The Gallery at Emaar Pavilion, Dubai’s newest hub for culture and arts, has opened an exhibition of digital artwork on canvas by Iraqi-Dutch artist Nedim Kufi.

Titled ‘No-stalgia,’ the new exhibition coincides with the Dubai Art Season and presents a collection of emotionally-charged works that remind viewers of the concepts of cultural identity and social experiences through the ideas of ‘home’ and exile.

To be held until May 2015, ‘No-stalgia’ highlights Kufi’s inimitable style of overprinting to arrive at a universal language in artistic expression. He compares Middle Eastern and European cultures through images, and intentionally seeks the gaps within rationality, similarity and contradiction. A strong believer in minimalism, Kufi hopes to influence the audience’s perception using repetition and overlapping structures.

Ahmad Al Matrooshi, Managing Director of Emaar Properties, said: “The Gallery at Emaar Pavilion has defined its niche in the arts scene of Dubai in a short space of time, showcasing the works of artists that stand apart for their distinct individuality and highlight the newest voices in global arts. Iraqi-Dutch artist Nedim Kufi’s No-stalgia will be a revelation for viewers in how he uses his minimialistic approach to present the concepts of cultural identity.”

Kufi said: “For No-stalgia, I have drawn on some of my old works to give them a new life of their own to tell the story of my life. My mission is to create responsive artwork, and I try to provoke a hidden sense, which leads to a feeling of awe, thus achieving more with far less.”

Born in Baghdad, Kufi received a BA in etching from the Institute of Fine Arts, Baghdad, in 1985. After emigrating to the Netherlands in 1990, he received a BA in graphic design from HKU, Utrecht. He also holds an MA in design from artEZ, Enschede. He has held solo exhibitions in the US and Middle East.

‘The Gallery’ is an essential component of Emaar Pavilion, a dedicated centre showcasing all of Emaar’s iconic projects. Marked by an ambience of innovation that is fuelled by creativity and ambition, Emaar Pavilion also serves as Emaar’s dedicated sales centre.

A quaint cafe, managed by Vida Hotels and Resorts, The Pavilion Downtown Dubai provides a warm welcome for visitors. Emaar Pavilion also has a reading area for those seeking information on architecture, engineering, design, and construction, among others.

‘The Gallery’ complements the ongoing development of The Opera District, a vibrant cultural destination in Downtown Dubai, anchored by the iconic Dubai Opera, a multi-format theatre for opera, ballet, concerts, art exhibitions, orchestra, film and seasonal programmes.