Dubai: The Things She Carries, an art installation on womanhood

Where visitors become co-creators of a profound visual statement; SHE CANVAS: Opening on March 18, Conrad Dubai Hotel, Sheikh Zayed Road

What does a woman carry, literally and metaphorically? Is it the weight of expectations, the symbols of tradition, or the aspirations she dares to chase? At SHE Canvas, a unique exhibition celebrating International Women's Day, an evolving art installation titled "The Things She Carries" will bring these questions to life.

Conceptualized by author Purva Grover in collaboration with art curator Bhairavi Mistry, this interactive piece invites visitors to contribute objects that symbolize societal expectations placed on women—from heels, lipstick, degrees, and baby bottles to laptop cases, planners, and dumbbells. By the end of the event, the installation will be a striking, unfiltered statement on the weight of womanhood.

We encourage each visitor, men and women (and even children), to bring an item that represents an expectation society has placed on women — heels, lipstick, a baby bottle, a pan, a measuring tape, a laptop case, post-its, a laundry basket, an apron, a vacuum cleaner attachment, a planner, dumbbells, sewing kit, a stack of fashion magazines, engagement ring box, yoga mat, makeup wipes, certificates, cleaning gloves, and more — and contribute towards the evolving installation and statement.

Alongside this installation, Noora, the Divine Spark by Mistry, presents an immersive art and literature experience at the Conrad Dubai Hotel, from March 18 to 27, 2025. Grover’s widely celebrated non-fiction book, She, known for its honest, relatable, and engaging take on womanhood, has been making waves for its vantage point on what it means to be a woman and inspires the SHE CANVAS. 

Other Event Highlights of the Art Exhibition include:

• "The Things She Carries" – An interactive art installation where visitors become co-creators of a profound visual statement. (Ongoing)

• Introduction of the book by the author: SHE by Purva Grover is a celebrated book on womanhood translated into seven languages, including German, Italian, French, and Tagalog. (Opening Day)

• Art Exhibition, featuring 22 artworks displayed near THE AVERY restaurant, known for its incredible iftar offerings. (Ongoing)

Featured Artists:

Bringing together an extraordinary lineup of regional and international talent, SHE CANVAS will showcase works from:

• Emirati Artists: Ghia Haddad, Hanan Alwahedi, Reem Alfalasi

• International Artists: Daria Avdeeva (Russia), Tetiana Kruchynina (Ukraine), Tanya Micallef (South Africa), Ymke Hordijk Evans (Netherlands), Ria Shankar (Bahrain), Meena Meher (India)

• Child Artists: Seven-year-old prodigy Raagaanshi Kukunuri

• Male Artists Supporting SHE CANVAS: Avigyan Bhattacharya, Kiran Kumar, Andrew Thompson

Supporting Partners:

This event is proudly supported by Sellah Events & Consultancy, with founder Elizabeth Fajardo emphasizing the importance of curating purpose-driven experiences that spark conversations. A special thanks to Conrad Dubai Hotel and General Manager Michael Schmitt for their commitment to celebrating women's voices during Ramadan. Stories Over Art, a monthly digital magazine celebrating arts of all forms, has partnered with the event.

Venue: Conrad Dubai Hotel, Sheikh Zayed Road

Opening Reception: March 18, 2025, 4.30 pm onwards

Exhibition Dates: March 18 – 27, 2025