Dubai: Four promising artists have created 30 colourful artworks, each telling a unique story of life — as visualised by them — through a series of vibrant images.
The exhibition honours student winners of the previous year by rewarding their paintings at Gallery 76.
Last year's first winners were Judy Shinnick, an Irish national, Johanne Flanagan from New Zealand, Indian expatriate Preeti Kaur Anand and Jeff Scofield, an American.
Anand and Shinnick spoke to Gulf News about their passion for art. Preeti is a huge fan of Picasso, Rembrandt, M.F. Hussain, Raza, and Van Gogh.
Despite obtaining a Masters degree in marketing, Preeti says that she always felt that there was something else she needed to pursue.
Drawn toward colour
"In fact, I have felt very excited and drawn toward art shops and used to love the ambience of being surrounded by colours and brushes.
"So one day I decided to quit my well-paying job to take a plunge in the sea of art. Then I decided to professionally equip myself with knowledge and techniques of painting and thus my journey started two years ago," the 34 year old said.
Asked about the school of art she's drawn to, she said: "My work depicts a very abstract form with impressionistic work... I have been practising since the past two years. I also have a soft corner for figurative art."
Asked whether she got the opportunity to take part in previous exhibitions, she said, "I did indeed, but so far all [have been] within Dubai, such as the two exhibitions held at the Dubai International Art Centre in 2008 and 2009, Dubai Ladies Club in 2009 and the recent one was at Mondo Art Gallery."
Preeti is convinced that the UAE is witnessing an extraordinary exposure to art.
"Undoubtedly, the UAE is moving forward in the right direction, where art is concerned, and [the] artists' community is thriving with the support from the government and art galleries.
"Artists in the UAE is fortunate to have exposure to various art forms from different parts of the world, thanks to the multi-cultural nature of the UAE society," the Dubai-based artist said.
Experienced
Shinnick is a watercolourist with 20 years experience.
She generally suggests images and then likes the viewer to interpret them, "I like to take traditional subjects and give them a contemporary twist."
She graduated from the College of Art in Ireland and attended various workshops and classes with internationally-renowned artists.
Regarding the colours that she is attached to, she said: "I usually work with a warm palette, such as orange, gold and red and they form a recognisable aspect of my paintings."
Asked if there were any international artists, historic or modern, whose work she valued, she said: "I admire the artistic imagination of American painter Karyln Holman with whom I've studied the French Impressionists."
Achievements
She added: "This is my first exhibition in Dubai. However, I had two solo exhibitions in Ireland at the International Festival."
Asked what she looks forward to achieve as an artist, she replied: "I look forward to growing as an artist and have recently ventured into new arenas my aim is to paint distinctive pieces that are as individual as a signature and easily recognisable yet collectable art."
- WHAT: Group Art Exhibition
- WHERE: Gallery 76 at the Dubai International Art Centre
- WHEN: Until April 11
