Dubai: Art Sawa gallery (translated as ‘Art Together') recently hosted an extraordinary night of art, bringing Dubai's artists together to both raise money for charity and send out a humane message through their works.
The South African project has found open arms in Dubai and spontaneously attracted artists from all corners of the globe.
Proceeds from the event went to Dubai-based charity Gulf For Good for distribution to the Palestinian Children's Relief Fund. Attendees bought tickets for Dh50 and chose their pictures over the course of the evening.
Gulf News Senior Infographic Artist Guillermo Munro was among the participants:
He said: "The event witnessed a huge success observed in the unusual gathering of people from different walks of life, besides the unique tastes of the showcased arts.
"I believe the event did pretty well because there was very good pieces of art and it was an opportunity for everyone to pick good works of art at very affordable prices."
Major role
Regarding the role of art in the community he says: "As a matter of fact, these kinds of events mirror that we as artists are always willing to be part of the community and do our best to deliver the message of art to everyone, and I totally believe in that art has a very deep and sincere role that lies beneath the endless obstacles of life and always acts as a genuine tool of peace."
Peruvian artist, Liz Ramos Prado said: "When I knew about the event, I didn't hesitate to take part; being a graphic designer makes me always enjoy activities related to art. But the genuine purpose behind the illustrations is helping the less privileged people; this was a great gesture to do something I really like and at the same time to collaborate with an excellent purpose."
Prado, who contributed to the cause through her illustrations, believes that if anyone wants to help, the opportunity is always there.
"Well, no matter how big or small the role that you're going to play, just grab the chance and be visible in the community."
Awareness
Prado submitted five illustrations for the exhibition on the main night. Free coffee and other refreshments kept attendees going throughout the night.
British artist Robert Durrant was also there. "I helped create awareness for the art events taking place by creating an e-mailer postcard for one of the build-up events Doodle at the Walk. It was important to send out the message to get as many people as possible to come down and support the event. Five drawings were displayed with messages ranging from political to comical, to some very personal ones. For instance, one was influenced by a visit to an orphanage in India, where the children were bed ridden and unable to move," he said.The evening was complemented by a Doodle battle, where artists had 30 minutes to draw on transparent material on an overhead projector, after which the audience voted.
Inspiring
South African artist Emma Pinkerton explained: "It was inspiring to see such a brilliant collection of people from all walks of life, each with the sole ambition of doing what they could to help out. The environment was electric, it was a collection of artists, musicians, volunteers, art lovers and many more, all who gave up a bit of themselves, to help someone else. The more I drew, the more I developed my lines into a style. I think the only attempt is to get hem sold and help raise as much money as possible for the various charities."
Emma donated six drawings. All participants admitted that the displayed drawings had a special artistic message, which fitted perfectly with the humanist goal of the night.
