In a remarkable celebration of heritage and creativity, a groundbreaking artistic work inspired by the traditions of the UAE has won the prestigious Christo and Jeanne-Claude Award for 2026. This interdisciplinary project, developed by talented graduates Noura Jaber from NYU Abu Dhabi and Mufida Mohiuddin from the University of Sharjah, explores themes of archaeology, material culture, and the intricate relationship between communities and their environments. Their installation, titled “Everyday Artifacts,” invites audiences to reconsider how archaeological interpretations shape cultural memory and our understanding of the past.
A Unique Artistic Exploration
The work “Everyday Artifacts” draws inspiration from the archaeological site of Tell Abraq, which dates back to prehistoric times and is located between Umm Al-Quwain and Sharjah. It creatively examines how local knowledge and contemporary livelihoods can inform the interpretation of artifacts and historical sites. Central to the piece is a partially buried fishing lure, a tool once widely used in this region thousands of years ago. This artistic choice beautifully ties ancient and contemporary relationships with the sea.
Challenging Conventional Narratives
While traditional archaeological narratives often concentrate on rare discoveries, “Everyday Artifacts” shines a light on ordinary tools. These common items reveal much about the lives of past communities, their operations, and their interactions with their environments. This project invites the audience to reflect on how historical objects acquire meaning and the ongoing conversations that shape our understanding of cultural heritage.
Support and Guidance from Esteemed Mentors
Noura Jaber and Mufida Mohiuddin developed their project under the guidance of Azma Razavi, an esteemed professor of anthropology and urban studies at the Pratt Institute in Brooklyn. The collaboration emphasized not just artistic expression but also an academic inquiry into the narratives surrounding the UAE’s rich history.
Recognition of Artistic Excellence
Hudha Ibrahim Al Khamis, founder of the Abu Dhabi Group for Culture and Arts, highlighted the project’s significance: “The winning work embodies a unique artistic experience, using historical fishing lures as a focal point to connect ancient and contemporary livelihoods in the UAE. It explores the human relationship with the environment and everyday tools as genuine witnesses to our ancestors’ lives, encouraging artists and audiences to embrace and reinterpret our heritage with a contemporary lens.”
Judging the award were notable figures including Hudha Ibrahim Al Khamis, Maya Allison, Executive Director of the Arts Center and Chief Curator at NYU Abu Dhabi, and Dia Al Nusseibeh, Director of Art Abu Dhabi. The selection committee’s diverse expertise highlights the award’s commitment to fostering innovative artistic expressions that resonate with Emirati heritage.