Dr. Mohammed Yousuf is one of the pioneers of Emirati art and a founder of the plastic arts movement in the UAE. He contributed significantly to enriching the local art scene and was keen to highlight the aesthetics of Emirati heritage and environment in many of his works, which bear a unique artistic signature and have been exhibited in various local, Arab, and international exhibitions, forums, and festivals.

1953
Born in Sharjah.

1971
One of the prominent pioneers of Emirati plastic art since 1971 to the present day.

1978
Obtained a Bachelor’s degree from the Faculty of Fine Arts in Cairo.

1979
Won an honorary art award at the Arab Artists Exhibition in Kuwait.

1982
Participated in the 5th New Delhi Biennale in India.

1992
Presented a new experience combining painting and sculpture during the annual exhibition of the Plastic Artists Association.

1993
Honored by His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, in recognition of his contributions to the plastic arts movement in the UAE.

1996
Launched his artwork “Going Inside”.

2000
Received a Master of Arts from Webster University in Missouri, USA.

2004
Won the Gold Award at the Bangladesh Biennale.

2005
Earned a PhD in Fine Arts from Ranchi University in India.

2009
Honored by the late Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan with the “Emirates Award for Science, Arts, and Literature” in the plastic arts category.

2015
Participated in many exhibitions, including two participations in the UAE National Pavilion at the Venice Biennale in 2015 and 2017.

2019
Presented a work titled “Spirit of the Adhan” at the 21st Sharjah Islamic Arts Festival.

2024
Participated in the “Di Dubai” Festival launched by Expo City Dubai, with a work depicting children and women made from suspended palm fronds glowing with lights.

“Shells”
Participated in the first edition of the “Dubai Sculpture Forum 2024” with a work titled “Shells,” telling the story and essence of Dubai and its aesthetics.

Contributions and Roles

He chaired the Board of Directors of the Emirates Fine Arts Society for several terms.

Currently works as an Assistant Professor at the College of Fine Arts and Design at the University of Sharjah.

Headed the Department of Artistic Models at the Educational Media Department in the Ministry of Education.

One of the founders of the Sharjah National Theatre and chaired its board for several terms.

Selected Works:

    • “From Nature to Nature”
    • “Woman and the Palm Tree”
    • “The Sea and the Desert”
    • “Oars”
    • “Tombstones”
    • “Coffins”
    • “Dialogue Between Land and Sea”