Italian-born but Dubai-based, Manasse Rampino carves out his niche in the world of art, blending classic influences with the vibrancy of pop. His work, balanced between black and white with explosive colour, figurative with abstract, is inspired both by his deep academic background and instinctive love of experimentation. His paintings are an experience not to be seen but to study contrast, a sensation that evokes wonder and curiosity. Big, bold, and innovative, his vision puts him as one of the uprising stars of the contemporary scene.

Manasse Rampino was born in Italy in 1989 and is a contemporary artist. He merges classic techniques with pop and abstract art in a dynamic way. His artistic education started at “G. Pellegrino” Art Institute, which he entered to start studying pictorial decoration. There, he received his classical training through performing oil painting, mosaic, and life drawing. However, this classical education did not turn out to be the main leading line in Rampino’s art. He became addicted to bright colours and strong contrasts; this attraction to pop and abstract art slowly turned his interests into a signature style that merged old and new. The experiences of Rampino in the various creative fields he found himself in have influenced his career as an artist. After graduation, he moved to Rome for studies in theatre and cinema, further expanding his knowledge in visual storytelling. Between 2010 and 2018, Rampino was based in Milan, where he also worked in fashion-a field whose roots are deeply entwined with those of artistic expression and creativity. His time working in fashion influenced his sense of style and aesthetic, helping him hone his ability to mix and juxtapose elements that may seem ostensibly at odds.

In 2018, Rampino moved to Dubai, where his artistic career was reborn. This energetic, cosmopolitan art environment in Dubai gave him new impetus and opportunities to continue his work. The eclectic mixture that his art had already become continued to further evolve in this new environment, his paintings now marrying the traditions of Italian fine art with the bold and energetic colours and themes of modern pop art. Rampino’s work could be encapsulated in one word: contrast. Whether it’s the juxtaposition of classical figures against bold, abstract backgrounds or a mix of refined shades with splashes of bright, vibrant colour, the art of Rampino is always one of balance and opposition. He is particularly fascinated with the merging of figurative and abstract forms, black and white with vivid hues, and the exploration of space and nature next to classical portraits and sculptures.

This love of contrast enables Rampino to reinterpret classical themes in a modern light, giving the work a fresh and really contemporary feel. While most of his pieces boast elements of traditional portraiture or landscapes, it’s in the way they are presented-feeling distinctly modern with geometric shapes, bold brushstrokes, or unexpected pops of colour. The result is a sense of action and movement in his art, and enables the viewer to see the ordinary through fresh eyes. Rampino’s leap into pop and abstract was less a break away from his training and more into areas covered by that very classical training. He is quite obviously in love with colour as expressed by his bold use of hues, often exploding onto the canvas in a riot of expression. The playful yet calculated approach to colour enables him to create works that are at once dynamic and harmonious.

The usage of abstract elements, especially in his latest works, bestows a sense of freedom and spontaneity on the works of Rampino. Quite often, the abstract forms are mixed with figurative ones, a dialogue between the two being obtained. His paintings question the viewer on what happens when those diverse elements-colour vs. monochrome, figurative versus abstract, classic versus modern-intersect one another.

Manasse Rampino’s career is the epitome of evolution and change while remaining rooted in one’s foundation. A classical artistic education provides a great backbone for his more experimental works to shine and be intellectually as appealing as they are visually. Merging contrasting elements-classical with modern, figurative with abstract, black-and-white with bursts of colour-Rampino developed a style entirely of his own.

Based in Dubai since some years, Rampino is one of the most outrageous exponents of contemporary art able to hypnotize every audience with the unusual, violent use of colour and innovative approach to contrast. And with each new work, his star goes on shining ever higher in the international art scenario.

Zeinab Alhashemi, one of the UAE’s most innovative conceptual artists, has captivated audiences worldwide with her thought-provoking site-specific installations. Known for her ability to blur the lines between the natural and artificial, Alhashemi’s work offers a fresh perspective on human interaction with the environment. Her artistic vision is deeply rooted in the UAE’s rapid transformation, where her installations challenge the viewer to reconsider the role of human intervention in reshaping the world around us.

Zeinab Alhashemi has carved a unique path in the contemporary art world, particularly within the UAE. As a conceptual artist specializing in site-specific installations, Alhashemi’s work draws inspiration from the sweeping transformations her home country has undergone in recent decades. From skyscrapers to desert developments, her artistic vision is profoundly shaped by the intersection of industrial growth and natural landscapes, creating a new dialogue between the organic and man-made. Alhashemi’s art is rooted in the concept of deconstructing the viewer’s perception of reality, pushing individuals to question their surroundings. Her installations are not merely aesthetic expressions but thought-provoking commentaries on how humans interact with, manipulate, and adapt to the environment. This theme is evident in her works that explore the boundaries between nature and industrialization, where viewers are subtly reminded of the impact of human interference on the natural world.

One of the central themes in Alhashemi’s work is adaptation, a concept she explores both scientifically and metaphorically. Drawing from Charles Darwin’s theory of natural selection, Alhashemi sees adaptation as a critical aspect of human evolution, not only biologically but also socially, culturally, and environmentally. Darwin’s idea that species evolve to better suit their environments resonates deeply with Alhashemi’s exploration of how humans adapt to an ever-changing world.

