PROJECTS
ladder of life
mixed media -wood
2023
A reflection on resilience and heritage, this mixed-media installation by Zeina Arafat takes the form of a handcrafted ladder—assembled from natural branches, polished wood, traditional textiles, and steel chains. Within Emirati cultural symbolism, the ladder becomes a quiet metaphor for ascent, shaped through endurance, transformation, and time.
Each rung carries echoes of the Emirati story—from desert life and pearl diving to the emergence of a modern nation. The contrast of materials speaks to the tension and harmony between past and present, while sadu-inspired elements and interlinked chains suggest continuity, unity, and shared strength.
the silent table
mixed media
2024
In Back when the clock hit 2:00 pm, our dining table was like a magnet pulling everyone in. We would squeeze around, some ready to share the latest news, others just there because, well, it is family time. And my mom's cooking? Pure magic.
We would dive into our meals, throwing shades for the last bit of dessert, bursting into random fights, and cracking up at inside jokes. The table soaked up all the craziness and love, like a time capsule.
But death and grief demolished the table, wrapped it in white, now things are different. That lively table is a mere memory, a ghost. Plates, forks, and spoons look frozen, covered in white stuff that zaps away all the color. No more 2:00 pm chaos. It is just an empty stage with a sad truth—the table is stuck in time, memory, missing the people who made it feel alive.
echoes of loss
mixed media - ceramic
2024
graduation edition
Grief and loss are deeply rooted in our lives, and as an artist I explore these emotions with compassion and creativity. Taking inspiration from the "Silent Table" an a previous project which symbolizes the changes in family life after a loss, I created nearly 60 antique ceramic plates that symbolize the passing of time and the passing of memories. Each plate is a reminder of the short-lived nature of family connections. "Echo of loss" speaks to a global audience about loss, grief, and family connections.
No matter where you are from or what language you speak, the human experience of losing someone you love and dealing with the complicated emotions that come with it is a universal human experience. It invites viewers to immerse themselves in the atmosphere of family food, especially the food prepared by our mom. It serves as a bridge between cultures, encouraging people to reflect on how we all share the same loss and the strength that comes with it.
echoes of loss
mixed media - ceramic
2024
graduation edition
Unsent
mixed media - gypsum
2025
Unsent
mixed media - wood
2025
unsent
mixed media - printmaking
2025
Elysian Awakening of Powerful Spring
Group show. RARARES Gallery, Dubai, UAE
2025
Zeina Arafat participated in Editions Dubai 2025 with RARARES Gallery at Dubai Design District (d3), as part of Dubai Design Week, where she presented her ceramic plates exploring themes of emotion and memory.
This exhibition presents a collection of ceramic plates that explore the strength, resilience, and inner world of women. Each plate carries hand-written messages, reflecting personal and collective experiences — from pain and endurance to healing and power. Through these works, i honors the silent strength of women, celebrating how they rise above life’s challenges with dignity and grace. The plates act as both memory holders and emotional witnesses, inviting viewers to connect, reflect, and feel.
Editions Art & Design fair. Dubai Design Week,
RARARES Gallery, Dubai, UAE
2025
VOLTA Art Fair, MENA Pavilion,
RARARES Gallery. Basel, Switzerland
2025
Art Basel is one of the most prominent and influential art fairs in the world, showcasing work from leading galleries and emerging artists on an international stage. It provides a platform for cultural exchange, innovative art, and networking within the global art community. Participating in Art Basel offers artists and galleries unparalleled exposure, opening new opportunities for dialogue, collaboration, and growth.
This year, Zeina was honored to be part of Art Basel Volta, sponsored by Rarares Gallery. she displayed my ceramic piece, "Echoes of Loss," which explores themes of memory and grief. It was a remarkable experience to share her work with a diverse, global audience, gaining valuable insights and connections.