Document Type

Book

Publication Date

2024

Comments

Comics, illustrations, and graphic novels are relatively new art forms in the UAE. The rise of localized pop culture began in the late 1970s with Mâjid, a children’s comic collection that later became a TV channel. Initially, foreign influences shaped the region’s artistic styles, but over time, Emirati artists started creating hybrid works. American and Japanese pop culture, particularly through television, had a significant impact on their development. Emirati comics and graphic novels, however, took a distinct path. They often tell stories about Gulf nationals and residents, featuring local characters and landscapes that mirror Khaleeji culture. In the early 2000s, a unique local comic style emerged, thanks to pioneering cartoonists and illustrators. Between 2019 and 2022, publishers like Imperium Publishing and Sandstorm Comics supported local talents by producing various comic collections. Initiatives such as The Manga Lab, Mas Mash, and Comic Craze brought artists together, showcasing their work publicly. Meanwhile, online platforms played a pivotal role, with profiles like @danao1846 and @emmy.art amassing huge followings through viral comics.
The exhibition at Manarat al Saadiyat Museum in Abu Dhabi seeks to position Emirati comics and illustrations as an internationally recognized movement that reflects Emirati identity. This project aims to establish these art forms as distinct from foreign influences while solidifying their role as unique expressions of Emirati culture. The exhibition has also traveled to venues in Italy, Spain, and the UK, further promoting Emirati artistry on the global stage.
In the following pages, you'll find statements and essays by comic experts and community members discussing these developments and highlighting the work of featured artists, presented alongside their biographies and inedited works.

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