Art Dubai announces programme

Art Dubai 2010 welcomes over 70 galleries from more than 30 countries and an extensive programme of collateral events including the Global Art Forum, the Abraaj Capital Art Prize, special projects curated by Bidoun Projects and The Poetry of Time presented by Van Cleef & Arpels. Art Dubai has become the essential gathering place for collectors, artists and art professionals from across the Middle East, South Asia and beyond, setting the business of art within a context that is intelligent, stimulating and relevant.


Chant Avedissian Al Watan Al Arabi The Arab Nation 2008 Cour


Art Dubai 2010 will also debut single artist-focused stands highlighting current and future masters providing both established and novice collectors a broader and deeper understanding of how an artist's work has progressed.


GLOBAL ART FORUM
The Global Art Forum returns as the Middle East's most influential platform for cultural discussion. Under the banner "Crucial Moments", key episodes in the evolution of contemporary art practice in the Middle East will be scrutinized throughout a four-day symposium of debates, discussions and workshops.


A wide range of topics drive the discussions, from Modernism in Iran to the recent influx of transient institutions. Art education also proves a key topic and is explored in the notion of the 'Future Art School'. Further subjects address shifting paradigms of public and private patronage, as well as trends in the collectors' markets. In addition, a series of one-on-one conversations with some of the world's most renowned artists will offer a fascinating insight into the mystery and mechanics of the creative process.


PROJECTS
Bidoun Projects, the not-for-profit curatorial wing of arts organisation and publisher Bidoun, will continue its partnership with Art Dubai with a comprehensive programme of events, including a group exhibition of upcoming Middle Eastern artists, commissions exploring the spectacle of an art fair, artist-led tours of Art Dubai and a the Bidoun Library, featuring a nomadic archive of books, catalogues, journals and ephemera.


Art Park is once again host to a range of film screenings, innovative talks and performances that look at the relationship between archives, art, music and film in collaboration with avant-garde archiving site UbuWeb.


A key feature will be the Bidoun Projects exhibition: A New Formalism, which takes as its starting point the subtle articulation of four works that share a space. "The exhibition will complement the rest of the programme, which looks at the spectacular and temporal nature of art fairs. A New Formalism brings together a precise selection of works by Hazem El Mestikawy, Iman Issa, Mahmoud Khaled and the collective U5 that together pose an expanded understanding of formalism," said Antonia Carver, Director, Bidoun Projects.


UAE artist Ebtisam Abdul-Aziz will display a new work, specially commissioned for the fair in which she will re-imagine a map of the Arab world according to a set of numerical codes. Abdul-Aziz is a multidisciplinary artist and writer based in Sharjah, UAE, working in installation, performance, photography and on paper. Her recent exhibitions include the UAE and ADACH Pavilions at 53rd Venice Biennale; Sharjah Biennial 7; and Languages of the Desert, at the Kunst Museum, Bonn, Germany.


To demystify the art fair experience, Bidoun Projects has commissioned artists to act as Art Dubai tour guides. Taking the fair-as-stage-set as inspiration, artists including Daniel Bokhkov, Sophia Al Maria, and Khalil Rabah will conduct daily tours, devising their own narratives through the galleries and the grounds, in an exploration of the pure subjectivity of interpretation. These tours will be offered to all visitors to the fair.


The special projects at Art Dubai will also feature new installations including ice sculptures designed by world-renowned artist Farhad Moshiri and Sand/Fans, a restaging of Alice Aycock's conceptual kinetic sculptural installation that was first exhibited at 112 Greene Street, Soho, New York, in the early 1970s.


The unique 'pop up' Bidoun Library will give visitors access to a wealth of materials created by and for artists, as well as those published by independent organisations based in the region. This will allow visitors to explore, research, and create wide-ranging connections through materials that are generally unavailable in the Gulf.


ARTIST FOCUS STANDS
Of the galleries participating in Art Dubai 2010, up to a quarter are innovating by creating Artist Focus Stands which feature the work of only one or two artists. These new stands at Art Dubai will enable collectors and visitors to see a progression in a specific artist's work over time, generating a greater sense of depth, involvement and understanding of an artist's oeuvre, rather than a quick snapshot of several artists represented by the gallery. Single or dual- focused galleries at Art Dubai will include pieces from modern Indian and Egyptian masters such as M.F. Husain and Adel El Siwi as well as more up-and- coming artists from Korea, Chile, Peru, Spain and the Sudan.


Among the artists being showcased in the Artist Focus Stands is legendary Indian painter and filmmaker, M.F. Husain. Represented by Grosvenor Vadhera Gallery, London, Husain's paintings have played a key role in bringing artwork from the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia (MENASA) region to the international spotlight. A number of his works will be on display, showing a progression of Husain's work throughout his more than six decades as an artist.


