Photography Lense On Microbial Diversity In The Environment

Fatma Kharbash

Fatma Kharbash is an Emirati visual artist whose work explores the microbial diversity in the environment and its coexistence with humans. To gain a deeper understanding of this microbial diversity, she conceptualised the project The Colony, focusing on the role of microbes and fungi in pollution management and the impact of climate change.

Through photography with mixed media, textile, and embroidery, Fatma is aiming to present the natural patterns of fungal and microbial culture on agar plates–from the lab to artwork. The Colony explores this relationship between humans and their surroundings by looking at the many ways in which they interact with each other and successfully maintain ecosystems. Using nutrient mediums, Fatma is promoting fungal growth in a laboratory setting to reveal the many types of microbes in our environment, making the invisible visible.

About Fatma Kharbash

Fatma Kharbash’s fascination with the environment and ecosystem continues to be a source of inspiration as she nurtures a diverse creative practice, exploring themes around climate change and sustainability. Her work has received recognition in various exhibitions and events, including an exhibition at SIKKA Art (2022, Dubai). She also showcased her prints in Shaggaf at Art Dubai (2022) and exhibited in the DP World Poster competition at Expo 2020.