A Visual Sanctuary by Ahmed Emad

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In his series of three contemporary abstract landscape works, Emad uses oil on wood panels to explore the unspoken realm of emotional safety. His pieces are intimate and non-representational, encouraging viewers to project their own inner landscapes onto the canvas.

“Each layer of paint is a gesture toward creating a space where vulnerability is not only allowed but held with quiet strength. My hope is that viewers might pause here, and in that pause, find space to feel without judgment.” Emad shares in his artist statement.

These works mirror the essence of Oppidan — a space that offers comfort, nourishment, and a sense of belonging. With swells of bright colorful tones, softened edges, and grounding textures, the paintings feel like a conversation with yourself: soft, honest, and unguarded. 

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Meet the Artist: Ahmed Emad

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Born in Dubai in 1993, Ahmed Emad is a multidisciplinary artist whose practice explores materiality, identity, and emotional depth. With a background in Civil & Environmental Engineering and an ongoing master’s in Contemporary Museology in Milan, Emad brings both a scientific curiosity and a poetic sensibility to his work. He currently works at the Louvre Abu Dhabi Museum in education and art mediation.

Emad’s process often begins with unconventional materials — steel, concrete, repurposed industrial elements — but always ends with something deeply human. His figurative and abstract works alike are imbued with raw emotion, physical texture, and layered symbolism. His work has been featured in exhibitions, large-scale public art projects, and even a Guinness World Record mosaic installation using over 40,000 recycled plastic bottles.

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Through the Pinkum Collection, Emad’s work now finds a home in Oppidan — marking a new intersection of art, food, and emotions.

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Follow Ahmed:

@ahmedemadals

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Oppidan x Pinkum Collection

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Curator and collector Margo Castro’s work is rooted in redefining how art is experienced. Through her Pinkum Collection, she champions emerging artists and creates opportunities for their work to live beyond the gallery walls. Architectural Digest Middle East described Margo as “at the vanguard of the Middle East's next generation of art collectors.” Her collaboration with Oppidan, a sequel to her collaboration with Terra Eatery, continues her mission to bring meaningful art into the everyday — and we’re honored to be part of it.

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Follow Margo and the Pinkum Collection:

@margolikesyou
@pinkumcollection