The exciting and imaginative world of Emirati comics is set to come to life at the Manarat Al Saadiyat Terrace this weekend, with the opening of the Emirati Comics Exhibition. Beginning on Saturday, 21 September, and running until Saturday, 12 October, this exhibition showcases the exceptional talent of 21 Emirati artists who are shaping the future of storytelling through comics and illustration.
This exhibition celebrates the creativity and innovation within the Emirati comics movement. Emirati comics offer a unique lens into Gulf culture, featuring local characters, recognisable props, and familiar landscapes that set them apart from global influences. Alongside displays of captivating artwork, visitors can participate in a dynamic programme of workshops, artist talks, and explore stalls brimming with unique merchandise and designs created by the illustrators.
THE ARTISTS:
The exhibition will feature the works of 21 talented Emirati artists, including: Abdulla Mohammed Alsharhan Alnuaimi, Abdulla Zayed Almansoori, Ali Kashwani, Alia Alkaabi, Ashjan Abdulwahad AlSinani, Asma Al Remeithi, Asma Mohammed Alshehhi, Aysha Saif Al Hamrani, Bashayer Esam Ahmed, Hamda Saad, Iman AlMessabi, Eissa Alnuaimi, Khaled Salem Aljaberi, Khalid Mezaina, Maha Almheiri, Maryah Al-Rashed, Mohammed Alshaibani, Sono Moza, Nadia Alghaithi, Sahar Al Hajri, and Sumaia Alamoodi.
WORKSHOPS OVERVIEW:
The exhibition will also feature a series of engaging workshops led by renowned artists. Participants can explore their creativity through various aspects of comic creation, including:
- CREATE YOUR OWN MANGA!
- Instructor: Asma Al Rumeithi
- Date: 22 September
- Time: 5pm
- Description: Design your own manga character and learn how to weave them into a full manga. Leave with your own short manga creation!
- Duration: 2.5 hours
- HOW TO CREATE A ZINE
- Instructor: Aysha Al Hermani
- Date: 28 September
- Time: 5pm
- Description: Discover the art of zine-making,a self-published creative booklet, from concept to creation. Learn to craft a unique story booklet from scratch – no staples required!
- Duration: 1 hour
- MANGA POP ART
- Instructor: Maha Al Suroor
- Date: 29 September
- Time: 5pm
- Description: Explore the vibrant world of color theory within manga art. Discover how Western media has shaped manga styles, from retro color palettes to bold psychedelic themes.
- Duration: 1 hour
- COMICS 101: FUNDAMENTALS OF THE CRAFT
- Instructor: Mohamed Al Shaibani
- Date: 5 October
- Time: 5pm
- Description: Delve into the basics of comic book theory and page layout. Then, put your knowledge into practice by crafting your very own single-page comic.
- Duration: 90 minutes
- THE BASICS OF DRAWING EVERYTHING
- Instructor: Asma Alshehhi
- Date: 6 October
- Time: 5pm
- Description: Master the fundamentals of drawing. Learn how to break down even the most complex subjects into simple, manageable shapes.
- Duration: 2 hours
- HOW TO DRAW CHIBI
- Instructor: Bashayer Bafadel
- Date: 12 October
- Time: 5pm
- Description: Unlock the secrets of drawing adorable chibi characters. Master the essential techniques to create your own chibi figures.
- Duration: 1.5 hours
All workshops are free of charge to attend.
The Emirati Comics Exhibition has already garnered international acclaim, having been showcased in Italy and Spain, highlighting the global reach and influence of Emirati artistry.
