Drawing in the crowds

Four Dubai-based artists recently proved a hit at a group exhibition that combined a total of 24 painters from Oman, Bahrain, Pakistan and India.

First Impressions, sponsored by Art Select, was a celebration of contemporary South Asian art and featured emerging and established artists, such as Indian painter Jaideep Mehratra, whose largest piece on display sold for a whopping Dh150,000.

The show, held at Dubai Grand Hyatt at the end of May, was a success, according to the organisers and the artists, because several paintings were sold there and then and more than 250 people turned up for the inauguration on May 22 despite it being the Indian Premier League semifinal!

“This show was important because it was the first time 14 artists had been introduced to the GCC audience,'' explained Kanika Suberwal, managing director of Art Select.

The four Dubai women, who range in age from 18 to 43, showcased very different types of works, from abstract to realism and a mix of both.

“This is my ninth show in Dubai and I feel the city has an immense capacity to absorb. What the market needs is something new. The artists have done credible work but some of them weren't yet given a platform,'' Suberwal said.

She added that when Art Select presents a show, she makes sure there is art for every taste and to suit every pocket.

For the youngest artist in the group, Alissa Fulton, the show was her first international exhibition.

Her works cover a variety of styles — from abstract to realistic — and she uses charcoal and oil for her more realistic pieces, such as Arab Girl.

“Most of my other pieces are more free and colourful, more abstract,'' she explained. For these, she uses acrylics and materials such as sand and coloured powders.

Indian painter Revati Gangal, 27, sold two of her four medium-sized paintings on the first night, costing between Dh5,000 and Dh7.000.

“It's certainly significant to participate in a show in Dubai, because the audience is new and you get this international exposure,'' she said. “Plus, Dubai is very happening and young. People are quite open-minded.''

Mazarine Memon, originally from India, showcased meaningful realistic pieces, such as Loneliness. “My work is based on the observations of the social responsibilities of a woman — as mother, daughter and sister,'' she explained.

Abstract devotee Priyanka Vohra Anand wowed visitors with her abstract pieces. “I find it extremely freeing. But I would like to start incorporating figures in my work,'' she said.

The 27-year-old Indian-born artist considers Dubai her home, since she has lived here for 23 years. “I love Dubai. It has given me so much,'' she said.