Manar Elbaz

DUBAI: Dubai’s Alserkal Avenue is hosting a special art exhibition that features characters from Eiichiro Oda’s iconic manga ‘One Piece’ reimagined in a unique Emirati style, creatively blending Japanese and Emirati cultures in a fun and engaging way.  

Titled ‘Luffy Lutfi | Emirati-Manga’, the creative exhibition features the works of Emirati artist Abdulla Lutfi. Known for his black-and-white line drawings, his works capture the essence of everyday life in the UAE.

“A solo exhibition in Alserkal Avenue is an honor for any artist. I’m really happy to showcase my talent,” the artist told Arab News Japan. 

Lutfi, who started watching anime at the age of 12, added that he decided to spotlight ‘One Piece’ in his works because he considers it to be one of the best anime shows of all time. 

The exhibition features drawings of various characters from the manga with an Arab twist. “I have used a lot of Arabic phrases, which adds to the fun element,” Lutfi said. “This is the first time I have drawn on paper to keep in line with the manga.”

“I always used to fantasize about Monkey D. Luffy (the protagonist of ‘One Piece’) coming to the UAE. I used to tell myself he would be called Lutfi if he came; that’s why my exhibition is called Luffy Lutfi,” he added. 

During the exhibition’s opening night on Thursday, the artist greeted and welcomed the guests himself. “I think the opening went super well,” he said. “I think the feedback was good. I (hope) my work inspires the guests and hopefully they will buy one and put it in their houses.” 

The Japanese Consulate-General in Dubai, IMANISHI Jun, attended the opening of the gallery. He shared with Arab News Japan that he believes that the exhibition is a great step towards strengthening the relationship between Japan and the United Arab Emirates, as well as introducing Emiratis to Japanese art. 

“I’m really surprised that an Emirati artist can draw almost the same (style) as a Japanese artist. Through this collaboration, Japanese manga and Emirati culture can enhance the ties between the two countries,” he said. “I think Japan should make use of anime as a way to (enhance ties). 

The exhibition is taking place at Alserkal Avenue’s Mestaria Gallery, a gallery committed to showcasing the talents of local artists in the region. “We have a special place in our hearts for artists of determination such as Lutfi and we are super passionate about his work,” Nusrat Begum, the gallery’s director, told Arab News Japan. 

The gallery has represented Lutfi in the past but this is the first time it represents his Japanese-inspired works. “His work was always about Emirati life. As he was growing up, he also loved Japanese culture. This is the first time he decided to take the word that he’s very much used to doing and (mix it with) the absolute love that he’s got for Japan,” she said.

“Guests love his unique perspective because they love the fact there is a twist to it. That is something that people always say (about his works). A lot of people love Japanese culture so we have had a lot of people come to the gallery and they were surprised by this fusion. I think people will feel nostalgic as every artwork takes you back. Each artwork just takes you on its own journey. 

One of the guests, who has been following Lutfi work for many years, told Arab News Japan that the gallery amazed her. “His art before was a very different style, so I was interested in how he would do the exhibition with more of a Japanese manga style. I’m really impressed. It’s really cool to see him transition to a new style,” she said. 

Another guest who was not familiar with Lutfi’s works said that his works are inspirational and creative. “It’s very out of the box. Whoever likes graphics and illustrations should visit. It’s the perfect exhibition to see,” said guest Mirna El Osta, who has her own art magazine titled Beirut Art Magazine. 

The exhibition runs from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. every day until Jan. 2. 

Considered the best-selling manga in history, ‘One Piece’ follows the adventures of Luffy and his crew as they search for the ‘one piece’ treasure to make him the next king of the pirates.