Tashkeel Showcases Maitha Hamdan's 'I Kept Holding' Solo Exhibition On Women's Resilience And Societal Norms

Tashkeel, an incubator for art and design located in the UAE, is currently showcasing "I Kept Holding," a captivating exhibition by Emirati artist Maitha Hamdan. Hamdan's work is celebrated for its exploration of the human condition and societal expectations, particularly regarding women. This exhibition, which is her eighth in the UAE, signifies the fulfillment of her journey with the Tashkeel Critical Practice Programme (CPP).

The exhibition, featured as part of Tashkeel's 2025 Winter Season, is a testament to Hamdan's diverse skills, incorporating performance art, installations, and videography. It delves into the inherent complexities of human experiences and the rigid societal norms that women around the world face. Moreover, it assesses the emotional and psychological impacts of these pressures.

One of the exhibition's focal points is the interplay of color, material, and societal standards. It particularly highlights the use of wax—a material known for its capacity to transform—and the color red, which symbolizes a range of emotions and concepts from love and passion to violence and negativity. These elements, paired with narratives of female resilience, aim to challenge, disturb, and encourage contemplation on the roles and restrictions placed by society.

"My aim with 'I Kept Holding' is to evoke emotions and introspection in those who view and engage with my art. I hope that viewers will look inward and question why the art has made them feel a certain way, stirring a heightened level of thought and awareness about women in society. Tashkeel has provided a valuable, open platform, giving me the creative freedom to explore and express emotions and ideas that are usually buried beneath the surface of our lives and wider cultures. I look forward to seeing people's reactions and engaging with visitors at the exhibition," Hamdan expressed her intentions behind the exhibition.

Hamdan's career is marked by her participation in notable art initiatives, including the Salama Emerging Artists Fellowship Programme (SEAF Cohort 7) by the Sheikha Salama Bint Hamdan Foundation and the Azyami Programme by Irthi Contemporary Crafts Council in 2019. She was also a part of the Cultural Foundation Art Residency Program in 2021 and is a current member of the 2023 Critical Practice Program at Tashkeel, Dubai.

Visitors to the exhibition can not only experience Hamdan's thought-provoking artwork but also engage directly with the artist through guided tours. Additionally, they have the unique opportunity to delve into the world of wax art through a special workshop titled 'Ephemeral Elegance: Crafting Art with Melted Wax.' This event is scheduled for Sunday, February 9, from 2 pm to 5 pm at FN Designs at Tashkeel, FN Designs, Alserkal Avenue, allowing attendees to explore the delicate beauty of wax artistry.