Dubai: A Dubai resident known for wearing every piece of trash she generates is reinforcing her message this month to reduce waste by showcasing her recycled artwork at the World Art Dubai exhibition. Opened on Wednesday, the exhibition taking place at Dubai World Trade Centre until April 21 is an affordable art platform where worldwide galleries present art lovers with a variety of artworks ranging from $100 to $20,000.
This year, around 300 artists and galleries are showcasing their eclectic artworks during the flagship Dubai Art Season event.
More than 4,000 original contemporary artworks, paintings, sculptures, digital photographs and custom-made instillations are on display and up for sale at the exhibition.
Among them are Mariska Nell’s paintings that are made of a combination of pictures taken during her travel around the world, black and white paint, and a variety of recycled materials including milk bottles, soda cans, Nespresso capsules and water bottles.
With just five days left to conclude her monthlong ‘Waste me not’ campaign, which started on March 24, the South African national said taking part in the exhibition is another way to reinforce her message to the public.
“The message I want to send is to get people to look at their waste and find ways to reuse it and make something beautiful, transforming their trash into treasure,” said Nell.
On the 26th day of the challenge on Wednesday, Nell was standing at her booth carrying more than 50kg of waste tucked into her long trash suit and divided in a trolley beside her. The full-time artist continues to attract people to her cause through her unique art pieces and handmade recycled accessories.
The fourth season of the exhibition has also brought together more than 150 exhibitors from countries including the USA, the UK, India, China, Peru, Denmark and Germany.
New countries joining the exhibition this year include Australia, Belgium, China, Poland, Romania, Ukraine, Croatia, Macedonia, and Zimbabwe.
A dedicated national pavilion from Japan will also be hosting a VIP Japanese cultural evening featuring exclusive calligraphy sessions, music and entertainment on April 19.
Outside the exhibition, the Ripe Craft Market is open daily with dozens of local exhibitors displaying hand-crafted lifestyle gifts, arts, crafts and furniture, as well as fashion and jewellery.
Meanwhile, in celebration of the Year of Zayed, Forever Rose will be showcasing an inspired portrait of Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan at the show. The portrait is inspired by a photo taken in 1957, which is part of an extensive collection in the UAE National Archives.
World Art Dubai 2018 is open from 2pm to 9pm till April 21. The ticket costs Dh25 on-site.
