The art world has descended upon Italy this month for the Biennale Arte 2026. For those of us following the evolution of the Gulf’s creative landscape, all eyes are on the UAE’s National Pavilion.

This year’s exhibition, “Washwasha” is a profound exploration of sound, memory, and material. While it represents the cutting edge of contemporary practice. It also serves as a living testament to the historical trajectory I documented in my 2024 book, The Development of An Art History in the UAE.

In my research, I focused on the pivotal figures who moved the needle for Emirati art, transitioning it from local practice to global dialogue. Seeing Lamya Gargash‘s Majlis (2009) featured as a sonic gathering space, feels like a significant milestone for several reasons:

Why This Connection Matters

• The Narrative Thread: In my book, I analyzed Gargash’s role in documenting the UAE’s “forgotten” spaces and her unique photographic vernacular. It is a joy to see Gargash’s work evolve within the context of the 2026 Biennale with the addition of sound. It reinforces both the development and the continuity of the UAE’s artistic identity.
• Institutional Growth: The National Pavilion itself is a symbol of the “Art History” my book chronicles. Notably, the shift from informal art circles to the global institutional presence the UAE commands today.
• A Living History: Researching art history isn’t just about looking backward; it is about understanding the DNA of current triumphs and evolving with these. Also, the way it can attract new audiences and take on new contexts. In many ways, Washwasha is the latest chapter in a story that started decades ago!

Above: Lamya Gargash, from the “Majlis” series, (2009)

The inclusion of artists like Lamya Gargash in Venice 2026 highlights a crucial point from my research. The UAE’s art scene is built on a foundation of rigorous, identity-driven exploration. It remains as relevant today as it was during the formative years of the nation’s art history.

Revisit the Research

If you are visiting Venice this month or following the Washwasha exhibition from afar, my book provides the essential context for how we arrived at this moment. It explores the cultural shifts, key artist collectives and the specific aesthetic movements that paved the way for the UAE’s current global prominence.

*The Development of An Art History in the UAE (2024) Published by Anthem Press:* https://anthempress.com/books/the-development-of-an-art-history-in-the-uae-epub

*Washwasha – The UAE Pavilion in Venice this year:* https://nationalpavilionuae.org/art/2026/art-exhibition-2026/

Enjoyed this post? For a deeper look into my research process and why I believe UAE art history is “not made to be understood,” check out my recent interview with Anthem Press. 👉 Read: Meet the Author – Sophie Kazan Makhlouf