Who I became within these walls

Salmah Almansoori is an Abu Dhabi-based multidisciplinary artist, born in Ghayathi, Aldhafra, in 2001. Her studio practice delves into the intersections of place andmemory, resulting in a diverse body of work that spans site-specific installations, painting, sculpture, ceramics, photography, and video. She earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Visual Art from Zayed University, Abu Dhabi, UAE, in 2023. A core theme that infuses her work is the concept that a place is more than just a geographical location—it's a vortex for understanding the construction of our identities in the world. Almansoori believes that physical locations unintentionally absorb thoughts, emotions, and memories. For her, a sense of place can either connect us more deeply to our roots or lead us to question, challenge, or even reject our origins, culture, and identity. In her creative practice, Almansoori artfully collects memories, whether through the fluidity of the brush and acrylic or by gathering materials and objects to serve as canvases for exploration through drawing, painting, and mixed media. Her body of work is profoundly influenced by her hometown of Ghayathi, the natural landscapes that stretch across the vast deserts, and the physical environment of the UAE.