The Shadow Artists Shedding Light On Emirati Culture

Using clever lighting techniques to add a ‘fourth dimension to 3-D sculptures’, shadow art is a design concept making waves not only within the Middle East, but across the globe. Culture Trip speaks to UAE-based Maysoon and Bassam, who are using this intriguing art form to shed light on ‘forgotten’ aspects of Arabian culture.

A figure prays alongside the silhouette of the Sheikh Zayed Mosque

The concept of shadow art

UAE-based Maysoon and Bassam use the ancient technique of shadow art to bring their artwork to life. The duo make clay sculptures of Arabic words and then shine a light on these, producing intricate shadows that reflect both the literal and figurative meaning behind the sculpture.

To the artists, playing with light in this way adds a ‘fourth dimension’ to 3-D art. Bassam explains this concept by giving the example of the number three: when you write the number three in Arabic calligraphy, ‘‘there is a strong image in your mind of a ‘3’,’’ the artist says. Maysoon and Bassam make that image ‘‘part of the art itself,’’ so you can visualise it while you read it, providing an additional dimension to the sculpture.

‘Love and Forgiveness’ is a sculpture that embodies the principles of Ramadan

Crafting shadows from clay

The process of creating the artworks begins with carving and moulding clay into a sculpture. This is a continuous work in progress, as Maysoon and Bassam experiment with the shadows reflected and add detail to their piece. They then create silicone moulds of their final approved design and use them to cast resin – the final resin sculpture is then intricately hand-painted using acrylics. Overall, the process can easily take over a week.

Maysoon and Bassam’s sculptures reflect Arabian imagery, making them the only shadow artists in the world to do so. In this way, they emphasise various Arabic symbols, highlighting their cultural significance.

Take for example falcons, whose importance in Emirati culture is often overlooked by the rest of the world. Throughout history there has been a long-standing relationship between these animals and Bedouins, so much so that the art of falconry is still a popular practice to this day. Maysoon and Bassam show the cooperation of falcons and falconers through one of their sculptures (pictured below), which reads ‘pride’ in Arabic. Falcons, which are immortalised in the UAE’s emblem, are considered the epitome of pride in Emirati culture.

The art of falconry is a well-respected discipline

Camels are another local animal frequently depicted in Maysoon and Bassam’s work. They have been at the centre of life in the UAE for decades for a number of reasons, from being a key mode of transportation for Bedouins and their supplies, to a form of currency used to pay a bride’s dowry or the annual charity donation known as zakat. Their central role in the long journeys undertaken by Bedouins is commemorated in the sculpture below.

This shadow sculpture depicts the long-standing relationship between camels and Bedouins

As artists, Maysoon and Bassam are able to view the UAE through an atypical and unparalleled lens. They offer their distinctive perspectives through their sculptures, paying homage to the rich heritage and culture they see featured in every facet of Emirati life. Inspired by the UAE, they credit the country for providing a unique ‘‘identity for each artwork’’ and allowing them to weave a tale through their art, which celebrates the traditions and history of the nation.

The famous Dubai skyline featuring the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa

You can find the art of Maysoon and Bassam on social media platforms including Facebook and Instagram. To see more of their designs, order sculptures or enquire about customised pieces, visit their website.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.