Expressing creativity through colours

For many, art is simply a medium for interpretation and beauty. But for us, prospective young artists from Dubai, it is more of an insight into our cognitive and emotional ideology. Art expresses our ambition, beliefs, simplistic messages and memorable experiences, which lace the vast fabric of life with harmony and balance. Art is our chosen language of communication.

The teenage years hold a great amount of possibility and potential, like the birth of a new star in the cosmos — mysterious and enthralling. Similar to that, an idea was born when Neamah Hussain created a platform for youthful amateur artists to share their talents and have a global voice.

‘T.E.E.NAge' in a nutshell, is Teamwork, Energy, Enthusiasm and Networking. It brings together the teenagers and youth of Dubai, engaging themselves creatively and constructively in this year's exhibition.

From December 18-30, 2011, the work of artists, aged 13-21, was displayed at the Manu Chhabria Gallery at the Dubai Community Theatre and Arts Centre (Ductac). Some of the proceeds from the sold paintings were donated to the globally revered Red Crescent Society and the rest were given to the artists as pay. Out of 92 sign-ups, 124 submissions and an intense selection process, 71 were chosen to represent the theme of identity with their interpretation of ‘My Life in Colour' in a variety of mediums, ranging from photography to acrylics.

The submissions were from the The Winchester School, Heriot-Watt University, Dubai International Academy, Dubai Gem Private School, The American University of Sharjah, The Oxford School and St Mary's Catholic High School.

In addition to the gratitude felt for such an opportunity, the best works of 10 students were chosen to attend an exclusive critique session at Ductac. It was an absolutely enlightening experience, truly stepping into the professional world of art and symbolism.

With such an amazing turnout for the first exhibition, we encourage everyone to look out for annual events and even support us on our Facebook page, T.E.E.NAge. A special thank you to Ductac, Red Crescent Society and all the participating schools, universities, volunteers, participants and parents for making this first event a magnificent success!

— The reader is a Grade 12 student at the Winchester School, Dubai.

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