Sharjah: The Sharjah Museums Authority’s (SMA) “The Art of Architectural Ornamentations in the Emirate of Sharjah – A Photography Exhibition,” at Bait Al Naboodah is inspiring people.
The exhibition opened to the public on February 17, 2024, will continue for six months, and was inaugurated by SMA Director General Aisha Rashid Deemas in the presence of exhibition participants.
Bait Al Naboodah was selected as the venue because of its magnificent architectural design, prime location in Sharjah, and rich historical significance. The house’s distinctive backdrop of patterns acquired from India by Obaid Al Naboodah and its wooden columns inspired by Roman architecture contribute to its rich cultural heritage.
The exhibition showcases creative photos taken by three talented photographers who were chosen from 85 participants in an Authority-hosted competition for people over the age of 15 between September and November of last year. The winning photos were shortlisted for display by a panel of experts from the Emirates Photography Society after they were assessed.
Ten pieces were selected for the exhibition, each telling the tale of Islamic art and the modern spirit of the dynamic emirate from a different point of view. With Islamic elements like calligraphy, geometric patterns, and floral patterns, these photos capture the distinctive architectural narratives of Sharjah.
This provides professionals, amateur photographers, and architecture enthusiasts with a unique opportunity to explore the beauty of architectural ornamentation and learn about the distinctive features of Sharjah’s buildings.
The pictures that are highlighted include the entrance of Bait Al Naboodah Majlis, which features traditional Emirati door patterns and floral embellishments from the past, and an image of Bank Street that features a graffiti mural—a striking visual display on a building’s wall.
The exhibition also features pictures of the Central Souk, a famous building featured on the UAE five-dirham note and renowned for its stunning domes, unique blue walls, arches, and geometric decorations. The Central Souk is the largest mosque in the emirate and is renowned for its elaborate architectural decorations.