An Insight of the Past: Through the Lens of Ala Younis

• By: Wayne Archer C. Bado - January 13, 2026

ABU DHABI — Students from St. Raphael D’Archangel Institute (SRA), Grades 10 to 12, stepped into a reflective journey through history, memory, and creativity during their recent visit to Ala Younis: Past of a Temporal Universe, a retrospective exhibition held at New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD).

The exhibition, which surveys two decades of Ala Younis’ artistic practice, explores themes of absence, forgotten narratives, and the experience of living and creating within the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Through archival materials, installations, and visual storytelling, Younis invites viewers to reconsider how history is recorded and remembered over time.

Guided by Mr. Leo, SRA students from Grades 10 to 12 actively engaged with the artworks, asking insightful questions and drawing connections between the exhibition’s themes and their own academic subjects, particularly history, art, and global studies. The visit encouraged students to think critically about how the past shapes the present and how art can serve as a powerful tool for preserving cultural identity.

Many students expressed curiosity and inspiration, noting how the exhibition challenged conventional ways of understanding history. The experience not only broadened their appreciation for contemporary art but also highlighted the importance of creative expression in documenting societal change.

The educational trip proved to be both informative and engaging, offering SRA senior high school students a meaningful opportunity to learn beyond the classroom. By immersing themselves in Ala Younis’ work, the students gained valuable insight into the role of artists in interpreting history and shaping collective memory—making the visit a memorable and enriching experience.