Watch: UAE’s Iconic Dhow Turns Canvas in Fight Against Plastic Pollution
In a striking confluence of heritage, art, and environmental advocacy, a collective of passionate artists in Dubai has reimagined the UAE’s traditional wooden dhow—a cultural maritime symbol—as a medium of awareness against the escalating crisis of plastic pollution in oceans.
This innovative live art event, titled “Brushes for the Blue – Live Art for Life Below Water,” was curated by Jesno Jackson and hosted at Mehromah Art House in Jumeirah. Organized by Art4you Gallery, the initiative stands firmly in alignment with Plastic Free July and the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal 14: Life Below Water, invoking both urgency and artistic expression to communicate the plight of marine life.
Instead of floating the seas, these dhows—represented by custom-made reusable wooden panels shaped like traditional fishing vessels—became canvases for emotive messages. Curator Jesno Jackson explained, “These aren’t just dhows. They are voices from the ocean, urging us to protect the blue heart of our planet.”
Each artist brought unique insights and techniques to the project, blending creativity with consciousness:
- Jeevan Oroolu Veettil illustrated a harrowing piece depicting a fish ensnared in plastic, offering a chilling visual of human neglect.
- Parisa Keramati, fusing science with art, translated her research on removing waterborne toxins like mercury into compelling visuals.
- Nithin Umesh created “Voice for the Voiceless,” a solemn tribute to the creatures who cannot speak for themselves.
- Fatimeh Habibollah inspired a deeper emotional connection with the fragile grace of the marine world.
- Roya Vahidi portrayed dolphins dancing through thriving reefs, a joyful yet urgent call to protect this beauty.
- Thomas Antony envisioned a hopeful future through children depicted as cleansing polluted waters.
- “Silent Beauty” by Jaimee Felysee honored often misunderstood marine species such as jellyfish, while Natallia Venerova used her composition to amplify the message of SDG 14.
- Reem Al Subiae’s mystical mermaid clutching the globe served as a symbol of hope, while Jesno Jackson’s own piece underscored the dangers of plastic waste.
- Rich coral textures from Avigyan Bhattacharya and paradise-like seascapes by Dahana Salem added to the visual dialogue of what is at stake.
- Mana Razeghi combined fantasy and ecology in her marine characters, showcasing the mythical power and vulnerability of ocean life.
- Naseem Abdo Othman’s animated dolphins radiated marine vitality.
- Kumar Chadayamangalam said, “It felt like I was painting for the ocean itself,” reflecting his personal bond with the sea.
- Noreen Nawab’s mesmerizing self-portrait intertwined with marine life became a striking metaphor of humanity’s intrinsic link to the ocean.
The visual contrast throughout the event was palpable. “The artworks showcased vivid scenes of underwater worlds: vibrant corals, joyful dolphins, graceful sea turtles, and flourishing fish. Yet alongside these uplifting images were stark portrayals of environmental harm, tangled marine animals, floating plastic debris, and damaged habitats. This deliberate contrast invited reflection and urged action,” said Jesno.
Rengi Cherian, CEO of Art4you Gallery, emphasized the gallery’s long-term vision: “We are committed to being a visual force for ocean awareness. Each dhow became a legacy of activism, portraying not only marine biodiversity but also the human responsibility to preserve it. These pieces of art will help remind everyone that saving our seas begins with awareness and action.”
The event drew participation from notable personalities including Ahmed Al Heifeiti, founder of Wadi Dafta Plantation; Claudia Pinto, sustainability advocate and founder of Empowering Women Middle East; Dr. Heike Lieb-Wilson, president of Rotary Eco Club Dubai; and Bouchra Izaabel, holistic health advocate.
The statistics underscored by the event reinforced its urgency: over 8 to 12 million tonnes of plastic are dumped into the ocean each year, with current pollution estimated between 75 to 199 million tonnes. An alarming 700 marine species are affected, and studies show 90% of seabirds and nearly all sea turtles have ingested plastic. With 51 trillion microplastic particles now embedded in ocean life, and plastic production showing no signs of slowing, projections indicate that by 2040, plastic leakage could triple without committed global action.
The event also shed light on the impact of Plastic Free July, a movement that began in 2011 in Australia and now engages more than 174 million people in 190 countries. Focused on reducing single-use plastics and encouraging sustainable alternatives, the campaign has collectively prevented over 12.8 billion kg of waste—surpassing even the world’s largest cleanup efforts.
“Plastic Free July” demonstrates how small daily actions—refusing single-use plastics, choosing alternatives, and spreading awareness—can collectively deliver lasting change.
Through the lens of artistic advocacy and traditional maritime symbolism, “Brushes for the Blue” emerged as a poignant reminder that the fight for our oceans is not only scientific or political but deeply personal and cultural too.
Team V.DIR-EM-UAE
