Roudhah Al Mazrouei, born in Al Ain in 2003, is an Abu Dhabi-based visual artist whose work is deeply rooted in cultural memory formation, ecological symbiosis, and archival preservation. 

 

While she primarily works with oil, her practice extends to public art, film, and sculpture. Her artistic journey is marked by her significant contributions to renowned projects such as curating Zuhoor at Manarat Al Saadiyat, her esteemed accomplishment as the recipient of the Christo and Jeanne-Claude Award in 2022, and her interactive sculptures at COP 28 and Sikka Art Fair 2024. These achievements underscore her dedication to crafting public art that is not only visually captivating but also rich in meaning. 

Beyond her artistic creations, Roudhah's zeal for nurturing future talent shines through her active involvement in educational initiatives. Her contribution to 421's educational agenda and her role in the Arts Proxy Program at NYUAD demonstrates her commitment to fostering artistic growth and academia. She holds a BA in Art & Art History from New York University Abu Dhabi and is currently pursuing her MFA at the Royal College of Art.

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Al Mazrouei is represented by Iris Projects.

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Artist Statement:

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Through my work, I merge tradition and modernity, crafting narratives that both honor and reimagine the cultural and ecological ecosystems of the UAE. My chosen materials—rocks from the Hajar Mountains, specifically from my mother’s village of Siji, and the naturally produced charcoal sikham—serve not just as aesthetic elements but as living archives. They embody the tangible and intangible heritage of the land and its people, preserving memory and identity in a rapidly modernizing world.

My art delves into themes of identity, memory, and heritage, with a distinct focus on the Siji region. I aim to capture not only the visual beauty of this landscape but also the resilience and profound symbiosis that define its inhabitants. Just as sikham transforms through fire into a lasting material, my work metaphorically reflects the transformation and adaptability inherent in the nomadic Bedouin way of life. By surrealistically reimagining these elements, I seek to create narratives that embody the endurance, unity, and resourcefulness of our Bedouin lineage.

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At the same time, my work challenges stereotypes about arid landscapes. By juxtaposing verdant valleys with the stark majesty of the mountains, I celebrate the region’s ecological diversity and honor the ingenious survival instincts of our ancestors, whether from the coast, desert, or mountains. This interplay of contrasts not only offers a visual journey but also makes a provocative statement on the resilience and adaptability inherent in our natural and cultural landscapes, encouraging viewers to see these environments not as barren, but as vibrant and deeply interconnected archives of knowledge and life.