Art lovers flock to learn Origami

The Flower Surprises week of the Dubai Summer Surprises has transformed the city's shopping centres into floral gardens and also offered visitors a chance to learn about special art forms, including Origami.

Through special daily workshops at BurJuman mall, participants learned about Origami, the ancient art of making objects with paper which dates back to the 4th century AD.

"Origami started out with simple representations such as a boat, crane, etc being made. As time advanced many new Origami creations were conceived. However, because it required following precise directions, the art form was not well received by educators of that time, who put emphasis on originality.

"Thanks to the other qualities like patience, skill, perseverance and creativity that it teaches, Origami regained its popularity," said Lu Yong, a Chinese visiting Dubai.

The popularity of this ancient Japanese art of making various shapes and forms with paper has transcended the language barrier.

"The only material used is colourful paper of different sizes and shapes to form beautiful, artistic creations without the use of special tools. It's very relaxing to work with paper and make such amazing items," said Ameera Zoheb, a workshop participant from Pakistan.

"Origami not only gives birth to many imaginative and novel creations, but its educational worth and immense potential is also being recognised. I cannot wait to share this knowhow with my friends during the summer break," said Riba Salman, a workshop participant who has come from Jordan.

Flowers Friends, a unique group of flower lovers from around the world, arranged a special flower exhibition during the Flower Surprises Week.

The group has organised a display at the Dubai World Trade Centre of a variety of items related

to flowers, including books, paintings by well-known artists, handicrafts, and candles, as well as many products that contain some form of flower design.

The exhibition is also selling flower-shaped sculptures, traditional clothes with flower patterns, pottery with Islamic mural designs, accessories, and flower tea.

"This is the first time we have launched such a unique event sponsored by our group. This exhibition is for people of all ages as it contains popular books, handicrafts, paintings, flower teas, candles, and sculptures.

"This event is considered to be a cultural show and registers good attendance. I expect the number of visitors to go up because of the exhibition's artistic and cultural value," said Fatma Bin Byat, a member of the Flowers Friends group.

The main objective of the exhibition is to promote flowers and highlight its important role in a society. The group also aims to motivate and sponsor talented people, said an official of Flowers Friends.

"Our broad goals are educational, artistic and humanitarian. These goals are accomplished by a teamwork that develops successful bonds with the cosmopolitan society of the UAE," the official said.