Rendezvous with creativity: Nooree Juneja speaks on her bonds with art

Nooree Juneja is a Dubai-based calligrapher, painter and designer, who has been actively involved in the city’s art scene for over a decade. She began her art journey in 2016 by hosting small workshops and pop-ups, building her place within the creative community. Early in her career, her design work appeared on billboards and signage in Dubai Mall — an experience that gave her both visibility and the confidence to begin exhibiting her own personal work.

Over the years, she has showcased her paintings across galleries in Dubai and internationally, while also collaborating with organisations such as UAE Police, Emirates Global Aluminium, Shurooq and Ajala project. Over time, her work has reached a broad audience, placing her within the ongoing cultural conversation in the UAE. In 2024, her work was featured in the Ras Al Khaimah Art Festival, where she received appreciation from the emirate’s leadership.

Portrait of calligraphy.

Alongside her work as an artist, Nooree has expanded her practice into curation, working closely with Crossborders Art Gallery in Al Quoz. The gallery recently (Apr. 10 – 17) hosted a group exhibition with an initiative to celebrate emerging voices in the UAE art scene. “If you look at this curation, you will notice soft tones and peaceful compositions throughout,” said Nooree. “I was truly happy to receive artworks centered around calm and gentle subjects; it reflects that the mindset of youth today is one of serenity and hope.”

The opening night saw a creditable turnout, with a lively crowd gathering to experience art, connection, and community. Among the standout artists featured were Jenna Harchaoui, Dana Kabbani and Ana Maroto, creatives whose work reflect bold, fresh perspectives, with significant market attention. The exhibition included a diverse range of international artists from Australia, Russia and Spain, creating a cultural dialogue in the space.

From earth to sky.

Nooree’s curatorial projects focus on supporting emerging artists based in the UAE, bringing together multidisciplinary practices including visual art, film, poetry and pottery and through both her artistic and curatorial work, she contributes to Dubai’s growing art scene. Nooree Juneja speaks to Gulf Today

What attracted you to calligraphy?

I was fascinated by how writing could be more than just text. Calligraphy turns words it into something expressive, alive and magical in my eyes.

Who are the calligraphy masters you trained under? What did you learn from them?

I studied calligraphy as a dedicated subject during university, where I learned the anatomy of letters and traditional scripts like Diwani and Naskh by Ustad Amir Asghar. I further expanded my practice through short courses in Oman and Qatar, focusing on different scripts and typography techniques.

Magic of calligraphy.

You like to effect calm and peace in your works. Why these subjects specially?

It’s very important to me as a creative to bring beauty and calm into the spaces I move in. In my work, I think of it like spoken words; when they are said gently and calmly, they touch the heart more deeply. I want my paintings to carry that same feeling. I want them to feel like visual poetry - simple, peaceful, and quietly soothing, for both the eyes and the heart.

Why do you like to use colours lavishly?

I’m naturally drawn to rich, layered colours. They add depth and make the work feel more alive.

Is there a dance element in your works? Do you make the letters dance?

I wouldn’t call it dance directly, but there’s definitely motion. The letters are always alive and in the flow.

Why do you paint letters thickly?

I’m glad you noticed that. I often work on one painting for months, layering each letter 8–10 times. It takes time and patience — but it feels very personal and almost like a complete, holistic practice for me.

What is the role of light in your works?

I use light in my calligraphy work the same way a figurative artist uses it — to build dimension. Many of my works look very 3D, even on a flat canvas, because I use my fine art education to make them feel like they’re popping out. On a metaphoric level, light has always been my motivation. I’ve always seen words as something that enlightens, educates and brings knowledge — like a burning candle. Literature as light has been a consistent theme in my work.

Nooree Juneja with her artworks.

You are also a curator. What is the sensibility a curator has to bring to artworks? Does a curator’s role end only with choosing and exhibiting art?

As a young artist, I used to look for people who would recognise my hard work and effort, and present it in the best way possible. Now, as I move into a more established phase, I want to give back to the community by doing the same for young artists. I want to listen to their stories and represent them in the most authentic way. Art reaches hearts when it is described and presented well. As a curator, my aim is to create that connection between the artist and the viewer so that work is not just seen, but felt, understood, and remembered.

Can you tell us how it was to work with brands like Dubai Police?

Working with Dubai Police was very impactful. It taught me how art can be used to engage people in more public and structured environments. And I’m very thankful to UAE for providing experiences like this, educating on how important creativity is for a happy and prosperous society.