The 13th edition of the Sikka Art & Design Festival has officially opened its doors, bringing together a diverse array of artistic expressions from across the region. Among the standout exhibits this year is “Echoes,” an innovative installation created by Filipino artists Yasha Estrada and Martin Yambao, showcased under Memoryall, a visual multimedia studio known for merging art and technology to create captivating experiences.
Housed at Studio Thirteen, Community House 357, Echoes utilizes real-time motion capture technology, fused with the textures of Al Shindagha, to project fluid, interactive visuals onto a holographic mesh. The result is an installation that responds to audience movement, creating a dynamic interplay between historical elements and modern digital expression.
Bridging the past and the contemporary
According to Estrada, Echoes was born from a desire to create a dialogue between history and modernity. The textures of Al Shindagha—one of Dubai’s oldest heritage sites—are layered into the digital display, reinforcing the contrast between tradition and technology.
“The concept of Echoes was inspired by the blend of history and modernity, which creates a dialogue between the past and the contemporary, bridging time and space in a sensory experience,” Estrada shared with The Global Filipino Magazine.
Audiences are invited to interact with the installation in their own way—whether by moving within the space to manipulate the visuals or simply observing its transformations. This accessibility adds to its universal appeal, allowing visitors to engage on both a physical and emotional level.
Challenges in bringing Echoes to life
While the final presentation of Echoes is seamless, Estrada and Yambao revealed that the installation process was not without hurdles. The biggest challenge was mounting the mesh—ensuring that it was both visually striking and structurally secure in a high-traffic walkway.
“We had to figure out how to position it in a way that looked good, while also ensuring it wouldn’t get damaged, since the alley is a busy walkway,” Estrada explained.
Despite these challenges, the end result is a mesmerizing fusion of art and technology that adds a fresh, interactive dimension to this year’s festival.
For Estrada and Yambao, being part of Sikka Art & Design Festival 2025 is more than just an opportunity to showcase their work—it’s a milestone for Filipino artists in the UAE.
“Being a part of Sikka as a Filipino artist is an opportunity to inspire fellow artists to showcase their work on a global stage. It’s about encouraging creativity, expanding horizons, and connecting with an international audience,” Estrada emphasized.
With over 250 artists participating across 19 themed houses, the Sikka Art & Design Festival continues to be a platform for emerging and established artists alike, celebrating creativity in all its forms.
The Sikka Art & Design Festival 2025 runs from January 31 to February 9 at Al Shindagha Historic Neighbourhood, welcoming visitors daily from 4:00 PM – 11:00 PM on weekdays and 4:00 PM – 12:00 AM on weekends. Entry is free, but registration is required.
Visitors can explore exhibitions like Realiity House 341, curated by Dr. Ahmad AlAttar, which merges traditional art with modern technology, or TODA House 349, which presents digital works in collaboration with the Theatre of Digital Art (TODA). Other highlights include the Khaleeji House 353, which delves into dreams and transformation through photography and installations.