Art Dubai will also feature single-focus highlights from two Egyptian contemporary masters - Adel El Siwi represented by Artspace, Dubai, and Chant Avedissian, represented by Rose Issa Projects, London. A renowned painter, El Siwi has showcased his work through group and solo exhibitions throughout the world. He had emigrated to North America and Europe but returned to Egypt favouring his motherland for its deep roots in the arts. Chant Avedissian in his colorful stenciled images, deftly explores the boundaries between "high" and "low" art, politics and pop. Avedissian refined his techniques in Western art schools, but draws inspiration from Egypt's modern Golden Age, with its glamorous divas and mustachioed movie stars. His iconic figures include legendary singers Om Kulthoum and Asmahan; screen sirens Shadia and Hind Rostom; heartthrobs Farid al-Atrash and Abdel Halim Hafez; and once-adored statesmen like Gamal Abdel Nasser.


Several galleries participating in Art Dubai 2010 will champion emerging regional talent, including Lebanon's Ayman Baalbaki and Iraqi painter Mahmoud Obaidi, both from Agial Art Gallery in Beirut. Bahrain's Albareh Art Gallery will feature a focus on works by Sudanese artist Mohammed Omer Khalil and Faisel Laibi Sahi from Iraq. Rossi & Rossi from London is exclusively showcasing work by Pakistani artist Naiza Khan.


Locally, Dubai-based Green Art Gallery will feature the work of Turkish artist Nazif Topcuoglu. While the photographer has been shown widely across Europe, this will be his first exhibition in a regional art fair.


ABRAAJ CAPITAL ART PRIZE
The 2010 winning artworks of the Abraaj Capital Art Prize will be unveiled at a special ceremony in advance of the Jumeirah Patron's Preview at Art Dubai on 16th March. Kader Attia (Algeria) working with curator Laurie Ann Farrell (US), Hala Elkoussy (Egypt) working with curator Jelle Bouwhuis (The Netherlands) and Marwan Sahmarani (Lebanon) with curator Mahita El Bacha Urieta (Spain/Lebanon) have been working in secret since they won the prize in September based on the proposals they submitted. www.abraaj.com/acap


THE POETRY OF TIME by VAN CLEEF & ARPELS For the first time, Van Cleef & Arpels is organising a prestigious exhibition covering almost a century of watch making creations dedicated to the Poetry of Time, exclusively for Art Dubai. An interactive workshop area will feature famed watchmaker Jean-Marc Wiederrecht and enameling artist Dominique Baron.


If you require any further information, high-resolution version of the attached images, or request for an interview please do not hesitate to contact me or my colleague Maha Obeid /maha.obeid@theportsmouthgroup.com

And to register for Art Dubai, please log on to www.artdubai.ae

IF: Propagate

Dubai's Beanstalk

This morning, the Burj Khalifa reached the clouds.

Sharjah museums

Recently, we've committed to visiting the healthy number of Sharjah museums. Today, with the pottery class beckoning, we headed over to the Sharjah Archeological museum - the place was roomy and very informative! Love the dioramas about the different burial sites; a very good glimpse into the UAE's past.

We were told that they sometimes arrange site visits to the digs - that would be fun. We signed up for the alerts, hopefully it's something they'll organize while the weather is still fabulous!

There was also a pottery class held today. There was a short talk on pottery and its use in the olden times as well as the styles of making them. After that, we had a terracotta session where we fashioned our own mini jars. Nice eh?

Am an artist

Over 60 drawings of school children were displayed at Bawadi Mall as part of an exhibition “Am an artist” organized by “Housa Bin Mohammed” School, Al Ain, recently.

The eight-day show gave an opportunity to the students to show their classroom drawings to the wider community, which could provide a huge motivation for them to be professional artists.

The show was inaugurated by Sheikh Mohamed bin Khalifa bin Sultan bin Shakbout Al Nahyan in the presence of Salem Al Katheeri, Manager of Al Ain Education Zone, Mohamed Rashid Al Ghaithy, Deputy Manager of the education zone, Abdel Aziz Al Junaiby, Education Activities Head, Hussein Al Shatiri, Head of Customer Service, Mehdar Hussein, Head of Admin Affairs, Zahra Al Jeelani, Director of “Housa Bin Mohammed” School, Ahmed Jumaa Al Hamili, Head of community outreach at Al Ain Municipality, Bashar Tamimi, General Manager, Bawadi Mall and Khalid Shraim, Marketing Manager, Bawadi Mall.

The show was supervised by teachers Sahar Wazeeri and Sharifa Al Yehyaei, under the direction of Maha Zuheir Al Adib.

