Opinion
MAWD co-founder James White speaks to Deepa Bhatia and Rachael Brown about Capsule Arts' remarkable journey over the past decade supporting local talent and suppliers in the UAE
Capsule Arts is a Dubai-grown art consultancy established in 2012 by Managing Director Deepa Bhatia and Creative Director Rachael Brown. With a mission to enhance spaces through art, Capsule Arts has become a trusted name in the industry, working with clients across hospitality, F&B, corporate spaces, and the public realm.
Capsule Arts has over a decade of experience in the industry. How would you describe the company’s evolution over the past 12+ years, and what key factors have shaped its position as the Middle East’s leading art consultancy?
Rachael Brown: Capsule Arts’ vision is to enhance everyday spaces through art, and over the years, we’ve grown into a trusted consultancy across the GCC. A cornerstone of our evolution has been our commitment to creating original art experiences that align with each project’s unique narrative. By collaborating with local talent, fostering meaningful partnerships, and staying attuned to cultural shifts in the region, we’ve built a strong foundation of authenticity and innovation that continues to shape our position as leaders in the industry.
By championing local production and fostering technical expertise within the region, Capsule Arts has played a pivotal role in the growth of the Middle East’s creative industry.
The Middle East is undergoing a cultural renaissance with a strong focus on art and design. How does Capsule Arts adapt its strategies to reflect and amplify this regional art movement?
Deepa Bhatia: I was born in Dubai and Rachael’s been here since 2007 so we’ve been at the heart of the region’s art and design growth witnessing it’s maturity first hand. We’ve also contributed to this movement by championing local artists and providing opportunities for them to produce and sell their art.
Rachael Brown: While the art narrative and curatorial vision stems from the interior design and brand, we also focus on the location and bringing originality to our projects. Since we have a strong research-led approach it ensures our projects reflect regional traditions while embracing contemporary aesthetics to bring a fresh perspective, constantly evolving so the artworks are not predictable or tied down by trends.
This is where our collaboration with regional artists is key as we aim to amplify their voices and unique take on the narrative. As we’ve grown as a company we’ve also cultivated a strong team with their own artistic capabilities which has allowed us to produce art designs as part of our own studio.
With the inclusion of local artists becoming a priority in countries like Saudi Arabia, how does Capsule Arts approach integrating local talent while balancing global influences?
Rachael Brown: Our approach focuses on celebrating the originality of local talent especially when it comes to placing artwork in prime areas or focal points, as these are important touchpoints between the property and the audience. We further enrich the art collection with works that purposely bring a global perspective or offer an interesting juxtaposition to create dialogue.
It's important to us to include talent that is local to a project as we truly believe this patronage of artists adds immense value to the experience. Their unique perspective is tangible in the energy it creates and lasting memories it creates. I emphasis this because it’s important we celebrate this artistic voice and not try and mould emerging talent to fit a western aesthetic ideal.
I’d like to comment that the majority of regional artists are very engaged in the global art scene and therefore their work is naturally maturing to hold it’s strength on a global scale. Artists are well travelled, often educated overseas or at internationally renowned institutions, yet come from a rich culture that influences their work and perspective– and I don’t want them to ever lose sight of that. This mix is producing some very exciting artwork. It’s an exciting time to be working in the region.
As trends like art commodification and repetitive designs emerge, how does Capsule Arts ensure originality and authenticity in its curated art packages?
Deepa Bhatia: Originality is at the core of our process. We start each project by exploring our client's vision and the story of the design, the navigation of the space, and ensuring the final outcome is both meaningful and unique. Research and collaboration play crucial roles in this. We work with artists to create bespoke, site-specific works, often experimenting with materials to ensure every piece is authentic and impactful.
By working with local artists or those whose skillsets align with the project's materiality, we ensure each collection feels authentic and reflective of its cultural context. For example, when working on a heritage project in Saudi Arabia, we drew inspiration from Najdi architecture, respecting cultural heritage while offering a fresh, enriching interpretation.
This process not only guarantees originality but also fosters cross-cultural dialogue and inclusivity, expanding our artistic horizons and promoting deeper cultural understanding.
By working with local artists or those whose skillsets align with the project's materiality, we ensure each collection feels authentic and reflective of its cultural context.
As you transition into the next decade with ambitious growth plans, what new opportunities or markets in the Middle East excite you the most for Capsule Arts?
Deepa Bhatia: The diversification of cultural hubs in the Middle East is incredibly exciting. Saudi Arabia remains a major focus with its cultural investments, but places like Ras Al Khaimah, Doha and Oman are also emerging as creative destinations. These regions are embracing art to define their unique identities, and we’re thrilled to contribute through original, narrative-driven projects that tell their stories and leave lasting impressions.
We work with artists to create bespoke, site-specific works, often experimenting with materials to ensure every piece is authentic and impactful.
What role do you see Capsule Arts playing in fostering the local art and design ecosystem in the UAE and beyond, particularly in terms of increasing technical expertise and supporting sustainable practices?
Deepa Bhatia: At Capsule Arts, fostering the local art ecosystem is central to our mission. We collaborate closely with local craftsmen, providing skill-building opportunities and promoting innovation. Sustainability is also key to our approach. To us, sustainability means creating long-term investments rather than trend-driven pieces. We focus on materials, processes, and tools that minimize environmental impact, ensuring that the art we produce is built to last.
We also prioritize buying local, which not only supports the economy but strengthens the art ecosystem. Over the years in the GCC, we've seen a direct impact on artists' livelihoods and manufacturing capabilities, which has led to more sustainable practices. Our role is to champion these efforts, encouraging the art community to adopt practices that contribute to a more sustainable and thriving industry.
Our role is to champion these efforts, encouraging the art community to adopt practices that contribute to a more sustainable and thriving industry.
The interior design landscape in the Middle East is evolving rapidly, with new cultural hubs emerging in places like Abu Dhabi and Ras Al Khaimah. How do you see art shaping the future of these regions, and what global influences do you predict will play a role in their design identity?
Rachael Brown: It’s a really interesting time for regional design as many historic buildings or properties are going through renovations or refurbishments. From this a unique design aesthetic for the region is emerging and I hope this will influence new builds moving forward. Art within these spaces can be very powerful in taking this design identity to the next level. While global influences such as sustainability, technology and cross-cultural collaborations will play a vital role, it will be the weaving together of traditions, crafts, and stories that will drive impactful art experiences in these spaces.
