Being Seen: When “Nahnu” Became More Than an Installation

Some moments stay with you not because they were planned, but because they felt real. I spoke to Amna Alserkal about her experience at the Sikka Art & Design Festival, during our conversation one moment stood out more than anything else. It was not about finishing the installation or seeing visitors walk through the space.

It was about feeling seen.

Nahnu is an installation created by Amna Alserkal, Aisha Al Suwaidi, and Shouq Al Mulla. Amna explained that from the start, they chose to work as a group instead of as individuals. The idea behind the work was to represent unity, shared strength, and the meaning of “we” in the UAE.

Copper is the main material used in the installation. According to Amna, this choice was deeply connected to the country’s history. Before oil and pearls, copper trade played an important role in shaping the UAE. For the artists, copper represents the early foundations of the nation and the effort that helped it grow over time. It reflects progress that was built slowly, through patience and hard work.

Hands are a key element in Nahnu. Amna described them as a symbol of the people of the UAE who helped build the country with their own hands. The copper connects the hands together, showing that real strength comes from unity rather than standing alone.

The word “Nahnu,” meaning “we,” is not clearly visible in the installation. Instead, it appears through shadows. Amna explained that this was intentional. Unity and strength are not always obvious, but they develop over time and become clearer as people come together.

Among the many visitors to the exhibition, one encounter stayed with Amna. When Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum paused at Nahnu, Amna had the opportunity to explain the story and meaning behind the installation.

“It felt like our message was understood,” Amna said. “That moment made us feel seen.”

For Amna, being seen did not mean recognition or praise. It meant that their story reached someone. It meant that their ideas, shaped by identity, history, and shared effort, mattered.

Nahnu does not demand attention. Instead, it invites reflection. Through this experience, Amna realised that sometimes, being seen is enough to remind you why your work matters.