Artistic Approach
Their collaborative venture birthed an avant-garde technique for shadow sculptures. They weave a tapestry of painting, sculpting, shadows, and light to craft their masterpieces. A recurrent motif in their artworks is Arabic calligraphy, which, when illumined, casts breathtaking images on walls. This not only sparks viewers' imaginations but also allows them to discern the calligraphic phrases.
From conceptualizing to resin casting and adding the final touches, their artistic process is meticulous. Despite their sculptures often resembling wood, the resin is their go-to material, facilitating a swifter manufacturing process. Proper lighting further enhances their creations, lending them depth and dimension.
A Journey of Light,
Love, and Legacy
At the heart of every shadow we cast lies a story — of culture, connection, and creativity. Through our art, we don’t just shape materials, we shape emotions, memories, and meanings.
From royal portraits crafted with shredded currency to soulful calligraphy that reveals hidden love, our journey is more than an artistic path — it’s a tribute to heritage, a dialogue with light, and a deep belief that art can speak without words.
Whether in a quiet home corner or a grand public space, our work carries a part of us — Maysoon and Bassam — a husband and wife, two dreamers building one vision.
Thank you for being part of this light-filled journey.
Floral Legacy Murals (2024)
Commissioned by a distinguished VVIP client, we brought to life two monumental murals measuring 4 x 2.5 meters, created entirely from over 25,000 handcrafted resin and PLA roses.
This vibrant and deeply emotional artwork blends precision, innovation, and artistry — each rose hand-placed to form detailed, lifelike portraits that celebrate family, tradition, and legacy.
More than just a visual spectacle, this piece was a joyful journey of creativity, turning thousands of delicate floral shapes into a powerful, unforgettable story.
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Currency into Legacy
(2022–2024)
In a prestigious collaboration with the Central Bank of the UAE, we were entrusted to design exclusive VVIP gifts using shredded UAE banknotes. Over a span of more than a year, we crafted over 1,200 custom artworks as gifts for the bank's elite clients.
Among our most iconic pieces were 15+ monumental portraits created using shredded currency worth over AED 2,000,000, including tributes to H.H. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, H.H. Sheikha Fatima, H.H. Sheikh Mansour, and others.
Each artwork reflects both national pride and artistic ingenuity — transforming what was once currency into timeless works of legacy and honor.
During 2020–2021, we were honored to create a series of large-scale shadow sculptures for two prominent mosques in Dubai. Each piece measured 1 meter by 1 meter and was designed to blend Arabic calligraphy with spiritual symbolism. One of the mosques, Al Ghafour Mosque, is located just steps away from the iconic Burj Khalifa. These bespoke installations cast shadows of worshippers in prayer when lit, visually merging calligraphy with devotion and light with meaning. These works stand today as permanent reflections of faith and creativity in sacred spaces.
Sacred Spaces, Illuminated(2020–2021)
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2019
Al Tahr Mascot Sculpture for AURAK
Commissioned by the American University of Ras Al Khaimah, we were invited to create a permanent mascot that would embody the spirit of the university.
We designed and sculpted a 3-meter tall statue of the Arabian Tahr (الطهر العربي), a rare and culturally significant mountain goat native to the region.
Crafted from resin and fiberglass, the sculpture now proudly stands at the university's main entrance — a symbol of strength, resilience, and local heritage that welcomes students and visitors every day.
2017
EcoWASTE Stand for Dulsco
Dulsco approached us with a bold vision — to create a sustainable exhibition stand that would stand out at EcoWASTE 2017, one of the UAE’s leading environmental events.
We designed and built the entire stand using recycled materials such as cardboard, old newspapers, plastic bottles, and other repurposed items. Despite being made from humble, reused elements, the stand captured global attention with its creative concept and eco-friendly message.
🏆 Awarded Best Stand at the Exhibition, surpassing major international companies and top-tier participants — a true testament to the power of art, sustainability, and storytelling combined.
2016
Spirit of the Union Shadow Mural at Abu Dhabi Mall
As part of the UAE National Day celebrations, we designed an interactive shadow mural at Abu Dhabi Mall.
Mall visitors were invited to participate by placing pre-made mini UAE flags onto the wall. Each flag was carefully designed to cast a specific shadow, and as more flags were added, the complete image of the “Spirit of the Union” logo gradually appeared — a powerful tribute to the unity and leadership of the Emirates.
This project brought people together to build a symbol of national pride through light, shadow, and community involvement.
Drawing inspiration from their rich cultural heritage and personal narratives, their artworks span themes like Arabic calligraphy, Islamic art, Arabic life, and the fascinating dance of light and shadow. Exhibited globally, their sculptures defy conventional wisdom and beckon viewers into a world of intricate narratives, bridging the gap between traditional and contemporary.
Their unwavering commitment to education and mentorship ensures their enduring legacy in the art world, fostering budding artists and consistently pushing the boundaries of artistic expression.
Themes & Impact
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2015 Abu Dhabi
Project: Grand Mosaic Mural for Sheikh Mansoor’s Private Office
Commissioned to create a monumental mosaic mural in the private office of His Highness Sheikh Mansoor in Abu Dhabi.
This large-scale portrait was composed of thousands of meticulously arranged tiles, coming together to reveal a powerful image when viewed from a distance. The project combined precision, patience, and creativity — reflecting respect, leadership, and legacy through the language of art.
A proud moment in our journey, where art met tribute in a space of vision and influence.
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Designed and produced 15 Gazal sculptures in Abu Dhabi for a public art project, where international artists were invited to paint and personalize each piece. Today, these sculptures proudly adorn public spaces across Dubai, celebrating creativity, collaboration, and cultural spirit.
2015 Abu Dhabi
Over the years, we have created a wide range of artistic projects — from shadow sculptures to murals, public art, and customized installations.
Each project reflects our passion for blending tradition, creativity, and storytelling through different forms of art.
Here, we invite you to explore some of the works we crafted with heart, imagination, and a deep connection to culture and community.
Crafted 80 life-sized human sculptures for the Story Museum in Jordan, designed to narrate the cultural and historical story of the region through art. Each piece reflects the spirit, traditions, and heritage of the people who shaped the land.
2012-2013
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ABOUT THE ARTISTS
Background
Maysoon Masalha and Bassam Al-Selawi are trailblazing Jordanian artists celebrated for their pioneering shadow sculptures. These sculptures are a marriage of modern sculpture techniques and traditional Arabic calligraphy, unveiling a concealed layer of beauty when light graces them. Hailing from Jordan, their shared journey began with studying Fine Arts in their homeland.
Masalha’s experience at the United Nations Schools enlightened her about art's profound influence on learners and the broader society. Concurrently, Al-Selawi, a staunch advocate for the universality of art, helmed the Applied Art at Art Hub, overseeing vital art commissions.
Featured in Hollywood Short Film
“A Story Takes Flight” (2020)
In 2020, our shadow sculptures were featured in the short film A Story Takes Flight, created as part of a global promotional campaign for Dubai. The film starred Hollywood icons Gwyneth Paltrow, Zoe Saldana, and Kate Hudson. One of the key scenes shows Kate Hudson visiting a shadow art exhibition in Dubai, where she pauses to admire our artwork. This moment captured the emotional impact of our sculptures, where Arabic calligraphy, light, and form come together to reveal hidden stories. We are proud that our work was included as a symbol of Dubai’s rich artistic and cultural spirit.
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