Dubai: The opening of Art Dubai saw visitors from every corner of the globe and from all walks of life, such as artists, intellectuals and students, gathering at Madinat Jumeirah to experience the artistic pulse of the city.
Art Dubai also welcomed Shaikha Manal Bint Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, wife of Shaikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister of the UAE and Minister of Presidential Affairs, accompanied by high-profile women from UAE society.
Shaikha Manal is the President of the Dubai Women Establishment and President of Dubai Ladies Club. She toured the halls of the exhibition and viewed the artworks, interacting with the local and international exhibitors and appreciating their efforts, and said art strengthens communication between cultures.
Najat Makki, an Emirati artist presented by the local Hunar gallery, said: "Art Dubai is the best place to meet with our counterparts from different parts of the world and exchange experiences."
Makki, who makes sure not to miss the annual gathering of prominent artists in the region, added: "This year I'm showcasing two of my artworks under the title of ‘Nature'.
"Art Dubai is very important to take part in, especially for us Emirati artists, as we actually have a lot of responsibility on our shoulders being the citizens of the host city. Artists from all over the world gather in Dubai to get to know the art scene in our country and to know more about our culture."
Asked whether she thinks Art Dubai, now in its fifth edition, has made a lot of improvements in its style and content over the years, she replied: "Undoubtedly, big improvements (have been made) and I'm positive the next edition will also be more advanced than the current one.
"This is in fact the vision of His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minster of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai, to always present the best and he has excelled in executing his vision of excellence.
"However, I would like to send out a message to the people in charge of Art Dubai to pay more attention to the presence of Emirati artists at the event because I have noticed we were in a minority last year and, unfortunately, this year as well. Maybe with more effort the management can double the presence of locals."
Turkish art also has a presence in at Art Dubai and is presented by Rodeo gallery. "Art Dubai is better than ever," said Sylvia Khouvali, the representative of the gallery. "This is our first time here as exhibitors but we have been regular visitors at previous editions. We are showcasing three artists and we appreciate the interaction between the participants."
Leila Heller of American Gallery, owner of LTMH gallery, said: "My gallery showcases contemporary art from all over the world, with a slant towards those from the Middle East. My gallery has a philosophy of encouraging emerging artists, but it has to be someone I relate to who is also doing cutting edge work in a lot of ways. Most importantly, the art has to be a dialogue between East and West.
"Speaking of dialogue, we have a lot of educational programmes around our shows to educate people."
Iranian artist Farideh Lashai is showcasing her work which has mixed influences, employing a number of techniques and messages.
"My artwork expresses the revolution of art in various dimensions. Viewer will hear the voice of the legendary Egyptian singer Umm Kulthum, who sings about freedom and hope. They will also see the famous English actor Charlie Chaplin playing his role of Hitler, bouncing a globe in his hands to mirror his desire to control the world in the last century," Lashai said.
"All are presented in an artistic yet ironic manner, reflecting the current democratic revolutions in the Middle East."
Emiratis visitors Hala Al Hassan, Nahala Al Sharafi and Alia Sultan were seen appreciating the showcased artworks and the uniqueness that all the works depicted, as well as the messages they held.
What: The fifth edition of Art Dubai
Where: Madinat Jumeirah
When: March 16-19
