Under The Mango Tree

Hashel Al Lamki’s painting ‘Under The Mango Tree’ beautifully depicts ripe mangos, patiently waiting to be harvested. This artwork serves as a heartfelt tribute to the artist’s grandfather, who resided on his farm in the Mtawpa, Republic of Kenya. As a child, Al Lamki’s grandfather became his initial introduction to an alternative way of life, ‘living off the grid’ – embracing the land, cultivating crops, and raising livestock to sustain himself. The materials employed in the creation of this artwork are natural pigments sourced from the region. As an adult, he takes on the responsibility of reviewing his art-making process, with a focus on minimizing his carbon footprint and maintaining a vigilant watch on its environmental impact. Aligned with the overarching theme of the show, this commitment underscores the importance of being environmentally conscious.

Hashel Al Lamki, is an Emirati painter and artist exploring the intricate relationship between humanity and its environments. Raised near Hafit Mountain in Al Ain, he witnessed the contrasting developments and traditional culture of the Gulf. Al Lamki has engaged in philanthropic projects in Guatemala, Haiti, and low-income communities in the US, emphasizing sustainability and social cohesion. He was awarded the Salama bint Hamdan Emerging Artists Fellowship in 2014 and co-founded Bait 15, promoting critical dialogues among local artists. Al Lamki's international presence includes exhibitions like "The Cup and The Saucer" (2020) in Abu Dhabi, the 16th Lyon Biennale (2022), "East - East” UAE meets Japan Vol. 5, Atami Blues" (2022) in Japan, and "Beyond Emerging Artists" (2022) in Venice's Palazzo Franchetti.