SHAHEEQ

The winning artists were NYUAD graduate Vivi Zhu and University of Sharjah graduates Hala El Abora and Majd Alloush.

Shaheeq borrows wisdom from the relationship between mangrove trees and air, land, water, and humans. UAE mangroves draw carbon from the atmosphere into the soil and form a natural habitat for diverse marine life that is also historically important to Emirati culture. The sculptures visualize the mangroves’ work, prompting reflection on the interdependence of humans and nonhumans and our obligation to act more responsibly. Not only does scientific research on the mangroves inspire innovators to improve carbon capture technologies, it also enlightens us about the necessary adaptations faced by all species in response to the human-
made climate crisis. 

The piece is made using the rammed earth method; a local, ancient building material that compacts earth—in this case, mangrove soil. Shaheeq was exhibited at Abu Dhabi Art, NYU Abu Dhabi, Umm Al Emarat Park and Jubail Mangrove park, where it continues to gently biodegrade and return full circle to the earth from which it came.