A Mexican Artist’s Tribute to Sheikh Zayed

Now based in Abu Dhabi, Leonardo Partida Prieto blends craftsmanship and cultural reverence in a sculptural homage to the UAE’s Founding Father, crafted in wood, born in the desert, and shaped by gratitude.

Leonardo Partida Prieto is a Mexican self-taught plastic artist. He is not afraid to explore new, challenging forms of expression by working with innovative materials and tools. His style is very original, working with different layers and many colour tints to create powerful visual effects. For Partida Prieto, art is not a job; it is a personal passion and a spiritual haven. It is a place where he can freely express himself, his thoughts, and ideas, opening the door for many discussions:  Partida Prieto has participated in numerous exhibitions at renowned museums, art galleries, and art fairs worldwide. One of the most significant accolades in his career came when he was selected by the Société Nationale des Beaux-Arts, Paris, to participate in the renowned Salon des Beaux-Arts at the Carrousel du Louvre. He is now based in Abu Dhabi. Since moving to the UAE, he has discovered different cultural perspectives and personal experiences that he has been incorporating into his outstanding artworks.

What inspired you to create a sculptural tribute to Sheikh Zayed, and how did you begin conceptualizing it? 

 The conception of this artwork came to me while I was in the Liwa Desert in January 2023. I stood at the top of a dune early in the morning and saw my shadow being cast by the sunlight. In that magical instant, I imagined an artwork that could interact with various spaces and backgrounds by subtly merging with them and playing with the shadows, rather than being placed as a foreground element. I've been calling the UAE my home for nearly five years now. Being there in the desert on that day and feeling so grateful is why I thought of His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, Founder of the UAE, and no one else.

What's the significance of these materials and dimensions?

I wanted the piece to be almost real size. I don't know how tall Sheikh Zayed was, but I was convinced that if the piece stood around 180-185cm tall, it would work for what I had in mind. When it comes to working with wood, I prefer to do everything by myself, and cutting wood is something I enjoy doing. I know how to do it, which is why I chose wood. Regarding the number of timber beams I used for the piece, it was the exact amount needed to achieve the required height.

What does this visual choice mean to you?

An iconic picture of Sheikh Zayed inspires the piece. This picture was taken in the 1960s, shortly after he was named the Ruler of Abu Dhabi, and it was taken during a parade with the Armed Forces. This picture is in black and white, and it worked perfectly to create this piece. I could trace his silhouette with the wood, leaving this space in between, the so-called negative space, and it worked in perfect harmony to give dimension to a flat piece. 

How did you balance traditional craftsmanship with modern symbolism?

My art is modern because I strive to create as much impact as possible. However, I love working with my hands; cutting and sanding the wood is like therapy for me. I could use technology to my advantage and work ten times faster, but the feeling is different. I continually invest 100% in each piece, both physically and emotionally. The result is modern, but the process is traditional; more than a balance, it's a journey. 

Why did you choose to mark Sheikh Zayed's 105th birthday?

The 105th was a coincidence; I finished the piece exactly at that time, May 2023. But the summer was around the corner, and I knew I had to think about a new name because by the time I could have started showing the piece, the 105th mark would have been long gone. Then I thought about "The Founding Father," and that is the most appropriate name, the perfect name. 

As a Mexican artist, how did you navigate the cultural responsibility of honoring an Emirati leader?

Yes, I am a Mexican artist, but I am a resident of the UAE. This is now my home, and I love living here. I'm so grateful, and that's why I wanted to create this piece, a piece of the Founding Fathers. Without Sheikh Zayed's vision, everything would be completely different. It's even more special for me since I'm based in Abu Dhabi.

How has the UAE community reacted to the piece?

The community has reacted very positively towards the piece. It's very different from what they have seen, and they love it especially when we play with lights and cast shadows, which is the primary purpose of the whole piece. I still need to take it to the desert, that's where the idea was born, and that's where I need to see the piece interacting with nature.