Dubai’s Street Art: An Expression of Creativity at its Core

Street art is found in cities across the world, usually subversive and anonymous. There is little doubt however in the primal, creative skill evident in street art murals and it was natural for a young city such as Dubai to encourage it. 

Ruben Sanchez from Barcelona first came to Dubai in 2013 for a residency at Tashkeel and has produced a number of murals across the city.

He has delivered workshops and mentored younger artists as well as displaying new projects at Tashkeel, at Sikka Art Fair and at d3 during Dubai Design Week.  

The Iraqi British Artist Marwan Shakarchi (Myneandyours) is also a member of Tashkeel and his colourful palette is familiar from his projects in d3 carparks, his compositions often combining people and animals. 

Fathima Mohiuddin’s (Fatspatrol) subject matter ranges from natural forms to Arabic calligraphy and Indian and ethnic patterns, mainly in black and white that come close to illustration and caricatures. 

She has produced murals across Dubai, including several at JBR Walk. 

After being awarded the Sheikha Manal Young Artist Award in 2011, she founded the Domino with Paul Bruwer as an outlet to showcase their street art practice and to further awareness of the discipline in a social context. 

All these street artists have outlets to produce work in public spaces, during events such asduring the Red Bull Music Academy.
 

Several initiatives have encouraged the creation of street art, such as the Dubai Metro Walls Project, Dubai Canvas 3D-art festival(led by Brand Dubai) and the City Walls Street Art Festival by Meraas Holdings, with 16 international street artists brought to Dubai to make new, ambitious works. 

Nick Walker was one of the first artists in the street art scene to emerge from Bristol in the UK, his signature character ‘Vandal’ is recognizable by his pin-striped suit and bowler hat. 

Across Dubai, streets such as 2^nd December Street in Jumeirah and 18B in Karama have become showcases for street artists. Other developers have commissioned installations on the street to show their commitment to art and culture. 

When art can come to the street, everyone can be inspired.