This exhibition sought to develop and change the way education is practiced in schools and the need for giving bigger room for creativity in the education process. It also works on further improving excellence in students and groom them with good talents and ethics.

Khalid Shraim, Marketing Manager, Bawadi Mall, said: “We were glad to host this exhibition which aimed at enhancing the talents of our students and directing it in the right way. The displays varied from art to simple drawings. We saw huge interest from visitors through out 8 days. Bawadi Mall hosted this show out of our beliefs that such exhibitions will further enhance the cultural position of Al Ain in the Pan Arab region.”

Zahra Al Jeelani, Director of “Housa Bin Mohammed” School, said: “Art was always associated with education where both enhance the way of living of the people. This show demonstrated the talents of our students and it has boosted their self confidence because their talents were recognized by visitors. Choosing Bawadi Mall as a venue to host this event has played an instrumental role in enhancing its success.”

The show organizers urged the business community to nurture artistic talents and establish academies and educational centers to enrich art and culture.

Visitors praised the talents of the children in the UAE. This show, based on simplicity, creativity and innovation, managed to bridge the gap between the art of drawing and people.

DMAF announces Support for New Higher Education Qualification ‘Masters in Cultural and Creative Industries’ (MCCI)

The Abu Dhabi Music and Arts Foundation (ADMAF) announced its support for the ‘Masters in Cultural and Creative Industries’ (MCCI) with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between H.E. Hoda Al-Khamis Kanoo, Founder of ADMAF; and Dr. Simon Jones, Director of Higher Colleges of Technology (Abu Dhabi Men’s). The ceremony was attended by Jalal Luqman, one of two ADMAF scholars chosen to undertake the course.

The Masters programme was launched in October 2009 by the Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT) and the Centre for Applied Research and Training (CERT). ADMAF joined representatives from these institutions to sign an MoU demonstrating the Foundation’s commitment to furthering cultural educational programs in the UAE. ADMAF provided support for the design and development of the Masters in Cultural and Creative Industries, as well as scholarships for two UAE citizens.

H.E. Hoda Al-Khamis Kanoo commented: “Furthering the educational programmes in the UAE is a cause very dear to my heart, and one of the core missions of the Foundation. Today’s MoU signing not only marks a new phase in ADMAF’s partnerships with educational institutions in the UAE, but is also an important day for the two recipients of the ADMAF scholarships. I feel that enabling artists Jalal Luqman and Sumayyah Al Suwaidi to take the next step in their careers in arts and culture, will strengthen the next generations’ understanding of the overall industry, which will in turn inspire further innovation and development.”

Dr. Jones commended the important role ADMAF plays in supporting arts, culture and education in Abu Dhabi, pointing out that the Abu Dhabi Men’s College has a special relationship with ADMAF. The College cooperates with the Foundation in organising a number of cultural trips for its students. Recently, ADMAF supported a trip to Zurich, where media students visited prestigious cultural institutions in Switzerland and Germany.

Dr. Jones added: “It is our pleasure to build bridges between many cultures and work on strengthening them in a systematic way. We are delighted that ADMAF is supporting the Masters in Cultural and Creative Industries presented by the Centre for Applied Research and Training (CERT) and the Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT)”

The two Emirati visual artists selected to join the MCCI program are Jalal Luqman and Sumayyah al Suwaidi. Sumayyah is a skilled digital artist creating photographic masterpieces from seemingly familiar scenes. Jalal is a ground-breaking artist who combines metalwork with digital painting, creating provocative yet emotional works in this unique medium.

Following the MoU signing, ADMAF was invited to visit an MCCI class in progress, “Cultural and Creative Industries and their Organisations in Context”. Accompanied by Dr. Sian Prime, Director of the MA Creative and Cultural Entrepreneurship at Goldsmiths, University of London, the delegation was able to experience firsthand some of the innovative ideas and topics discussed in the classes.

About ADMAF
The Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation seeks to nurture the arts, education, culture and creativity for the benefit of society and the advancement of Abu Dhabi’s cultural vision. Established in 1996 by Her Excellency Mrs Hoda Al Khamis Kanoo, ADMAF is a not-for-profit organisation under the patronage of His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research.

ADMAF’s broad programme of initiatives and events - including the Abu Dhabi Festival and the International Comic Strip & Cartoon Art Festival among many others - brings together audiences of all ages and nationalities. Through its educational and community programs, it nurtures the creative talent of the UAE and beyond, in partnership with leading national and international institutions.
Visit www.admaf.org

Sense of Sight

Moorfields Eye Hospital Dubai and Dubai Community Theatre and Arts Centre (DUCTAC) proudly opened the ‘Sense of Sight’ photography exhibition Wednesday February 3rd, showcasing eight emerging local photographers based in the UAE. Images of aliens, phantoms, bugs and peacock feathers were all incorporated into the show, which opened with cocktails for guests and the opportunity to meet with the participating photographers and view their work, in addition to several members of Moorfields Eye Hospital Dubai management and staff. The exhibition will run until February 24th and the photographs will be judged by a panel of experts and the winner awarded a prize of AED 10,000.


