Taqwa's vision is in line with these older artists, in that she uses materials from her environment and understands the importance of listening to her elders, both at home and in her local art community. A native of Khorfakkan and an artist since a young age, she has now developed a passion for bookbinding and printmaking that uses the stories and materials that are close to her.

Amidst the dirt, unpaved paths and rusted buildings deep into the farmlands of Sharjah, I uncovered Emirati artist Khalid Al Banna’s oasis: a single room, glistening in color, with bookcases, sofas and objects arranged in careful precision.