Over 100 individuals contributed items to the exhibition and publication celebrating Emirati culture and heritage through a rich display of objects, memories and personal reflections

Individuals and families that have contributed objects, memories or personal reflections to the Lest We Forget – Emirati Adornment: Tangible & Intangible exhibition and publication were celebrated in a ceremony held at Warehouse421 on 17 May 2017. The exhibition, which runs until 27 August 2017, presents personal objects of adornment shared by Emirati contributors along the memories, reflections and works of art that these objects inspire. Bridging the gap between past and current generations, the exhibition features both historical and contemporary examples and practices.

Dr. Michele Bambling, Creative Director of ‘Lest We Forget’ commented: “Lest We Forget would like to acknowledge and thank the Emirati community for generously sharing their precious photographs, objects and memories with our archive, book and exhibition. These personal contributions from the Emirati community enable Lest We Forget to build an authentic, meaningful digital archive and compelling series of exhibitions and publications. The act of contributing is vital to the preservation of Emirati vernacular heritage and cultural identity.

Commenting on the ceremony, Khulood Khaldoon Al Atiyat, Manager of Arts, Culture and Heritage, Salama bint Hamdan Al Nahyan Foundation said: “The Lest We Forget initiative is one that Warehouse421 is proud to support. It has been inspiring to witness the audiences engage with the exhibition over the past few months and to see the participation and contributions of the Emirati community.”

The exhibition features ‘tangible,’ concrete, and physically lasting forms of adornment, including garments, burqa, jewelry, weapons, attributes, and accessories. It also considers ‘intangible’ adornment that is temporal and impermanent — the enhancement of the face and body through the application of evanescent henna, kohl, fragrance, and cosmetics, as well as through grooming, nail care, and hairstyles. The exhibition acknowledges in adornment valuable ‘intangible’ cultural heritage: the creative spirit, knowledge, skills and aesthetic sensibilities that are passed down from one generation to the next.

An innovative community-based national initiative supported by the Salama bint Hamdan Al Nahyan Foundation, Lest We Forget seeks to document Emirati vernacular heritage and cultural identity and share it through exhibitions and publications.