UAE | Heritage and Culture
Masterpieces at the Art Oasis
30 artists of different nationalities are showcasing paintings, sculptures and installations at the Arts Oasis in Wafi.
- By Amelia Naidoo, Staff Reporter
- Published: 00:02 July 31, 2008
- Art lovers will have a chance to see the region's hottest new talent at the Art Oasis in Wafi as part of the Dubai Summer Surprises 2008 celebrations.
- Image Credit: Vazhisojan/Gulf News
30 artists of different nationalities are showcasing paintings, sculptures and installations at the Arts Oasis in Wafi.
Art lovers will have a chance to see the region's hottest new talent at the Art Oasis in Wafi as part of the Dubai Summer Surprises 2008 celebrations.
With more than 30 artists showcasing their paintings, sculpture and installations, the event is regarded as an important platform for emerging artists.
This year's theme is Emerging Contemporary Art in Dubai, with Wafi visitors having the opportunity to interact with participating artists. On show until August 6, the event has enjoyed popularity since its inception in 2006.
Yousuf Mubarak, Dubai Shopping Festival chief operations officer, says, “Arts Oasis has come a long way in being able to attract some of the finest artists in the country.
The multinational character of the participants is an attraction as much as their works of art and the event is an inclusion that demonstrates the diverse nature of events we organise for visitors during DSS."
“The increase in the number of participants this year is testament to the popularity of the event for artists in Dubai."
The artists include the likes of Arab artist Abdul Qader Al Hassan Mubarak who has devoted more than 30 years to painting in watercolours. His works on display are simple landscapes of intense colours and shapes.
Anand Channar, who is one of the most senior and well-established Indian artists working in the Middle East, has vibrant and expressive mixed-media works such as acrylic, metal and wood using state of the art technology. His new acrylic architectural art, which will be exhibited, is unique in its use of material and visual appeal he says.
People and cultures
Artist Peter Lawrence, who is also displaying his works, started painting in Saudi Arabia where he worked as a water and environmental engineer in the early 1980s. He has trained with various prominent watercolour artists and has been strongly influenced by Michael Morgan and Mike Barnard from the United Kingdom.
It is, however, the landscapes, people and cultures of the Middle East that have captured his imagination and prompted him and author Mike Shepley, to produce a book of paintings and anecdotes, Al Khaleej & Beyond this year.
South African Stephanie Neville's art is inspired by her memories of Africa: the sights, sounds and colours of the vibrant and versatile people, the struggled history of apartheid and the hopes and dreams for the future.
Her influences come from Bushmen rock drawings, as well as South African artists such as Walter Batiss and Judith Mason. She is not limited to Africa alone, but enjoys experimenting with different cultural styles and applications, particularly Aboriginal pointillism and decorative Maori tattoo art.
Dubai through the decades
A photography exhibition documenting Dubai's rapid development from fledgling fishing village to international city will be launched at Ibn Battuta Mall today. Showcasing Dubai residents' memories captured on film, the exhibition is inspired by the Dubai As It Used To Be website which is the brainchild of long-time resident Len Chapman. The exhibition will be on display until August 7.
Learning curve
Students participating in the DSS 2008 Apprenticeship Programme have successfully concluded their internship programme taking away valuable work experience and offering fresh ideas on improving future festivals in the city.
The two-week travel and tourism programme provided students from prominent marketing faculties in the Middle East, North Africa and UK exposure in marketing and event management by working closely with professionals who help make DSS one of the most high profile events in the region.
Students suggested DSS organisers set up programmes to discover the musical talents of UAE residents, mini Modhesh villages at shopping malls, classes on Islam and more activities that cater to children with special needs.
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