Thekrayatna (Our Memories)

A journey through the textures of remembrance
Exhibition Collaborators: Sikka Art Fair and Dubai Culture
Exhibition Type: Pop-up activation
Venue: House 36 (The Khaleeji House) at the 11th edition of Sikka Art Fair, held in Dubai’s historic Al Fahidi Neighborhood
Exhibition Date: 24 February 2023 to 5 March 2023
Participating Artists and Collectives: Hamda Salim, Hamdan Al Shamsi, and Yara Ayoob.
Curator: Sumayyah Al Suwaidi

Exhibition Description:

Thekraytna was a group exhibition that explored the powerful role of nostalgia and memory in shaping personal and collective identity. It featured installations by emerging artists Yara Ayoob (Bahrain), Hamdan Al Shamsi (UAE), and Hamda Salim (Oman), each presenting deeply personal reflections on the influence of the past.

Each room in the house was transformed into a narrative space dedicated to one of the artists. Through rich palettes, diverse mediums, and evocative storytelling, the works revealed how memories—both tender and complex—continued to inform the artists’ sense of self.

Visitors were first welcomed into a foyer inspired by the traditional jalabiya, a childhood garment often made from Um Nairah fabric, recognizable by its vibrant colors and circular motifs. This opening space set the tone for an exhibition rooted in cultural memory, emotional resonance, and the enduring traces of the past.