Artistic fusion

A "must see" in Abu Dhabi at the moment is the art exhibition, College Collage, by young Emaratis in the Main Hall of the Cultural Foundation.

On display are water colours, air brush paintings, calligraphy, graphic designs and much more. It is a feast for the eyes – the exquisite art work, the exciting and sometimes startlingly refreshing ideas, as well as the high degree of expertise.

Apart from formal traditional paintings, there are stamp designs, pop art posters, tourism posters and layouts suitable for the advertising world. Each is unique and stimulating, inviting the viewer to study the picture from different angles.

The exhibits show proficiency in graphic design and electronic media production. Here are minds obviously organised, creative and highly skilled. Many of the images represent a harmonisation of the traditional values and contemporary techniques. This unique fusion reflects the challenge facing many young Emaratis – to maintain cultural identity while embracing high-end modern technology.

The College Collage is the work of the students and faculty in the Applied Media Studies Programme at the Abu Dhabi Men's College, Higher Colleges of Technology. A comprehensive three-year programme of studies, this course covers the areas of radio broadcasting, graphic design, multi-media production and journalism.