Hussain Sharif’s artwork Faces 3, 2021, is an installation comprising of 502 recycled cans, each intricately forged and pierced to create facial features like eyes, noses, and mouths. The cans are shaped using sharp tools to give them a rigid, yet expressive appearance. Each can is unique, contributing both to the overall collective impact and retaining its individual effect.  Displayed directly on a raised floor, the artwork invites viewers to explore from atop the intricate details of each “face,” emphasizing the themes of consumerism and the ephemeral nature of everyday objects, while simultaneously engaging with the artwork’s communal and individualistic expressions.

Sharif’s work is not merely an artistic assembly of recycled materials but a reflective commentary on the fabric of Emirati society and the broader human condition. Through this sculptural installation, Sharif challenges viewers to see beyond the immediate utility of everyday objects, promoting a vision of renewal and transformation.

In the context of the United Arab Emirates, a nation characterized by rapid modernization and intense consumerism, Sharif’s choice of medium—discarded cans—serves as a critique of waste and disposability inherent in contemporary societies. However, by transforming these cans into expressive faces, he re-infuses them with identity and value, suggesting that renewal is not only possible but intrinsic to the objects and ideas we often forget about. Furthermore, the individuality of each face within the collective artwork speaks to the unique narratives and experiences of people in a fast-evolving society. 

Sharif’s work hints at the resilience and adaptability of human spirits, echoing the resilience of the UAE itself, which has morphed dramatically over the past few decades.  The interplay between individuality and collective significance in Sharif’s work highlights a hopeful perspective that emphasizes the importance of every personal journey, regardless of its scale, to the overarching fabric of society. Moreover, displaying these works directly on the gallery’s raised floor encourages viewers to reflect on their own roles within these narratives, fostering a communal sense of responsibility and a hopeful look towards creating a sustainable yet modern future.