Exhibition: New Circulation at Atelier

MUJI, Tokyo.

The exhibition New Circulation, held at Tokyo’s Atelier Muji Ginza from November 29 to January 26, celebrated the rich heritage of the UAE’s oases and their enduring influence on sustainable community building. Through artworks, photographs, videos, and maps, the exhibition delved into the many uses of the date palm, the ancient falaj irrigation system, and the vibrant ecology of desert landscapes.

Curated by urban researchers Ahmed and Rashid bin Shabib, founders of Brownbook, the exhibition explored how cultural and ecological traditions shaped by the oases can inspire sustainable living today. It highlighted the falaj—a UNESCO-recognized irrigation method—as a cornerstone of communal life and environmental harmony.

Japanese photographer Shinsui Ohara contributed evocative images of UAE oases and landscapes, presented alongside detailed maps in a segment titled East Meets East. Visitors were also invited to engage in discussions at a dedicated majlis area, where cultural and ecological intersections were explored further.

The exhibition offered a fusion of traditions, including a collaboration with Toraya Confectionary, which crafted wagashi sweets with dates—a playful nod to cultural exchange. Looking ahead, the Bin Shabib brothers aim to expand New Circulation into a traveling exhibition, sharing the UAE’s desert legacy with the world.