The Abu Dhabi Ladies Annual Art Exhibition from today until February 17 will feature paintings by hobbyists, amateurs and professional artists

The Abu Dhabi Cultural Foundation will host the Abu Dhabi Ladies Annual Art Exhibition from today until February 17 from 7.30pm at the Delma Corner.

The exhibition will feature artworks by 17 artists of the Abu Dhabi Ladies Art Group.

There are 32 registered members of the art group ranging from hobbyists and amateurs to professional artists.

“Drawing and painting take my mind off everyday routine. It frees my mind, so I can relax and enjoy my life more,” says artist Rajni Madhra.

The reasons for these women attending the sessions every Saturday vary. Some focus on their own ideas while others like to see and learn new techniques.

Art group

Exhibitor Mari Metcalfe explains her reason for joining, “While wandering in the world, I can express my individuality and find my identity through art.” She says, “In this group I share friendships and other artistic perspectives.”

“The art group is a place where an artist finds her hidden potential, her creativity in art, besides interacting with women of other nationalities,” says artist Suman Khetarpal Katyal.

Liza Green, the group’s co- ordinator, has been involved since she arrived in Abu Dhabi more than two years ago.

“I was a practising artist in Scotland and joined the group as a way to meet like-minded people,” says Liza.

She likes to combine different media such as stitch, textiles and fabrics in her art and will usually draw or photograph her ideas first. “I draw inspiration from the landscapes; the fragility of the ecosystem and what construction is doing to it,” Liza adds.

The UAE desert landscape and the Arabic buildings are a common feature or focus for these artists.

“The sand can appear in a range of different colours,” says well-known Finnish artist Sinikka Ahokas-Grohn, who has been a member of the group for six years.

Sinikka’s colourful silk paintings and greeting cards are already a favourite among residents of Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

Community project

The group was also involved in the Cultural Foundation’s local community project to copy the reliefs found on the inside walls of the old fort. This allowed the women to utilise their skills and share the decorative designs with the public.

The copies are now on display inside the permanent exhibition area of the Cultural Foundation.