Jalal Luqman, the UAE's pioneering digital artist, is currently in the process of 'rebuilding' after a catastrophic fire ravaged his warehouse and destroyed works valued between Dh5 to 6 million in May. The inferno obliterated Luqman's studio, including numerous creations he had painstakingly produced over the years.

Despite the overwhelming loss, the 57-year-old artist remains resolute in his commitment to the art world. 'When I learned that the fire had reduced everything to ashes, my immediate response was to rebuild. There was no room for despair,' Luqman recounted. 'The fire was catastrophic. I lost everything — my work, my equipment; all was reduced to ash. But I’m not one to dwell on loss. Instead, I’m channeling that experience into creating something new and impactful,' he added.

Luqman's journey to becoming the UAE's first digital artist was fraught with challenges. While juggling various manual labor jobs to finance his business degree in the US, Luqman's passion for art was subtly nurtured by his father’s encouragement. 'My father always provided me with art supplies without pushing me to use them. It allowed me to choose art freely, which was crucial for my creative development,' Luqman recalled.

Despite his artistic inclinations, Luqman pursued a business degree in the US, a decision influenced by practical concerns. 'When I expressed my desire to study art, my father advised me to pursue a ‘real’ job. It was disheartening, but I accepted it and chose business instead,' he explained. After his father's passing, Luqman found himself working multiple jobs to support himself and complete his academic journey. He worked as a janitor, assisted a carpenter, and did other odd jobs to support himself and continue his studies. 'Those experiences were humbling and instrumental in shaping my empathy as well as my work ethic,' he said.

Upon graduating with a double major in business and graphic design, the Abu Dhabi resident returned to the UAE and began applying his skills in the art world. He faced numerous rejections before securing a job that barely matched his qualifications. 'I applied for over a 100 jobs and finally got one paying Dh2,000, despite my qualifications,' he recalled. His persistence eventually paid off when a significant order for 5,000 greeting cards launched his career.

Despite early challenges, Luqman’s talent quickly garnered attention, leading to commissions for notable projects like a fashion show catalogue supported by 'Mother of the Nation,' Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak, the wife of the late founding father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. His innovative approach and unique style began to distinguish him from other artists. 'My art isn’t about creating what’s expected but about expressing deeper, often darker themes,' he said.

Now, Luqman is transforming the tragedy of the fire into a new artistic venture. 'I'm using the remnants of the fire to create new sculptures and immersive experiences that highlight resilience and transformation,' he shared. Looking ahead, Luqman plans to present an immersive exhibition that will engage multiple senses, allowing visitors to experience the aftermath of the fire and see the remnants of his lost works. 'My art has evolved, and while some pieces cannot be replicated, this new phase reflects a different perspective on the past,' he said.