Dubai's Design Disruptors - Aya by Mattar bin Lahej
Hear from some of the designers who are disrupting Dubai's design landscape.
Map of Ayya by Mattar Bin Lahej by Dubai CultureDubai Culture & Arts Authority
Emirati artist Matar Bin Lahej has enhanced the visual landscape of Dubai with his sculptures adorning public spaces.
Known for his fondness for stainless steel, Bin Lahej describes his creations as a fusion of his environment and his artistic expertise.
The significance of showcasing art in public venues and its role in fostering a cultural, aesthetic and economic ambience that is dynamic and mirrors societal identity have become widely recognized.
Aya, City Walk 03 by Dubai Culture by Dubai CultureDubai Culture & Arts Authority
Background on Aya, City Walk 2 by Meraas
Mattar Bin Lahej’s sculptures each tell unique stories and relate to his fascination with the beauty and variety of the Arabic language.
The very structure of his monumental sculptures are made up of the letter forms from Arabic, formed in striking stainless steel which reflect in the surrounding sunlight and water, the words dancing and shifting in front of the viewer.
Aya, City Walk 04 by Dubai Culture by Dubai CultureDubai Culture & Arts Authority
The artist sees his work as playing an important role in maintaining the integrity and presence of the Arabic language by allowing both local and global audiences to access and appreciate it by the ways he incorporates forms of calligraphy in his sculptures.
Aya can be translated as wonderful, miracle or verse - so refers to the wonders of the scripture of the Quran.
Mattar Bin Lahej
Mattar Bin Lahej (born 1968, Dubai) is an Emirati painter, photographer and sculptor from Dubai.
Front side view of Art by Mattar bin lahej by Dubai CultureDubai Culture & Arts Authority
His steel sculptures can be found in several major venues across the Emirates, including in hotels and public spaces such as Al Naseem Hotel, Dubai; Qasr Al Watan (Presidential Palace), Abu Dhabi; Al Ain Properties and the Intercontinental Fujairah Resort.
Bin Lahej describes his work as the outcome of an intersection between his surrounding environment, his experiences and his skill as an artist, and all share an inner strength and strong sense of movement.
Aya, City Walk 04 by Dubai Culture by Dubai CultureDubai Culture & Arts Authority
Self-taught, he has become known as ‘the man of steel’ due to his favoured material, and was most recently commissioned by Dubai Futures Foundation to design the facade of the Museum of the Future.
He has also designed many international and local awards, such as the Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum International Photography Award and has created his own font (Mattar Font), used to write the UAE’s National Anthem.
Aya, City Walk 02 by Dubai Culture by Dubai CultureDubai Culture & Arts Authority
Bin Lahej’s art is deeply rooted in Emirati heritage and Arab identity, showcased in his works. Incorporating Arabic calligraphy and architectural heritage, he creates truly unique and authentic pieces.
