Filippo Minelli traces modern urban spaces to Bedouin traditions in Dubai exhibition

by Ramzig Bedirian

Modern urban environments may have much in common with Bedouin traditions.

The thought first struck Filippo Minelli as he travelled to Dubai in 2021. Another wave of the Covid-19 pandemic had taken hold during his visit, and the Italian artist found he was unable to return to Europe for another six months due to travel restrictions.

The situation, however, turned out to be a creatively fruitful one.

“It was a wonderful, inspiring time,” Minelli tells The National.

As he took his time exploring Dubai, witnessing its rapid tendency towards change, he reflected on post-globalist architectural trends. The contemporary world is shaped by rapid cultural exchange and mobility.

There is, Minelli says, less of an attachment with permanent architecture. The ideal city in today’s context, he says, is not so concerned with historical affections. Adaptibility and utility, rather, are the priority.