Ziya Ismail is an Indian artist and architect based in Dubai, UAE. Since graduating with a B.Arch in 2016, she has been working as an architect, focusing on creating designs that reflect the user’s needs and environment. Her interest in restoration architecture arises from a deep appreciation for the traditional construction methods and their thoughtful design.
As an artist, her practice explores the connections within nature and the human inner self, reflecting how natural forms and connections within mirror our emotions and being. Growing up in Kerala, India, Ziya developed an early appreciation for nature’s complex patterns, which now profoundly shape her work. Currently, she focuses on the critical role of native plants in sustaining local ecosystems, aiming to raise awareness about regional flora and ecological balance through art. Primarily working with watercolour, acrylics, and graphite, she experiments with layering and transparency of materials.
She has participated in public art projects at Al Quoz Art Fest, conducted art workshops with the Sharjah Architecture Triennial and other organizations, and exhibited her work in a group exhibition at a gallery in the UAE. Through both her art and architectural practice, Ziya seeks to explore hidden dimensions and deepen our connection to the environment and ourselves.
Artworks & Projects
Native plants of UAE (Ongoing)
Since 2022, I have been working on an art project focused on the relationship between native plants and insects in the UAE. My main interest is in understanding the role of native plants in supporting insects and how these interactions contribute to ecological balance. I am documenting my observations through 2D mediums, exploring patterns, colors found in native plants, and transparency in materiality.
My research includes visits to places like Ras Al Khaimah, Al Ain, and Wadi Shawka, mostly during the winter months. I have visited Al Ain Nursery with horticulturist Mr.Bruce Pederson to see the plants there and have had discussions with him to learn more. I also receive guidance from artist Mozhdeh Grayson and refer to articles on desert landscapes. I have conducted workshops to help the local community become more familiar with the UAE’s flora and fauna. This project aims to raise awareness and appreciation of the UAE’s natural environment.
Natural pigments exploration(Ongoing)
In this ongoing project, I am exploring various methods of extracting natural pigments, focusing on techniques such as cooking, pickling, using a mortar and pestle, and infusing to derive colors. I am experimenting with how these pigments react when mixed with acidic and alkaline substances and observing the changes that occur during the drying process. Currently, I am applying these pigments to painting on paper, with plans to expand into fabric and paper dyeing.
The main objective of this project is to experiment with new techniques and work closely with the materials available in my surroundings. While I have not yet focused on specific regions or plants within the UAE, I am interested in exploring local flora for pigment extraction, anticipating a subtle palette from these sources. One of the most intriguing discoveries has been the color differences that emerge during the drying process, a detail I hadn’t anticipated. Though the final application of these pigments in my art is yet to be determined, this exploration could influence future works.
Right:
Intutive drawing with natural pigments and pencil colors
Below: Kala Jamoon Pigment, 2024 Reactions and Drying Process Documentation
From left to right:
Exchange of Expression 01, 2021
50cm x 70cm, Acrylic on canvas
Exchange of Expression 02, 2022
100cm x 100cm, Acrylic on canvas
Exchange of Expression 03, 2022
80cm x 120cm, Acrylic on canvas
See the video of artwork here
Above: Water color illustrations
Our Collective
“Our Collective” was created to foster human connection and creative growth among individuals with a creative instinct. Conceived by me and developed collaboratively with community members who shared the same vision, the initiative brings together people from diverse backgrounds in the UAE. Despite being away from home, it nurtures a sense of belonging and collaboration. These programs have been held under the label of the Art and Design Collective since 2021, making meaningful connections and nurturing creativity through collective effort and shared purpose.
“Our Collective” organizes various activities, including workshops, art walks, talks, and discussions, to nurture creativity and connection. By uniting people from different backgrounds, it creates a platform for shared growth and mutual support. It welcomes anyone with a creative instinct seeking a sense of belonging. The community has significantly impacted its members by providing a space for engagement and collaboration. Looking ahead, we plan to expand our activities and collaborations to further enhance our reach and influence, continuing to build connections and opportunities for creative expression.
Reviving home, 2023
Public art
240cm x 120cm, Oil paint on MDF board
Sahasra Boutique
Sector: Retail Interiors
Project Site: Calicut, Kerala, India
Project duration: December 2022- June 2023
Role: Design and execution
Team: Ar. Ziya, Ar. Ridah (on site)
Info & Design process
This boutique and makeup studio was designed with a vision of creating a welcoming and casual space that celebrates the essence of a saree boutique. Inspired by Kerala’s cultural heritage, the design features carefully selected antique furniture from a coastal town in the region. In addition, custom-designed furniture was incorporated to meet the client’s specific needs and preferences.The main focus of the design was to create a comfortable and relaxed environment for customers to enjoy while browsing the saree collection and availing themselves of the makeup studio services. The overall design approach aimed to provide a seamless and enjoyable experience, ensuring that customers feel at ease throughout their visit.
Above: Discussion Area: Refurbished ‘Pathayam’ Table and Saree display
Design Ashram
Sector: Restoration project - Mixed use
Project site: Kerala, india
Role: Site architect
Project Duration: 2017 to 2019
Team: DAC
Info & Design process
Design Ashram houses an architecture firm, library, backpacker’s hostel, art gallery, coworking space and a beautiful courtyard which bind all of these together. The involvement in this project on daily basis to upbring the funtionality while working at the same place was quite an oppurtunity. Working alongside the site labourers and atisans for details along with the challeges faced at site while renovating an old building was exiting.
This building was originally a cluster of residential units. Architectural features and elements like handrails, staircase etc for the renovation were refurbished from ruins of traditional houses in the locality. The openings of the buildings were very interesting as they were built with cultural aspects of traditional times.
Abi’s Saree Sellers
Sector: Retail Architecture, Restoration project
Project status: Completed project
Project duration: September 2019 - November 2019
Role: Designing and Execution
Furniture selection and refurbishment
Landscape
Info & Design process
Saree Sellers Boutique was designed with a core concept of creating a cozy ambiance, enveloped in an interpretation of traditionalism. The usage of antique furniture found in a coastal town in Kerala and local plants were at the crux of the interior design discussions. Due consideration to the user-experience of the focal areas, which is of utmost importance in use cases of boutiques, resulted in a colour palette that embodied it - warm and bright, with a tinge of green. The tropical wall art becomes the centrepiece, well framed from the entrance as well as from within the space. A casual discussion area required by the client was also added, to enhance the welcoming character of the space.
Traditional Architecture of UAE: A Study (Ongoing)
This study explores the functionality and vernacular methods of traditional UAE architecture, focusing on materials used and their historical context. Currently centered in Shindaga, with visits to abandoned sites in Sharjah, the research aims to understand the design intent behind traditional structures and incorporate these insights into contemporary architecture. The methodology includes site visits, photography, drawings, literature review, and discussions with experts like Ar. Dariush Zandi. The exploration of wind towers, with their innovative climate control techniques, and traditional building materials has been particularly intresting.
