The Gini Fatouhah
A Tale about Mangroves (2023)
Published in 2023 by the Sharjah Institute for Heritage in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), The Gini Fatouhah was first regaled to audiences with accompanying illustrations printed on fabric at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival in Washington, DC, in 2022.
This story, written and illustrated with landscape paintings created from a kayak, draws inspiration from the peace and tranquillity of the mangroves, local mythologies and the desire to elevate their ecological significance. The story is based on the enduring UAE legend of Gini Fatouh, the guardian of the mangroves, and explores themes of connection to Nature, heritage and self. The narrative reflects the belief that we are driven to protect what we cherish, blending traditional wisdom with an urgent call for environmental stewardship.
Beyond storytelling, The Gini Fatouhah celebrates the ecological importance and beauty of mangroves. Rooted in the rich tradition of UAE folk tales, the story revitalises cherished heritage narratives while honouring the roles of women and environmental stewards who have championed conservation efforts. The text underscores the power of individuals to shape our relationship with the environment.
The story also intertwines painting, drawing and photography to document my environmental work in the UAE, particularly in Umm Al Quwain. The landscapes, painted from a kayak using watercolour within the mangrove forest, were later complemented by images of Gini Fatouhah created by artist Geraldine Chansard using natural earth pigments. This project, showcased globally at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival, is an integral layer of my artistic process. Looking ahead, I hope to write and illustrate a story about the mangroves at the Barwon Estuary, drawing influence from the storytelling traditions of the Wadawurrung people, the Traditional Owners of the area.
I authored The Gini Fatouhah: A Tale About Mangroves, published by the Sharjah Institute for Heritage in 2023. The story is part of a holistic, multi-dimensional art practice that includes landscape paintings created from a kayak, an integral method in my current work. Inspired by the peace and tranquillity of the mangroves, mythological stories, and the need to elevate their reputation and promote conservation efforts, Gini Fatouhah, the guardian of the mangroves, plays a symbolic role rooted in UAE storytelling traditions. The project intertwines painting, drawing, and photography, reflecting my environmental advocacy in the UAE and highlighting my sustained commitment to addressing the challenges facing mangroves near my home in Umm Al Quwain. The landscapes, painted from a kayak within the mangrove forest, were created using watercolour to capture the essence of the environment, while the artist Géraldine Chansard later added images of Gini Fatouhah using natural earth watercolours. The story gained international attention at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival in June 2022, where it resonated with visitors, furthering its mission to promote environmental awareness and cultural heritage.