South Asian influence shines in the art world of the UAE, with Masuma Halai Khawaja playing a significant role.
Masuma Khawaja, a renowned artist whose work has been exhibited in numerous countries, recently spent the spring semester of 2025 as a Visiting Artist Fellow at the Lakshmi Mittal and Family South Asia Institute at Harvard University.
Originating from Pakistan, Masuma's artistic journey began at home, where she initially expressed herself through oil paints, watercolours, and acrylics. However, her art has since evolved, and she now creates captivating textile collages, embroidered garments, and short films.
Masuma's work has been recognised with the Excellence Award at the Fiber Art Biennale in China, not once, but twice - in 2016 and 2020. Her artworks have also been showcased in Singapore, Dubai, China, the USA, Germany, Qatar, Colombia, and various other locations.
One of the highlights of Masuma's career was her exhibition at the prestigious Dubai International Art Centre (DIAC), where she participated in a three-person show. The UAE's ever-growing art world has shown a keen interest in Masuma's narrative and process, and she continues to aim to display more of her artwork in this vibrant cultural hub.
Masuma's art practice focuses on pivotal points in recent South Asian history. She reconstitutes embroidery fragments to create new narratives that are detached from individual truths, altering the original identity of the fabric. This unique approach to art has earned her a reputation as an artist who challenges conventional norms and pushes the boundaries of creativity.
The MENA region, with its rich political and cultural histories, is home to artists who are constantly finding new forms of expression. Masuma's work, along with that of other artists from Pakistan, was showcased at the Pakistan Jashn-e-Azadi Festival 2025 in Dubai. This event, which celebrates Pakistani culture and art, featured works by artists such as Maqsood Kayani and Wardah Asad, reflecting the country's diverse artistic heritage.
The UAE's evolution as a cultural center is evident in major events such as the Abu Dhabi Art Fair, now in its 17th edition. This fair attracts over 100 galleries worldwide and integrates a rich cultural program beyond exhibitions, including talks and workshops. Initiatives like the Abu Dhabi Art Fair position the UAE, especially Abu Dhabi with its Saadiyat Cultural District, as a nexus for regional and international art exchange, enhancing its status alongside global institutions like the Louvre Abu Dhabi and the upcoming Guggenheim Abu Dhabi.
These events exemplify the UAE’s expanding role in fostering cross-cultural dialogue and supporting artists from Pakistan and across the Middle East and South Asia, by providing visibility and engagement opportunities in a vibrant and internationally connected art ecosystem. Masuma's time at Harvard University further solidified her place in the global art scene, as she had one-on-one meetings with scholars, professors, and curators during her stay.
In conclusion, Masuma Khawaja's journey as an artist is a testament to the power of creativity and the transformative potential of art. Her unique approach to embroidery and textile art, combined with her focus on South Asian history, makes her a standout artist in the global art scene. The UAE's growing role as a cultural hub, as demonstrated by events like the Abu Dhabi Art Fair, provides a platform for artists like Masuma to showcase their work and connect with a diverse audience.
- Masuma's art, focusing on pivotal points in recent South Asian history and challenging conventional norms, has been exhibited in various locations such as the United States, Germany, Qatar, Colombia, and more, showcasing the global influence of South Asian culture in the art world.
- In addition to art, the UAE's cultural landscape incorporates various aspects of the lifestyle, with events like the Abu Dhabi Art Fair featuring talks, workshops, and over 100 galleries from around the world, highlighting the region's interest in the fashion-and-beauty and home-and-garden sectors.
- As a Visiting Artist Fellow at the Lakshmi Mittal and Family South Asia Institute at Harvard University, Masuma has engaged in discussions with scholars, professors, and curators, expanding her network and reinforcing her position in the global art business.
- The travel industry in the MENA region, with its diverse cultural background and historical significance, provides opportunities for artists and tourists alike to immerse themselves in unique experiences, fostering a sense of unity and cross-cultural exchange akin to that experienced in prestigious institutions like the Louvre Abu Dhabi and the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi.
