Abu Dhabi exhibition proves a hit as artists display colourful works

Abu Dhabi: Prominent artists are currently displaying their creative art works in the capital, at the ArtParis-Abu Dhabi exhibition.

The event was inaugurated by Her Highness Shaikha Fatima Bint Mubarak, Chairperson of the UAE General Women's Union and Chairperson of the Arab Women's Organisation.

A number of the artists told Gulf News that they felt honoured to participate and display their works at the fair. Rachid Khimoune, a French\Algerian painter and sculptor based in Paris said: "I'm very interested to be part of this exhibition that brings together artists from all over the world in the Middle East."

Original works

He considers it a best opportunity to display his art works in the Arab region and at the same time to see original works produced in the region. Five of Khimoune's small sculptures from his collection dubbed "children of the world" are displayed in the exhibition.

They include 21 monumental bronze-casting carvings depicting children from all over the world. The modern contemporary arts exhibition will continue till November 21 with the participation of 58 galleries drawn worldwide, 700 artists from 22 countries, with more than 3300 creative works.

The annual event is held under the patronage of General Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, and organised in partnership with Abu Dhabi Authority For Culture and heritage (Adach), Tourism Development and Investment Company (TDIC).

Jalal Luqman, an Emirati artist who is displaying two paintings through an international art gallery, said "I'm proud to display my works with other high profile international artist. It's a chance for me to learn more about other artists and also improve my works."

Luqman's work titled "The Smile" attracted a big crowd as it looks like the famous Mona Lisa painting by Leonardo da Vinci.

Qatari artist Yousef Ahmad is displaying one piece of work at the fair, but for him the experience is very important. "It gives the real picture about what is happening in the region in the field of arts and how it is reflecting on the international level," he said.