There May Exist

We were proud to bring 'There May Exist’, Zeinab Alhashemi’s thought-provoking installation, to life in the historic Theseus Temple in Vienna. This temporary artwork explores the profound transformations that have taken place on the Arabian Peninsula, focusing on the changing role of camels, which once stood at the heart of culture, livelihood, and survival in the Gulf region.

At the core of the installation is a striking pyramid constructed from oil barrels—a symbol of the oil boom that redefined the landscape of the UAE. These barrels, once vessels of economic transformation, are enveloped in a textured surface crafted from camel fur and hide dyed in Al Ain, an oasis city in the Emirates. This tactile layer, inspired by the toughened hides of regional camel breeds, bridges the past and present, reflecting the resilience of both humans and camels as they adapt to their changing environments.

Zeinab’s sculptural compositions create dynamic landscapes, weaving together seemingly opposing forms and materials. The juxtaposition of camel leather and industrial oil barrels speaks to the intersection of tradition and modernity, and the tensions between progress and decline. As His Highness Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum poignantly said: „My grandfather rode a camel, my father rode a camel, I drive a Mercedes, my son drives a Land Rover, his son will drive a Land Rover, but his son will ride a camel.”  This echoes throughout the work, reminding us of the cyclical nature of history.

The pyramid form itself is a powerful symbol of ascension and achievement, rooted in the vessels that fueled the UAE’s rise into modernity. Standing in the neoclassical grandeur of the Theseus Temple, There May Exist invites visitors to reflect on the cultural shifts shaped by oil, the enduring legacy of camels, and the shared adaptability that defines our relationship with change.