All that I learnt in class

College of Fine Arts students at the University of Sharjah display their sculptures, paintings, drawings and photographs in an exhibition. Reema Saffarini was there

Pablo Picasso once said that every child is an artist, but the problem is to remain one once grown up. Students at the College of Fine Arts (CFA) at the University of Sharjah seemed to have solved the problem.

Their art exhibition, Shift, bore witness to their talent and imagination.

Their works included sculptures, paintings, drawings, photographs and prints. The exhibition showcased the range of skills the students - in various stages of study - had acquired.

"The work of first year students shows the various techniques they have learned. Sophomores and juniors, however, are exhibiting work they have produced in their studios. Each chose a theme or idea and represented it in various media," said Kimberly Lund, assistant professor and coordinator of the foundation programme at CFA.

Passion for art
Noura Al Zarouni, a sophomore, is "so into horses" that she decided that her artwork will "always evolve around this theme". Hanging on the walls were photos and art as evidence of her passion.

"I like to mix media. However, I find myself more comfortable with photography. I love horses and I love depicting them in my work," she said.

Freshman Hamda Mubarak had more than five works on display.

"It took me sometime to decide to study art, but now I know I am in the right place. I love painting, but I found out that photography has now become my passion," she said.

Mubarak, an art teacher in the making, is fascinated by flowers and horses.

Social issues
Tagreed Naj, a freshman, had five prints on display. "I worked more with print making and that's what I have put on display," she said.

Naj decided to study fine arts because she loved "creating beautiful, exciting things". She said: "It is through art that I can express myself and portray society and its various issues."

Reem Mohammad's works range from photography and drawing to colourful collages.

Although a holder of a business degree, she says that it is art that holds her interest. "It was always just a hobby, but now it is something I would like to do," said the freshman.

For the information of art lovers, the exhibition will continue for a month at the college.