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Illustrations, comics and graphic novels from the UAE
Sarah Nesti Willard
This chapter overviews emergent communities of illustrations, comics, and graphic narratives from the United Arab Emirates. The data collected is from ethnographic online and on-site observations and direct interactions with Emirati artists and publishers. It briefly discusses how comics and graphic narratives have evolved in the last 20 years, and it elucidates how these art forms avail social media to gain prominence and recognition. It then introduces a group of 21 Emirati artists, all different in style and concept, who have been chosen to represent a new illustrative trend: Khaleeji comics and illustrations. Their first group exhibition is with the University of Turin, in collaboration with the Lab Anzaar, organised by the Department of Literature and Modern Languages. The works of art discussed in this chapter are those exhibited in Palazzo Aldo Moro, Turin, on the 15th of May 2024. Emirati artists are introduced, and their work is briefly described. The chapter also emphasizes the importance of defining a modern pop-cultural identity within the region.
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