Dubai: Some of the world’s most innovative forms of street art will be on display at the second Dubai Canvas Festival taking place from March 1-14. Two of the artists presenting their unusual art forms at the Festival are Max Zorn, who creates pictures with nothing but adhesive tape, and SHOK-1, who draws stunning X-ray paintings on walls.
Organised by Brand Dubai, the creative arm of the Government of Dubai Media Office (GDMO), in cooperation with Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR), a renowned destination developed and managed by Dubai Properties (DP), the festival will feature over 60 works of well-known international, regional and local artists.
Amsterdam-based artist Zorn uses ordinary brown packing tape as his medium and a scalpel as a brush to create pictures. Zorn shapes layer upon layer of translucent tape on acrylic glass to create different shades, contrasts and depth that produce a stunning graphic effect. These artworks are then mounted on light boxes or hung on street lamps or windows. The light filtering through many layers of the tape brings the artwork to life.
The themes for Zorn’s creations range from shimmering skyscrapers to grandiose European decadence and disillusion. In just four years, his solo exhibitions and international resume span across innovative projects, global representation, and a celebrity clientele.
Another innovative artist to be featured in Dubai Canvas is SHOK-1, who spray-paints X-ray art on walls. His works present a diagnosis of life in the 21st century, sometimes in glowing health and other times pathological.
A stylish blend of street and science, SHOK-1’s paintings are enormously popular. New pieces get millions of views while print editions sell out rapidly. His new X-Pop series takes a look inside popular culture, visualising X-rays of major icons and characters. Though X-rays are one of the most difficult subjects to paint, SHOK-1 has pioneered cutting-edge freehand techniques that do not use tape or stencils to create his stunning works.
Ayesha Bin Kalli, member of the Organising Committee of the Dubai Canvas Festival, said, “We are keen to bring as a wide a range of leading innovative street artists as possible to the Festival. Both Max Zorn and SHOK-1 are iconic artists in the global street art community whose works will intrigue and amaze the audience at the Dubai Canvas Festival. The two artists will contribute to creating memorable experiences for the public at the festival.”
The works of these artists, along with that of 30 others from 14 countries, will be exhibited in an area stretching over two kilometres within Jumeirah Beach Residence in a way that encourages active public participation, engagement and interaction. In addition to the artworks, the festival will also feature many events on the sidelines, including custom-designed workshops and activities for different ages.
