Filipino artist Mark Barretto with his mural on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi.

A Filipino artist in Dubai has achieved a new milestone by painting what is being hailed as the region's tallest art piece by a Filipino — a towering mural on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi. In an exclusive interview with Expat Media, visual artist Mark Barretto, widely known in the art community as ALLDEFS, shared the story behind his striking mural titled “Dream.” “This marks a major milestone in my career and Philippine artistry, being the tallest art piece by a Filipino artist in the region,” Barretto told Expat Media. The project was curated by Crisp Arthouse and commissioned by leading property developer Aldar. Barretto is the only Filipino artist selected among six artists from around the world chosen for this prestigious international project. Describing the mural, Barretto said the piece is deeply symbolic. “At the center of the mural is a spark-like character, symbolizing a guiding light. Surrounding it are waves of shapes and colors, representing the challenges and emotions we face as we navigate our dreams. Despite the turbulence, the spark remains steady, offering a sense of direction,” he explained. “Dream is more than a mural; it’s a message of resilience, belief, and the power of art to inspire. It reflects our shared journey and reminds us that hope is always within reach,” he added. Barretto is no stranger to creating public art in the UAE. In 2023, his mural titled “Tomorrow” was unveiled at Dubai’s historic Al Fahidi district during the Sikka Art and Design Festival, where he has been a featured artist three times. His mural, which remained on display for a year, was described by festival curators as one that “hopes to inspire the new generations to hold on to its roots in navigating the promises of tomorrow.” Blending street and urban culture, Barretto is known for infusing his art with vibrant characters and shapes across various mediums including paintings, prints, sculptures, and clothing. Some of his standout works are featured in adidas Originals stores in Manila, the Noon headquarters in Riyadh, DMCC Crypto Centre in Dubai, and Virgin Megastore in Abu Dhabi. Barretto has also represented Filipino artistry at international art events in the US, Mexico, Germany, Belgium, Italy, South Korea, Malaysia, Hong Kong, and the Philippines. His work continues to inspire, proving that dreams — when paired with vision and persistence — can rise to towering heights. PIA/ICA/Expat Media
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