Maisoon Al Saleh: Multidisciplinary Artist on Identity and Memory

For Maisoon Al Saleh, art is as much a means of reflection as it is a form of expression. Known for her striking explorations of identity, memory and the human condition, the Emirati artist has built a practice that moves fluidly between painting, sculpture and immersive digital installations. 

Al Saleh’s work often weaves skeletal forms with surrealist elements to reveal what lies beneath the surface, both literally and metaphorically.

Explore more of the artists shaping the UAE's contemporary art scene in our exhibition spotlights.

Since graduating from Zayed University in 2010 with a bachelor's degree in arts and design, Al Saleh has cultivated an impressively global career, exhibiting in more than 140 shows across 27 countries. From the Carrousel du Louvre in Paris to the ever-evolving platform of Art Dubai, her work continues to challenge perceptions while inviting deeper reflection. Alongside her studio practice, she is also an author and entrepreneur, committed to nurturing creative communities through workshops and initiatives that support emerging talent.

 Read our coverage of Art Cairo 2026 at the Grand Egyptian Museum for more on the regional art fair circuit.
 

This body of work has become a way for me to find calm and grounding.

You began painting at a young age and later studied design. How did those early experiences shape your approach to becoming a full-time artist?

Before university, my work was primarily rooted in two-dimensional expression, but once I began studying Art and Design at Zayed University, my perspective shifted and the entire room became a canvas. I’ve been selling my art since I was a child, and those early experiences gave me both confidence and a sense of direction from a young age.

Your work often incorporates skeletal forms and surrealist elements. What draws you to these motifs and how do they help you tell stories about identity, memory and culture?

In my series “The Bright Side of the Bones”, I aimed to highlight inner beauty, reminding us that regardless of gender, age or nationality, we are all the same beneath the surface: skeletons in the end.

Where can viewers currently see or engage with your work?

My newsletter highlights my upcoming shows, over the next few months I am scheduled to be in Athens, London, Paris, New York and Barcelona, with hopefully many more to come. Otherwise, you can find my work on my website and my Instagram, maisoonalsaleh

Are there any upcoming exhibitions, projects or new directions you’re excited to explore?

I’m currently working on a new series inspired by the UAE’s natural landscape, particularly the national flower and other desert plants. With everything happening in the world lately, this body of work has become a way for me to find calm and grounding.

Which galleries, institutions or spaces do you personally enjoy visiting when looking at art?

I enjoy travelling and exploring art in new cities, and I rarely revisit the same destination. However, in recent years, I’ve found myself returning to Rome more often during the art season.

Visit: maisoonalsaleh.com

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