Alhashemi believes that Darwin’s concept of natural selection can be applied across multiple disciplines, from business to art. In her artist statement, she emphasizes that adaptation is an integral part of evolution, a process that shapes human survival and progress. By reflecting on this concept, she invites her audience to consider how societies must continue to evolve to thrive amidst the shifting landscapes of modern life. Her installations challenge viewers to think critically about the ways in which we, as a species, can better adapt to the rapidly changing environments we create. What sets Alhashemi apart is her ability to create site-specific installations that are inextricably tied to their location. Rather than imposing her artistic vision on a space, she works with the surrounding environment to generate a harmonious interaction between her art and its backdrop. This approach allows her to create immersive experiences that invite the audience to engage with both the artwork and the space it inhabits.

One of her signature installations explores the use of recycled materials to illustrate the tension between nature and human activity. By juxtaposing organic materials with industrial ones, she emphasizes how human intervention alters the landscape. For instance, her works often place natural elements like sand, rock, or wood alongside metals and plastics, symbolizing the delicate balance between the natural world and industrial progress.

Her interest in public art also stems from her desire to make art more accessible. By installing her pieces in public spaces, Alhashemi democratizes the experience of viewing art, encouraging people from all walks of life to engage with her work. Her installations have been displayed in numerous art fairs and festivals, including prestigious exhibitions in the UAE and beyond. These include commissioned pieces for public and private collections across the Gulf region, where her work is often seen as a bridge between traditional Emirati culture and the rapidly modernizing environment.

Despite her global recognition, Alhashemi’s artistic voice remains deeply rooted in her Emirati heritage. The UAE’s rapid urbanization, particularly in cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi, has had a significant impact on her work. Alhashemi often draws upon the transformation of these urban landscapes, which have shifted from vast deserts to modern metropolises in just a few decades. Her art not only reflects this transformation but also critiques the consequences of unchecked industrial growth and its effects on the natural environment.

Alhashemi’s work also resonates with a broader global audience because the themes she explores—adaptation, human interference, and environmental impact—are universal concerns. In an era of climate change and rapid urbanization, her art acts as both a reflection of and a response to the challenges that societies face in managing growth while preserving natural ecosystems.

As she continues to explore the dynamics of adaptation and human interaction with nature, Zeinab Alhashemi remains committed to pushing the boundaries of conceptual art. Her installations not only provide visual intrigue but also provoke meaningful conversations about the future of our planet. Whether through her public art installations or her participation in international exhibitions, Alhashemi continues to invite viewers to reconsider the ways in which they perceive and interact with their surroundings.

Zeinab Alhashemi’s visionary art challenges conventional perspectives, making her one of the most influential voices in contemporary conceptual art. Through her installations, she not only reflects on the rapid transformation of the UAE but also encourages us to consider our role in shaping the future.

Self-taught Mexican artist Leonardo Partida Prieto is enthralled by telling stories, and he has used bold colour, texture, and mixed-media techniques to create some of the most talked-about art in the world. A simple exploration of acrylics on paper turned out to be an innovative artistic journey whereby every piece reflected growth and the use of new materials. Living in Abu Dhabi today, Partida Prieto’s work continues to push the envelope as he puts into perspective his deep cultural roots intertwined with newer influences emanating from life in the UAE.

What crowns Prieto’s journey as unique is that he is an entirely self-taught artist in whose case life experiences and personal drive are the greatest teachers. Though he has a degree in Advertising and Marketing, during college, art very rapidly became his passion, and it didn’t take long for him to completely be submerged into the creation process. Partida Prieto’s story is that of constant evolution: through all these years, he has produced more than 200 different pieces of art, each with its process. His early work was mostly about acrylic on paper using colour pencils and brushes to put across an idea. However, as the skill started to grow in him, curiosity too began to develop. He started experimenting with newer materials and tools, playing with the limits of his artistic boundary.

One of the defining aspects of Partida Prieto’s career is his complete readiness to be involved in newer forms of expression. Nowadays, his practice is dominated by the use of mixed media with a lot of materials: wood, pigments, and resins. His abandonment to conventional methods involves visually attractive works full of meaning and depth. He produces powerful visual effects using different materials that leave a mark in his audience’s mind. Partida Prieto’s work is not merely aesthetic; it’s about the process and message of every art piece. Every single work of art represents an experience of learning, a new challenge that allows him to grow as both a person and artist. He says art is his “spiritual safe haven,” the place where he can express his thoughts, his emotions, and ideas. His art often becomes an open invitation to meaningful discussions about life, culture, and everything in between.

Though Partida Prieto refers to himself as an introverted person, his art has spoken otherwise. The work he does is bold, dynamic, and unapologetic-representing at times what he may not say out loud with his voice. Through Prieto’s use of bright colours and intricate composition, a part of himself that is bold and expressive is released. The transparency and vulnerability in this create such captivating works. Viewers are not only drawn by the intensive colours and textures but also by raw emotions that may have come from each piece.

Partida Prieto first exhibited his work in 2007, actually starting a career as an artist. Since then, he has participated in more than 30 exhibitions worldwide and showed his work in very well-acknowledged museums, galleries, and art fairs. Talented and dedicated, in 2010 he was selected by the prestigious Société Nationale des Beaux-Arts of Paris to participate in the Salon des Beaux-Arts held at the Carrousel du Louvre-a milestone which consolidated his position within the international art scene.

Since 2018, Partida Prieto has resided in Abu Dhabi, a place that has brought new cultural views and personal experiences into his life. The time spent in the UAE allowed him to continue developing his artistic vision more and more. Now, his art not only reflects his Mexican heritage but also that of the Middle Eastern cultural landscape.