Reem Al Mubarak Explores Childhood Memory in Abu Dhabi Exhibition
Interactive installation uses everyday materials to evoke personal and collective childhood memories.
1Childhood Through Ordinary Objects
Emirati artist Reem Al Mubarak launched her solo exhibition, What We Left In The Sandbox, at Rizq Art Gallery on Abu Dhabi's Reem Island. Running until January 10, the show utilizes familiar materials like bubble wrap and sand to prompt visitors to reflect on the nature of childhood memories and play.
2Curatorial Vision and Interaction
Curated by architect Azza Aboualam, the exhibition features no prescribed route, encouraging visitors to follow their instincts. The installations are designed to be tactile, requiring physical engagement rather than passive observation. By incorporating sliding puzzles and child-proportioned sandcastles, the gallery space forces adults to physically adapt to the artist's perspective.
3The Philosophy of Shared Experience
Al Mubarak developed the project after realizing that modern life often lacks the deep, shared experiences that anchor human memory. She argues that digital documentation cannot replace the emotional weight of physical interaction. Consequently, she prioritizes creating tangible moments with her family over simple conversations or superficial social media interactions.
4Collaborative Memory and Inspiration
The exhibition draws heavily from conversations held during Al Mubarak's residency at the Cultural Foundation. One installation, featuring a blue mould of bubble wrap, was inspired by a friend's memory of riding a bicycle over the material. By recreating these stories, the artist transforms individual recollections into shared, collective experiences.
5Materiality and Personal Association
Different generations assign unique meanings to everyday items, a phenomenon Al Mubarak explored through interviews. While one person associated aluminum foil with childhood play, another linked it to early concepts of money. These varied interpretations highlight how childhood experiences shape adult perspectives and influence the way individuals interact with physical objects.
6Artistic Practice and Research
The exhibition represents the culmination of a six-month residency where Al Mubarak analyzed her previous works and wrote an essay titled The Thinking Archive. This process involved questioning her attachment to specific objects and materials. She views the final collection as a synthesis of personal research, physical experimentation, and public dialogue.
7Emerging Emirati Creative Voices
The project highlights the collaboration between Al Mubarak and curator Azza Aboualam, who previously curated the UAE National Pavilion at the 2025 Venice Architecture Biennale. Aboualam notes a growing trend among Emirati artists to experiment with physical materials, potentially as a creative response to the increasing prevalence of artificial intelligence.
8Legacy Beyond Digital Documentation
Al Mubarak hopes visitors leave the gallery with meaningful connections rather than just photographs. By avoiding overly specific personal narratives, she ensures the works remain accessible to diverse audiences. Ultimately, the exhibition serves as a space for belonging, inviting participants to contribute their own interpretations to the evolving, shared archive.
Original article: The National — Reem Al Mubarak Explores Childhood Memory in Abu Dhabi Exhibition