Dubai: A Dubai teenager has put together an exhibition of 60 paintings worth thousands of dirhams to help children with special needs.
“All proceeds will go to a special training school for the disabled I have been associated with in the past,” said Keenan D’Abreo, the 15-year-old behind the four-day exhibition starting August 29 at DUCTAC, Mall of the Emirates.
Artex will feature exclusive first time works by 15 UAE-based artists, all teenagers like D’Abreo and all happy to be part of charity.
“I have done an acrylic pop art version of Audrey Hepburn and I am glad it’s up for everyone to see. I hope it’s bought because that will be my contribution to this cause,” said ambitious 15-year-old Iranian painter Elnaz about her solitary piece priced at Dh400.
Rachel Fernandes whose Indian Nights is priced at Dh600 told XPRESS, “It’s not only for a good cause, but also a great occasion for me to show the world what I am capable of. I am usually very reserved when it comes to my paintings, but now I am hoping more people will see and love my work.”
The 16-year-old has two more paintings on display.
Another impressive work is Dawn of December (Dh350) by Indian artist Anuthama Mahesh.
D’Abreo said he had to break open his personal ‘money-box’ to meet part of the expenses to host the big event.
“The venue facilitators were kind enough to give me a great rate and almost half the bill was taken care of by a kind sponsor. A quarter of the expenses were met by my parents and other family members, while I had saved up enough myself to pay for the remaining one fourth,” said the Gardens resident.
D’Abreo said the idea for Artex came to him on the sidelines of the ‘We Care’ Film Festival in which he was a volunteer.
“I also wanted to change people’s so-called perception of charity. In this case you buy a painting and by doing so not only do you give, but also get a great creation in return,” said the 11th grader at Delhi Public School.
