkeel
Tashkeel is a commercial consultancy with studio incubators for visual art & design rooted in the United Arab Emirates. Established in Dubai in 2008 by Sheikha Lateefa bint Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Tashkeel’s facilities enable production, experimentation and discourse. Its annual programme of training, residencies, workshops, talks, exhibitions, international collaborations and publications aims to further practitioner development, public engagement and lifelong learning. And its commercial services seek to embed UAE-made art and design in the very fabric of society and the economy. By nurturing the growth of contemporary art and design, Tashkeel seeks to empower the country’s ever growing creative and cultural industries.
Tashkeel’s commercial services include Consultancy, ranging from advisory, sales, design and production services and special projects for a wide range of clients; Training, the development and delivery of art-based learning for the education, cultural, public and private sectors; Membership, providing comprehensive access for the creative community to facilities and studios to research, experiment, make and collaborate; and Printing & Cutting Services of laser-cutting, fine art/photography & risograph printing; and Retail, selling UAE-made art and design products instore and online as well as across a nationwide network of partners.
Tashkeel’s incubator initiatives include: Tanween, which takes a cohort of UAE-based designers through a one-year skills development programme, taking a product inspired by the UAE from concept to completion; Critical Practice, which invites visual artists to embark on a one-year skills development programme of studio practice, mentorship and training, culminating in a major solo presentation; Residencies at Tashkeel or abroad, ranging in duration and often in partnership with international partners; Make Works UAE, an online platform connecting creatives and fabricators to enable designers and artists accurate and efficient access to the UAE manufacturing sector; Exhibitions & Fairs to highlight innovation and excellence, growing audience for art & design in the UAE.
