French student takes Emergent Artist Award

Dubai: The inaugural Emergent Artist Award (EAA) selected a 22-year-old French student from Lyon, among participants from 118 countries. The competition, organised by Alliance Française Dubai, is part of the French cultural organisation's mission to position the UAE as an integral participant in the international art scene.

Julie De Waroquier won the award for her photography project entitled ‘Chimeras' that showcases real life twins. The first-time visitor to the country told Gulf News yesterday that she was selected among 300 international entries. "I didn't expect this big, global recognition. This contest had a minimal fee and a broad theme. Through this award, my work will be exhibited in Dubai and France through a road show of three solo exhibitions. I also get the honour of being part of the EAA's selection jury in 2013." In the past, De Waroquier has won 10 awards, including Nikon Photographic Walks (2011) and Hahnemühle — DarQroom (2011). Of UAE's art scene she said, "I heard of Dubai, but didn't realise that it had such a dynamic art environment where up-and-coming artists are easily recognised. For an artist, this place sends the message — anything is possible."

Phenomenal response

The Award director, Rebia Naim, said that the international response — quality of entries and number — to the competition was phenomenal, with artists expressing their interest to exhibit in the UAE. She told Gulf News, "This was the first edition; we had more than 500 international entries within two months of the open call. The participants loved the idea of exhibiting in the UAE. They were attracted to this space because the art market in Europe and most other countries is saturated. An emerging artist finds it hard to shine. The appeal of the award was the opportunity to have their own road show and to establish their reputation on a global scale."

The EAA awarded the second place to French Olivia and Vincent Leriche Goutal for their series ‘Modern World' and the third to Japanese artist Naohiro Nanomiya for his project ‘Taki Waterfall'. The next edition of the EAA will include new categories such as Mixed Media, Video Art and Painting as well as an exclusive category for Emirati artists.

"We had only photography for the first award. We need to build bigger projects involving more Emiratis. Work is under way," she added.

Information

• What: Emergent Artist Award exhibition
• When: Till March 31
• Where: Sofitel Dubai Jumeirah Beach, Dubai