Issue 15-1

We return to our roots and look at the image of the earth, of solid ground and land as a cultural signifier. We have always looked outwards at Canvas but in this issue we are reflect on where we are – here and now in the UAE. On our cover, Tarek-Al-Ghoussein explores the islands around Abu Dhabi. We also look at the forefathers of Emirati art history, figures such as Abdul Qader Al Rais, Mohammed Ahmed Ibrahim and Abdullah Al Saadi. We feature young rising stars including Alaa Edris, Shaikha Al Mazrou and Farah Al Qasimi as well as more established artists such as Mohammed Kazem and Lamya Gargash. The nature of rootedness was a central element to the work of the late Chant Avedissian who we pay tribute to in this issue. In addition, we take a look at the UAE National Pavilion, UAE Unlimited, the Global Art Forum and Tomás Saraceno at Art Basel Miami Beach, among others.