Sharjah, UAE — Art has always been a language that transcends borders, but sometimes it
takes an extraordinary vision to remind us of its true potential to connect, inspire, and sustain.
Threads of Life – An Artistic Tribute to Global Weaves, curated and organized by Funun Arts
Group in collaboration of Novotel Sharjah Expo Centre did exactly that. The exhibition was not
just another art show — it was a movement that redefined the very canvas on which art is
created.
In celebration of the Year of Community – UAE 2025, Funun Arts Group unveiled this
groundbreaking initiative as a tribute to creativity, cultural heritage, and sustainability. This
exhibition is one of its kind in the art world. The project invited sixteen artists to break away
from traditional practices and instead transform discarded hotel linens and textiles from
around the world into compelling artistic scrolls. What emerged was an inspiring tapestry of
stories that bridged heritage with innovation, sustainability with imagination, and individuality
with community.
The exhibition opened to a grand and vibrant ceremony, setting the tone for an evening of
cultural enrichment and creative exchange. It was graced by Her Excellency Halima Ahmed Al
Sayegh (Ambassador of Cultural Diplomacy, Historian & Writer), International Artist Meena
Kamal (Co-Founder & Owner, MRK Contemporary Art Gallery), Mr. Rayad Kamal Ayub
(Entrepreneur & Founder, MRK Contemporary Art Gallery), Mr. Ahmed Al Awadhi (Emirati
Artist & Entrepreneur), Mr. Naimuddin Syed, Regional Marketing manager, Ahmed Al Maghribi
Perfumes, Mr. Anjini Prakash Laitu (Lifetime Achievement Awardee, Artist & Mentor), and Mr.
Mohammad Yusuf (Renowned Art Critic & Writer). Their presence underscored the importance
of the initiative, which seamlessly combined artistry, sustainability, and community values.
The event also attracted leading artists, cultural figures, and community leaders, who came
together to witness a first-of-its-kind concept in the UAE’s art scene.
The inspiration for Threads of Life emerged during a brainstorming session. Shiba Khan,
Founder of Funun Arts Group, recalls the moment:
“Threads of Life was born from a simple yet powerful question — how can we create something
truly unique, meaningful, and sustainable? In our search for an answer, we approached Novotel
Sharjah Expo Centre with an unusual request: could we repurpose their discarded hotel linens as
our canvas? Their immediate ‘yes’ gave birth to this concept.”
This bold idea turned sustainability into the very foundation of creativity. Instead of working on
conventional canvases, artists were invited to create on upcycled fabrics — linens that once
served guests but were destined to be discarded. To deepen the narrative, sixteen different
types of textiles from across the globe were also introduced, each with its own cultural
heritage. Sixteen artists were tasked with interpreting and recreating stories on these fabrics,
weaving together global traditions with contemporary imagination.
Farah Khan, Co-Founder of Funun Arts Group, explained:
“Each fabric carries a history. By painting on them, our artists were not only reusing materials
but also rewriting their stories. Every brushstroke became a dialogue between heritage,
sustainability, and imagination. What you see here is not just art — it’s storytelling in its most
authentic and sustainable form.
The final artworks were presented as artistic scrolls — an intentional design choice that
symbolized continuity, cultural preservation, and the unrolling of human narratives. These
scrolls retained their natural frayed edges and raw textures, reinforcing the commitment to
sustainability.
Mr. Robin, GM of Novotel Sharjah said, “Visitors were invited to view each scroll as a living
narrative, unfolding stories of identity, belonging, memory, and community. The combination
of discarded linens and traditional textiles created a striking visual and emotional impact,
reminding audiences of the universality of threads — whether in fabric or in human
connection”.
The success of Threads of Life lay in the passion and vision of its participating artists, who each
brought their distinct styles, techniques, and cultural perspectives to the project.
Participating artists included: 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
Together, their works formed a global tapestry — weaving stories of resilience, diversity, and
shared humanity. Each piece celebrated the richness of heritage while promoting eco-conscious
artistic practices, showing that art can be both visually stunning and environmentally
responsible.
At its core, Threads of Life carried a message that extended far beyond art. By embracing
upcycled fabrics as canvases, the initiative highlighted the powerful connection between
sustainability and cultural heritage. In doing so, it aligned perfectly with the UAE’s commitment
to environmental responsibility and cultural diplomacy.
The exhibition encouraged audiences to rethink their relationship with materials and traditions,
reminding them that preservation is not only about protecting the past but also about creating
responsibly for the future.
Ms. Meena Kamal, founder of MRK Contemporary art gallery said, “The beauty of this
exhibition lies in its simplicity — fabrics once considered of no use have become priceless
carriers of culture and creativity.”
Mr. Naimuddin Syed Ahmed, Regional Marketing manager, Ahmed Al Maghribi Perfumes
said, “Threads of Life is a remarkable initiative that not only celebrates the beauty of global
textile traditions but also emphasizes the importance of sustainability and cultural unity. It is
inspiring to see how art can weave together stories from across the world while reflecting the
values of community and heritage that the UAE upholds.”
The choice of theme was deliberate. The Year of Community – UAE 2025 emphasizes unity,
connection, and collective responsibility — values deeply woven into the fabric of Threads of
Life. By bringing together artists of different backgrounds and asking them to work with global
textiles, the exhibition became a living example of community in action.
Every scroll told a different story, yet together they spoke of the same universal truth: that we
are all connected by invisible threads of culture, history, and shared humanity.
Funun Arts Group has long been recognized as one of the UAE’s most dynamic art platforms,
known for championing diversity, innovation, and community engagement. With Threads of
Life, the group once again demonstrated its ability to lead with vision and create projects that
resonate on both local and global scales.
“Threads of Life is more than an art exhibition — it is a legacy,” said the organizers. “It shows us
that sustainability and creativity can coexist, that traditions can be reinterpreted for modern
audiences, and that every artist has the power to turn discarded materials into timeless stories.”
Threads of Life – An Artistic Tribute to Global Weaves was more than a cultural event; it was an
awakening. It proved that art can do more than decorate walls — it can heal, preserve, connect,
and inspire. By transforming discarded fabrics into artistic scrolls, Funun Arts Group and the
participating artists not only celebrated community and sustainability but also set a powerful
example of how art can serve as a force for positive change.