Dubai: If you’re passing by Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR) and see people riding horses, surfing a waterfall or fishing in a pond, don’t be surprised. They are simply exulting in the experience of being a part of the 3D Dubai Canvas Festival.
The entire 2km stretch of JBR has become a magnet for art lovers and others alike as 30 world-renowned artists showcase their exclusive three-dimensional artworks as part of the second edition of the Dubai Canvas street art festival.
Thousands of people have been flocking to the venue to have their perceptions tested by the artworks displayed on the walls and pavements and take photos of themselves with the works. Many also have taken the chance to join the workshops and activities held daily on the sidelines of the event.
Organisers of the festival, Brand Dubai, the creative arm of the Government of Dubai Media Office (GDMO), in partnership with JBR said the open-air art gallery will continue to welcome visitors until March 14, where they can interact closely with the artists and gain an understanding of their techniques, use of materials and creative approach.
One of the artists who created a buzz this year was Dutch pop-surrealist artist Leon Keer, who said this is his second time at the Festival after painting at the inaugural event last year. This year, he said he created four exclusive pieces to engage the audience.
“The audience have been very active at the festival this year and have understood the art very quickly. I have seen many interact with my pieces with no prompting,” he said.
“I have created four pieces — first up are the Gummy Bears, which are an internet sensation around the world. I have also created two giant murals called a Dolls Story and a 3D immersive painting around a cuckoo clock theme, all very fun and interactive,” he said.
Among the other prominent artists participating in the event are inventor of 3D street art Kurt Wenner; New York-based artist and cyborg activist Neil Harbisson; Portuguese street artist Odeith; London-based graffiti artist Fanakapan; Chinese street artist Qi Xinghua; and Brazilian street artist Eduardo Kobra.
People of all ages were spotted enjoying the diverse works consisting of 3D wall murals, floor murals, optical illusion paintings and tape art.
Rita Haddad, 23, Lebanese, said she visited the festival more than once to make sure she did not miss any of the works.
“It’s incredible how many of the artworks here have the power to play with viewer’s perception. From ceratin angles, it seems like the characters in the painting are emerging from the wall and the others sinking into the pavement,” she said.
Mirna Youssef, 30, Egyptian, said she liked how there are workshops arranged for both children and adults.
“The last time I visited the festival, I saw a lot of children enjoying their time in the workshops. I’m thinking about taking my son and nephew to one of them so they could learn something about art,” she said.
On Wednesday, the activities were cancelled due to the bad weather conditions and many of the artworks had to be covered up to avoid being damaged.
Aisha Bin Kalli, Project manager at Dubai Canvas Festival said they took all the precautions before the rain hit JBR.
“We checked the weather forecast and knew there was a storm coming. We covered all art pieces with plastic and removed the workshop areas and the lights for the public’s safety. Thankfully, none of the works were damaged,” she said.
All the activities have resumed and are open to people until the end of the festival. “There has been a huge response from the public to the festival and to the workshops. Children are being taught in some workshops to work with tape art and other mediums. Adults are also taking part in the artist workshops,” she said.
To view the calendar of events and announcements, visit Brand Dubai’s Instagram page.
