Post by : Badri Ariffin

Sharjah, UAE — Art has always been a language that speaks beyond borders, connecting people, cultures, and stories. The latest exhibition, Threads of Life – An Artistic Tribute to Global Weaves, curated by Funun Arts Group in collaboration with Novotel Sharjah Expo Centre, has taken this idea further. This exhibition was not just about art on walls; it was a movement combining creativity, sustainability, and the celebration of community.

Held in honor of the Year of Community – UAE 2025, Threads of Life focused on connecting cultural heritage with contemporary artistic innovation. What made this exhibition unique was its choice of materials. Sixteen talented artists were invited to transform discarded hotel linens and global textiles into beautiful artistic scrolls. These works told stories of history, identity, and imagination, showing how discarded materials could be turned into something meaningful and inspiring.

A Grand Opening with Cultural Leaders

The exhibition opened with a colorful and lively ceremony attended by prominent figures from the arts and cultural community. Among the guests were Her Excellency Halima Ahmed Al Sayegh, Ambassador of Cultural Diplomacy, historian, and writer; international artist Meena Kamal; entrepreneur Rayad Kamal Ayub; Emirati artist Ahmed Al Awadhi; marketing professional Naimuddin Syed; artist and mentor Anjini Prakash Laitu; and art critic Mohammad Yusuf.

Their presence highlighted the importance of this exhibition, which brought together sustainability, creativity, and the spirit of community in a single initiative. Leading artists, cultural leaders, and community members also attended, showing widespread support for this first-of-its-kind concept in the UAE.

The Inspiration Behind Threads of Life

Shiba Khan, Founder of Funun Arts Group, shared how the idea came to life:

"Threads of Life started with a simple but powerful question: how can we create art that is unique, meaningful, and sustainable? We approached Novotel Sharjah Expo Centre and asked if we could use their discarded hotel linens as canvases. Their immediate approval gave birth to this entire project."

This idea made sustainability the foundation of creativity. Instead of traditional canvases, artists were invited to use fabrics that were no longer needed, giving them a new purpose. Sixteen different types of textiles from around the world were also added, each carrying its own history and cultural background.

Art as a Storytelling Medium

Farah Khan, Co-Founder of Funun Arts Group, explained:

"Every fabric carries a story. By painting on these upcycled textiles, our artists were not just creating art; they were rewriting history. Each brushstroke is a conversation between heritage, sustainability, and imagination."

The artworks were presented as artistic scrolls. This design choice symbolized continuity and the preservation of culture. The frayed edges and natural textures of the fabrics were deliberately left visible, reinforcing the exhibition’s commitment to sustainability.

Mr. Robin, General Manager of Novotel Sharjah, said:

"Visitors can view each scroll as a living story, sharing narratives of identity, memory, and community. The combination of recycled linens and traditional textiles created a powerful visual and emotional experience."

The Artists and Their Global Tapestry

The exhibition featured sixteen talented artists: Afsheen Beig, Ashwini Gawade, Chadi Nassar, Dr. Anum Anwar Ali, Dr. Poonam Chauhan, Faiza Ishaque Gondal, Jyoti Devdhar, Jyoti Singla, Mukta Chaubisa, Mussarat Yasmin, Sabrin Asker Ali, Sahar Shabnoor Ansari, Saida Banu, Sara Madan, and Soobika Fawad.

Each artist brought their unique style, technique, and cultural perspective. Together, their works formed a global tapestry that celebrated diversity, resilience, and shared human experiences. The exhibition not only displayed stunning visuals but also promoted eco-conscious art practices, showing that art can be environmentally responsible while still being beautiful.

Sustainability and Cultural Heritage

At its heart, Threads of Life was more than an art show. It emphasized the connection between sustainability and cultural heritage. By using discarded fabrics, the exhibition demonstrated how art could contribute to environmental responsibility while honoring traditional craftsmanship.

The initiative encouraged viewers to reconsider their relationship with materials, traditions, and creativity. It reminded them that preserving culture also involves creating responsibly for the future.

Meena Kamal, founder of MRK Contemporary Art Gallery, said:

"The beauty of this exhibition lies in its simplicity. Fabrics once thought to have no value have now become priceless carriers of culture and creativity."

Naimuddin Syed Ahmed, Regional Marketing Manager at Ahmed Al Maghribi Perfumes, added:

"Threads of Life celebrates the beauty of global textile traditions and promotes sustainability and community values. It shows how art can unite people and reflect the UAE's commitment to heritage and environment."

A Celebration of Community

The choice of theme reflected the Year of Community – UAE 2025, emphasizing unity, connection, and shared responsibility. By bringing artists of different backgrounds together and asking them to work on global textiles, the exhibition demonstrated the power of community in action.

Each scroll told a unique story, yet together they conveyed a universal truth: humans are connected by threads of culture, history, and shared experiences.

Funun Arts Group: Leading with Vision

Funun Arts Group is one of the UAE’s leading platforms for promoting art as a language of connection, education, and empowerment. For over ten years, they have organized exhibitions, creative dialogues, and youth art forums, promoting diversity and community engagement.

With Threads of Life, Funun Arts Group showed once again that it could create art projects that resonate locally and globally. The exhibition proved that creativity and sustainability can coexist, that traditions can be reimagined for modern audiences, and that every artist can turn discarded materials into stories that last a lifetime.

Threads of Life – An Artistic Tribute to Global Weaves was not just an exhibition; it was a celebration of culture, sustainability, and community. By transforming discarded fabrics into artistic scrolls, Funun Arts Group and its participating artists demonstrated the power of creativity to heal, preserve, connect, and inspire.

In every thread, a story was told. In every fabric, a culture was preserved. And in every scroll, a community was celebrated. The exhibition wove together the past, present, and future, showing how art can truly make a difference — one thread at a time.