The Sultan Bin Ali Al Owais Cultural Foundation has come alive with a stunning exhibition featuring dozens of remarkable paintings by veteran visual artist and sculptor Abdul Rahim Salem. Each piece is an abstract testament to Salem’s boundless imagination and profound philosophy of colour, masterfully woven with powerful concepts and an arresting impact that captivates the soul.
The Foundation, animated by the warm hues of Abdul Rahim Salem’s brushstrokes and enriched by the thousands of words detailing his biography by Syrian journalist Abeer Younis, became a vibrant hub for artists, writers, and intellectuals. Attendees explored dozens of Salem’s paintings, wandering through these vivid creations and immersing themselves in a unique blend of artistic vision and emotional depth.
The exhibition’s opening was graced by the presence of H.E. Abdul Hamid Ahmed, Secretary General of the Sultan Bin Ali Al Owais Cultural Foundation; H.E. Dr. Salah Al Qassim, Advisor at Dubai Culture Authority; and H.E. Dr. Mohamed Yousif, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Emirates Fine Arts Society. The event also drew notable intellectual and artistic figures, including Dr. Abdul Khaliq Abdullah, Dr. Najat Makki, Salma Al Marri, Mohammed Al Qassab, and Khalil Abdul Wahed, along with a distinguished gathering of local and Arab cultural personalities.
Attendees toured the exhibition, which featured dozens of paintings of varying sizes and themes, predominantly abstract and inspired by elements of the local environment. These works highlighted Abdul Rahim Salem’s unwavering dedication and commitment to refining and evolving his artistic techniques, showcasing the depth and maturity of his craft.
The audience then moved to the lecture hall for the launch ceremony of the book “Legends of Abstraction” by writer Abeer Younis. In this work, Younis delves into the art of Abdul Rahim Salem and compiles testimonies from numerous critics and experts in the field of visual arts, such as Ali Al Abdan, Muhammad Mahdi Hamida, and Mohammad Qambar.
Younis structured “Legends of Abstraction” into several sections, including Art as a Path to Self-Discovery, A One-Day Exhibition Inspired by Legend, The Power of Imagination, and Mirrors of Criticism, among others. The book also features an appendix with photographs of Salem’s paintings, showcasing the various stages of his artistic journey.
In the chapters of the book, Abeer Younis emphasised the technical intricacies behind the works presented to the public, tracing their journey from initial concepts to final execution, and detailing the methods employed in their creation. While the book reveals numerous stories from Salem’s personal life, it ultimately illustrates their influence on his significant artistic journey, which coincided with that of other pioneering artists and contributed to the establishment of the visual art movement in the UAE.
Abeer Younis noted, “I approached the book with a narrative style to ensure that readers of all backgrounds can appreciate the content and gain insight into the experience of one of the foremost pioneers of Emirati fine art.” Abdul Rahim Salem also spoke about his journey and expressed gratitude to the Al Owais Foundation and the distinguished attendees who celebrated his unique experience.
Abdul Hamid Ahmed honours Abeer Younis
Dr. Mohamed Yousif shared a personal testimony about the artist, while the Foundation’s Secretary-General Abdul Hamid Ahmed highlighted the depth of Abdul Rahim Salem’s experience in the field of visual arts and the significant contribution it represents to the art scene. Abdul Hamid Ahmed then presented commemorative shields to both Abdul Rahim Salem and Abeer Younis, expressing his gratitude and thanks for their remarkable efforts and wishing them continued success. Following this, Abeer Younis signed dozens of the copies of her book for the distinguished attendees, who eagerly posed for commemorative photos with both the author and the artist.
Notably, the book Abdul Rahim Salem: Legends of Abstraction by critic and journalist Abeer Younis comes as part of the “Notable Figures from the UAE” book series (Volume 38). The book highlights the career and contributions of Abdul Rahim Salem, one of the most influential pioneers of Emirati visual art, who, alongside his peers, helped establish the local art movement while developing a unique artistic journey that garnered international recognition. Born in Dubai in 1955, Salem co-founded the Emirates Fine Arts Society and served multiple terms as its Chairman and Vice Chairman.
Abdul Rahim Salem signs copy of “Legends of Abstraction” book
Born in Dubai in 1955, Abdul Rahim Salem co-founded the Emirates Fine Arts Society, where he served as President and Vice President for several terms. Throughout his career, he participated in over 60 solo and group exhibitions, both locally and internationally. Salem also served as a judge for numerous exhibitions, earning several prestigious awards on both local and global stages. His work is represented in numerous museum collections and private collections, both within the UAE and abroad, and has garnered admiration from influential figures around the world.
Abdul Rahim Salem has received numerous honours and awards throughout his career, including the Cairo Biennial Jury Award in 1992, the first prize at the inaugural Sharjah Biennial in 1993, and the Silver Award at the Sixth Bangladesh Biennial for Asian Artists in the same year. He also won the first prize at the Al Owais Competition for Studies and Innovation in 1993 and the first prize at the Dubai International Exhibition in 1994.
In 1999, he was awarded the Golden Dana Award at the annual exhibition in Kuwait in celebration of the country’s National Day. Additionally, he received the Emirates Appreciation Award for Fine Arts in the UAE in 2008 and the Kuwait Appreciation Award for Arts in 2018. His works are held in various museum collections and collected by many prominent figures interested in acquiring fine art.
