Young Palestinian Artist Salma Dib Showcases Her Powerful Works in Abu Dhabi
At just 24 years old, Palestinian artist Salma Dib has a captivating story to share. Based in the UAE, Dib is currently exhibiting one of her striking wall pieces at the “Summer and Women” exhibition at the Etihad Modern Art Gallery in Abu Dhabi.
Dib’s ongoing series of works, titled “generational walls,” is a labor-intensive project that features a mix of building materials like cement, gravel, and sand mounted on wooden panels with obscure Arabic writings. The visually intense results of her work are truly arresting, captivating viewers with their depth and complexity.
The inspiration behind Dib’s politically charged, grey-toned imagery comes from the graffiti found on the walls of Syria, Jordan, and Palestine. These walls serve as a platform for anonymous expression, reflecting the protest nature of Dib’s work. She sees her art as a form of healing, allowing her to express herself freely and authentically.
Born in a Syrian refugee camp, Dib’s journey has taken her to the UAE and Chicago, where she pursued her art education and exhibited her works. However, her path has been fraught with challenges, including the constant uncertainty of her family, country, and identity.
As a descendant of a displaced Palestinian family, Dib carries with her the inherited pain of her family’s history. She draws from this deep well of emotion to create art that speaks to the struggles and resilience of her people.
Growing up on a farm in southern Syria, Dib’s love for art blossomed in the creative environment of her family. Her early experiences with painting and creativity laid the foundation for her artistic journey. Art became a source of solace for Dib after the loss of her mother, providing her with a means of self-expression and healing.
In 2018, Dib ventured to the US to study art and discovered her unique artistic voice. Through experimentation with various mediums like textile art, ceramics, and neon signage, Dib found a way to express her innermost thoughts and emotions through her art.
“Summer and Women” is a showcase of Dib’s incredible talent and the culmination of her artistic evolution. The exhibition at the Etihad Modern Art Gallery offers viewers a glimpse into Dib’s powerful and thought-provoking creations, inviting them to explore the intersection of art and identity.