Karim+Elias Crafts Sandy Sculpture at Sharjah’s Golden Dunes of Mleiha

Settling within the ancient archaeological site of Mleiha in Sharjah, UAE, where excavations once unearthed fragments of pottery, personal adornments and delicate beads, a permanent installation grows from the sands to echo these treasured discoveries. Created by UAE-based studio Karim+Elias, this art piece explores sand, a central natural material of the region, through 12 monumental totems.

The Desert Relics, for the Tanweer Festival in Sharjah, celebrates one of the region's most abundant natural materials: sand. The installation pays tribute to Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi, founder of the festival, and her visionary dedication to preserving Mleiha’s cultural heritage and timeless desert beauty.

Against the backdrop of golden dunes, each towering figure emerges from a series of vessel-like geometries, resembling large beads stacked atop one another. Sculpted from the desert sand, each piece encapsulates the essence of nature, its texture capturing the rhythm of the environment and allowing the sculpture to blend into the rugged, arid landscape.

Entirely handmade, each element of the sculpture embodies a distinct hue and form, reflecting the artistry of ancient craftsmanship. Scattered yet unified in essence, every piece rises like a pillar, forging a connection between past and present.

Photography Credit: Elias El Hage