The project “Testimonies of Life,” presented at Diba Gallery in Abu Dhabi, marks the culmination of a profound artistic journey by artist Lavi Li in collaboration with photographer Daria Kuligina, under the curatorial guidance of Lebanese curator Micha Shirian and art historian Maryam Zhukava.
Over the past three years, Lavi Li has devoted her practice to highlighting the cultural and historical heritage of the UAE and Oman on the international stage. Her work challenges reductive stereotypes that often frame Arab countries solely through wealth, luxury, and modern skylines, instead presenting a layered reality rooted in tradition, continuity, and deep cultural identity.
Her artistic path was profoundly influenced by her discovery of the biography of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, whom she describes as a visionary embodying limitless imagination and purpose—where thought and dream merge to shape reality.
The exhibition’s timing and location carried strong conceptual meaning. As an expatriate, Lavi reflects on the phrase widely seen across the UAE: “In the UAE, everyone is Emirati.” While she finds it warm and inclusive, it also led her to reflect on reciprocity—what is given back to the land that welcomes so many. Her response becomes art, respect, and gratitude.
This reflection took form in an interactive installation shaped as a tower symbolizing the UAE: strong, protective, and enduring. At its top sits an inverted traditional lantern, representing the idea that the structure is filled with light created by the gratitude of its people. Visitors were invited throughout the exhibition to leave messages and wishes for the country, later shared as a collective expression of appreciation.
Alongside this installation, Lavi Li presented works from her series “Testimonies of Life,” developed through extensive travel across Oman and the UAE. A key piece, “Symbol,” combines photography by Daria Kuligina with Lavi’s oil painting, reflecting Fujairah Fort and the cultural depth of the region. Lavi herself participated in the photoshoot, embodying a symbolic presence of women in the region—strength, dignity, harmony, and belonging.
Works such as “Testimony of Faith” express spiritual devotion, while “The Straight Path” translates Quranic spirituality into visual form—life lived in light, meaning, and divine guidance.
Kuligina’s series “Modern Relic” bridges tradition and modernity, featuring young women in traditional attire, emphasizing authenticity as the essence of beauty.
The exhibition opening on June 3 and running until June 16 (now concluded) brought together a wide cultural audience including artists, bloggers, writers, and media representatives. Opening remarks were delivered by Micha Shirian, while Daria Kuligina and Maryam Zhukava welcomed guests. Lavi Li shared insights from her field journeys and artistic philosophy.
Throughout the exhibition, Lavi Li personally guided daily tours, emphasizing open cultural exchange. Following its conclusion, she traveled to Oman to begin preparations for a new project in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture. Her work continues to be exhibited internationally across France, Japan, the United Kingdom, the United States, and at World Art Dubai.
