Inside Takhayyal: eL Seed Talks Imagination, Calligraphy, and Dubai’s Art Scene

An open-air museum on the streets of Dubai? That’s exactly what Dubai Culture and Tashkeel have brought to life with Takhayyal, a striking new public art installation by renowned French-Tunisian calligraphy artist eL Seed.

Standing at eight meters tall, the bold Pantone 2190 pink sculpture in Nad Al Sheba is impossible to miss. A seamless fusion of traditional Arabic calligraphy and contemporary form, Takhayyal reflects eL Seed’s ongoing mission—to push the boundaries of imagination, culture, and artistic expression.

With his signature style, eL Seed has transformed walls and landmarks across the world, from the Arab World Institute in Paris to the favelas of Rio de Janeiro and the Zabaleen district in Cairo. His work carries universal messages of peace and unity, often integrating Arabic script with graffiti influences.

Art for Everyone

More than just an artwork, Takhayyal is part of Dubai’s vision to transform the city into an open-air museum. Its name, which translates to Imagine in Arabic, is a direct reflection of the creative spirit behind the installation.

“Takhayyal is more than just a word; it’s the foundation of every artist’s journey. Imagination knows no limits—this is the essence of Tashkeel’s mission, continuously exploring new possibilities and supporting artists in realizing their vision,” explains HE Sheikha Latifa bint Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Founder and Executive Director of Tashkeel.

A Full-Circle Moment

For eL Seed, Takhayyal represents the completion of a journey that began over a decade ago.

“It feels like we’re closing a full circle,” he tells Art in the Middle. “In 2013, I was invited by Sheikha Latifa to take part in an artist residency at Tashkeel. She told me, ‘I want you to imagine something you’ve never done before. I want you to leave this residency with something completely new.’

“That challenge pushed me to experiment beyond my usual work. I transitioned from 2D to 3D, something I had never done before. At the end of my residency, I exhibited my first 3D sculptures—all in Pantone 2190 pink.”

A decade later, the same color and vision return in Takhayyal, a testament to the artist’s journey with Tashkeel.

“Today, this sculpture celebrates the spirit of Tashkeel and Sheikha Latifa’s vision—to dream big and push creative boundaries. That’s what Takhayyal represents—it’s about letting your imagination take you anywhere. It is an homage to the creative process itself.”

A Signature Shade

The vibrant pink hue has long been a part of eL Seed’s artistic identity, first appearing in Declaration, his debut solo exhibition. “Fifteen years ago, when I started exploring calligraphy, I noticed that it was mostly created in dark or metallic tones—black, silver, and gold. I wanted to merge my three creative worlds—graffiti, calligraphy, and sculpture—and introduce a bold color that made a statement. Pink felt like a departure from tradition, something that demanded attention,” he explains.

His first pink sculpture was displayed at Tashkeel, and in many ways, Takhayyal is a tribute to that milestone.

“Tashkeel is like family to me. We call each other family. This sculpture is a celebration of that journey.”

A Flame of Imagination

Inspired by the concept of imagination and creativity, Takhayyal is designed to resemble a flame, bursting from the ground as if it were still growing.

“The idea behind this piece was to create something dynamic,” says eL Seed. “When you look at it, it feels alive, like a flame of imagination and inspiration rising from the earth. It suggests that part of the artwork is still hidden beneath the surface—like planting a seed and watching it grow.”

Art That Connects Us

At the heart of eL Seed’s work is the belief that art has the power to connect people, cultures, and generations.

“For me, it’s all about connection,” he shares. “Art should bring people together, create conversations, and transcend borders.”

Dubai’s Vision for Art in Public Spaces

With initiatives like Takhayyal, Dubai Culture continues its mission to embed creativity into the city’s urban landscape, empowering artists and expanding the public’s access to contemporary art.

“Takhayyal is a valuable addition to Dubai’s artistic landscape, reinforcing Dubai Culture’s commitment to supporting artists and encouraging them to express their perspectives. It provides a platform for creative exploration and allows audiences to experience art in new, meaningful ways,” says Dr. Saeed Mubarak bin Kharbash, CEO of the Arts, Design, and Literature Sector at Dubai Culture.

Visitors can view Takhayyal at Street 5 and 20 in Nad Al Sheba