Salmah Almansoori is an Abu Dhabi-based multidisciplinary artist, born in Ghayathi, Aldhafra, in 2001. Her studio practice delves into the intersections of place and memory, resulting in a diverse body of work that spans site-specific installations, painting, sculpture, ceramics, photography, and video. She earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Visual Art from Zayed University, Abu Dhabi, UAE, in 2023.
A core theme that infuses her work is the concept that a place is more than just a geographical location—it's a vortex for understanding the construction of our identities in the world. Almansoori believes that physical locations unintentionally absorb thoughts, emotions, and memories. For her, a sense of place can either connect us more deeply to our roots or lead us to question, challenge, or even reject our origins, culture, and identity.
In her creative practice, Almansoori artfully collects memories, whether through the fluidity of the brush and acrylic or by gathering materials and objects to serve as canvases for exploration through drawing, painting, and mixed media. Her body of work is profoundly influenced by her hometown of Ghayathi, the natural landscapes that stretch across the vast deserts, and the physical environment of the UAE.
Recent and upcoming exhibitions on her horizon encompass a solo showcase at The Warehouse, Dubai (2023), curated by Fatima AlKurdi; appearances in The Design District, Dubai (2023); The Foundry Gallery, Dubai (2022); Puertas Adentro, Punta Del Este, Uruguay (2022); and participation in The 4th International Digital Media Triennial, Poland (2021). Salmah Almansoori has also been an active participant in various residency programs, including Volume 6, Samt Alternative Art School Residency Program, Dubai (2022), MANGO Residencia Para Artistas, Argentina, and Puertas Adentro, Casa de Artista, Uruguay (2022).