Exhibition revives Syrian artist’s legacy in UAE
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The Sultan Bin Ali Al Owais Cultural Foundation in Dubai is hosting a retrospective exhibition of the late visual artist Abdul Latif Al-Samoudi, a Syrian who worked in the UAE.
The show marks twenty years since Al-Samoudi’s death and aims to reintroduce his work to a new audience. Al-Samoudi arrived in the UAE during the 1980s, a period of growth for the country’s arts and culture, and his work reflected the era’s search for identity.
His paintings combined modern techniques with elements of Arab culture and memory, seeking a connection between the past and present. The exhibition includes “Hama 1982,” a previously unseen painting referencing the Syrian city of Hama and a personal experience for the artist, demonstrating art’s ability to preserve memories. The exhibition’s organizers believe revisiting the work of artists like Al-Samoudi is crucial because culture builds upon past generations.
Critics and fellow artists such as Ismail Al-Rifai, Talal Mualla, and Hisham Al-Mazloum have noted Al-Samoudi’s imaginative approach, his interest in ancient symbolism, and his skill in blending different artistic styles. They hope this renewed attention will encourage further study and documentation of his legacy, ensuring his contribution to the UAE’s art scene is not forgotten.
