DUBAI: The Emirati comic exhibition was recently held in Abu Dhabi on Oct. 12, where it featured the works of 21 Emirati artists that presents the modern trends of Emirati culture.
University professors from UAEU, Zayed and UniTO University of Turin, Italy, came to discuss the importance of the newly established Emirati Comics movement.
Sarah Nesti Willard, concept creator of the exhibition series ‘Emirati Comics,’ introduced the 21 artists to the public and highlighted some of the main characteristics she found common to the illustrators. She informed audiences about the importance of UAE comics, and how these are shared through social media platforms, reaching online audiences worldwide.
This form of divulgation differs from the printed media, allowing more freedom of expression to illustrators.
The second speaker, Dr. Cristina Greco, from Zayed University, discussed the identities of Emirati illustrators through a semiotic analysis of a few of the showcased artworks. Illustrators’ identities, she said, come through with variegated messages that reflect the changes in habits and customs within the United Arab Emirates, and function as visual testimony of how new generations of Emirati embrace these changes. To Cristina’s account, comics can be conceived as tools to inform new generations about past times and traditions through visual narratives.
The third speaker, Dr. Mona Al Janahi, from the United Arab Emirates University, informed audiences about Emirati youth’s attraction to comics, especially manga. She highlighted the importance of the affinity spaces sought by young people, their need to be part of a group or a community, and the participatory aspect of comics and cosplay.
Dr. Jolanda Guardi, who joined the panel online from Italy, discussed how comics and graphic narratives from northern African countries have functioned as advocacy readings to bring about changes within socio-cultural circles, as well as means of resistance against oppression. Guardi then drew a parallel between Khaleeji comics and northern African productions, highlighting that comics from the Gulf aim to open a dialogue between the East and the West.
Mohammad Alshaibani, Sandstorm’s Acting Publishing Lead, gave some tips on how to become a good comic artist: he discussed the importance of reading comics, which helps with visual referencing and storytelling. He also addressed the importance of learning the old way, training your hand not to make mistakes, and paying meticulous attention to anatomy and point of view.
New collaborations await the Emirati Comics concept, some within the region and others abroad. Sarah Nesti Willard is excited about the future and hopes that the art of illustration and comic-making within the UAE continues to grow, fostering a thriving and capable community of illustrators.
Emirati Comics is a doctoral research project by Sarah Nesti Willard, who works at Al Ain’s United Arab Emirates University, that highlights local artists to promote them worldwide.
The project began in 2022 to showcase the UAE artist community. “(These artists) can be considered the first generation of pioneer artists, many of whom have self-taught themselves how to draw, turning their passion into a profession,” Willard told Arab News Japan.