Bodour Al Qasimi Inaugurates Polish Edition of “Folktales Reimagined” Exhibition at 2026 Warsaw International Book Fair
Her Highness Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Book Authority (SBA) and Founder and Honorary President of the UAE Board on Books for Young People (UAEBBY), inaugurated the Polish edition of the “Folktales Reimagined” exhibition on Friday. This event took place at the National Library of Poland as part of Sharjah’s Guest of Honour programme during the 2026 Warsaw International Book Fair, themed “Two Civilisations: One Language of Letters.”
Key Attendees and Significance of the Event
The inauguration ceremony was attended by notable figures including Dr. Tomasz Makowski, Director-General of the National Library of Poland; His Excellency Mohamed Ahmed Al Harbi, UAE Ambassador to Poland; Marwa Al Aqroubi, President of the UAE Board on Books for Young People; and Joanna Piekarska, President of the Polish Section of IBBY. The event also welcomed heads of delegations from the Sharjah Pavilion and representatives from Emirati and Polish media.
Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi emphasized the importance of folktales, stating that they embody the memory of nations and serve as a timeless human voice. She articulated that the exhibition aims to reintroduce shared human heritage through contemporary artistic expressions, fostering cultural dialogue that transcends geographical and linguistic barriers.
Cultural Dialogue and Artistic Interpretation
Sheikha Bodour highlighted that the Polish edition of the exhibition is particularly significant as it reflects the belief that culture can build genuine bridges of communication and mutual understanding. She stated that the artworks presented by Emirati and Polish artists offer more than mere reinterpretations of traditional tales; they provide a new visual narrative that revitalizes folk stories, affirming the role of creativity in connecting cultures and preserving collective memory.
Marwa Al Aqroubi provided insights into the vision behind the “Folktales Reimagined” exhibition. She noted that the project seeks to reinterpret folk tales from various cultures through a contemporary visual lens, allowing artists and audiences to discover shared symbols and values. The Polish edition features artworks that blend Emirati and Polish folk tales, showcasing the role of art in promoting dialogue and cultural understanding.
Artistic Contributions from Emirati and Polish Artists
The exhibition features contemporary visual interpretations of celebrated Polish folk tales by Emirati artists. AlReem Al Mannaee reimagined “Dratewka The Shoemaker,” focusing on themes of kindness and compassion, while Fatima Al Zarouni explored the duality of power and punishment in “King Popiel and the Mice.” Khalid Mezaina drew inspiration from “The Basilisk of Warsaw,” creating a work that evokes mystery, while Safa Al Mazrouie focused on the human pursuit of dreams in her reinterpretation of “The Fern Flower.” Naama Al Awadi presented a contemporary narrative of “The Devil’s Paw,” reflecting the enduring concept of justice.
Conversely, Polish artists offered new visual interpretations of Emirati folk tales. Dominika Czerniak-Chojnacka reinterpreted “Salama and Her Daughters,” evoking the sea as a space of memory. Nika Jaworowska-Duchlińska explored “Dinuh and Arbab,” blending Eastern and European folk traditions. Joanna Czaplewska focused on the hidden strength of marginalized characters in “Netifan,” while Magdalena Kozieł-Nowak celebrated loyalty and friendship in her work inspired by “Hamda and Badiha.” Piotr Fąfrowicz concluded the Polish contributions with a reinterpretation of “Al Barmah” (The Clay Pot), highlighting the emotional connections between people and meaningful objects.
Visitor Engagement and Cultural Impact
The exhibition received positive feedback from visitors, who praised the artworks and described the experience as rich in cultural and human significance. Attendees noted the artists’ ability to provide deeply personal interpretations of the tales, which encouraged reflection and dialogue, fostering a deeper understanding of shared human experiences across cultures.
The Polish edition of the exhibition is a continuation of a project launched by UAEBBY in 2019 during the celebrations for Sharjah World Book Capital. This initiative aims to present folk tales from diverse cultures in ways that promote mutual understanding and creative dialogue. Previous iterations of the exhibition have been hosted in Italy, Mexico, South Korea, Greece, Russia, and Morocco.
Source: www.emirates247.com
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Published on 2026-05-30 16:51:00 • By the Editorial Desk