Riad Mahfouz, Mona Shihabi (Chief Finance Officer, Moorfields Eye Hospital Dubai), Pat Simons (Chief Nurse & Operating Officer, Moorfields Eye Hospital Dubai), Dr.Edmondo Borasio (Consultant Corneal and Refractive Surgeon at Moorfields Eye Hospital Dubai) and Dr. Renata Puertas (Consultant Glaucoma Surgeon, Moorfields Eye Hospital Dubai)

The works of Karen Dias, Kahlil A. de Pio, Omar Ibrahim, Jalal Abuthina, Altamash Urooj, Hind Mezaina, Zarina Fernandes and Kamil Roxas proved to be a hit among the art enthusiasts and community members who attended the event. This project allowed the photographers the freedom to explore and present through their lenses their interpretation of common eye diseases including hyperopia, myopia, astigmatism, cataracts and Charles Bonnet Syndrome (CBS) using people, places, animate/inanimate objects in their everyday surroundings.

Altamash Urooj, one of the participating photographers at the exhibition said; “We owe it to society as artists to be a part of positive growth and change. The importance of vision is very close to me as a photographer and I am humbled to be a part of a movement to bring awareness through art about the importance of medical attention for vision.”

Fellow exhibiting photographer, Kahlil A. de Pinto, depicted a girl becoming blind and then visualizing her life through memories of her sister. His work (My sister and I) comprises of individual images shot, handpainted and then reassembled as a single image, to suggest a patchwork of memories stitched together without any visual sense.

He was inspired by the idea of ‘phantom limbs’, where the mind perceives a part of the body which no longer exists; losing vision but retaining visual memories. The idea came about through discussions with experts at Moorfields Eye Hospital Dubai. His project took around three weeks to complete.

The exhibition aims to emphasize the importance of vision awareness and the many vision related problems that regularly go undetected. Moorfields Eye Hospital Dubai hopes through this exhibition to encourage people to get regular vision screening to test for these common eye diseases which affect many people.

Addressing guests at the opening of the exhibition, Dr Edmondo Borasio, Consultant Corneal and Refractive Surgeon at Moorfields Eye Hospital Dubai, said “As a consultant surgeon, it is fascinating to see how these talented photographers have artistically interpreted a variety of vision related medical conditions. The support for the opening was overwhelming and our thanks to all those participating photographers and to DUCTAC for hosting this unique exhibition.”

Emma Haggerty, Marketing officer of Dubai Community Theatre & Arts Centre, comments: “We had a large turnout at the opening which is excellent. It is great to see people who are interested not only in learning more about vision impairments but hopefully appreciating the unique talents of these gifted photographers””.


About DUCTAC
Dubai Community Theatre & Arts Centre is the first modern, non profit, cross-community multi-art form creative centre in the Gulf. The Centre was officially opened on 1 November 2006 by Honorary Patron HRH Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein, wife of HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice-President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai.

Located on Level 2 of Mall of the Emirates, the Centre occupies around 80,000 square feet and includes a 543-seat theatre, 200-seat studio theatre, art gallery, dance studios, rehearsal rooms, artists’ studios, classrooms, mosaic and pottery workshops, and food and beverage facilities. Also on site is the Centre For Musical Arts, The Old Library and Arts Materials Shop.

The Centre is host to some 100 classes a week, local, national and international shows, artists, productions and performances. Facilities are available for hire performances, seminars, workshops and presentations.

Dubai Community Theatre & Arts Centre does not receive any funding. It relies on the generous support of sponsors and patrons and on income generated through the hire of its facilities. The Centre is currently fundraising to support its artistic programme, educational and outreach work.

www.ductac.org

About Moorfields Eye Hospital Dubai
Moorfields Eye Hospital Dubai (MEHD) is the first overseas branch of Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, the oldest and one of the largest centres for ophthalmic treatment, teaching and research in the world. Located at the Al Razi Medical Complex in Dubai Health Care City, the facility provides daycase surgery and outpatient diagnostic and treatment services, for a variety of surgical and non-surgical eye conditions. MEHD will also raise standards for research and teaching in the region through its partnership with the Harvard Medical School Dubai Center. MEHD is owned and managed by the NHS Foundation Trust, and maintains close links with London, including a telelink with sophisticated videoconferencing technology, to ensure that patients in the GCC receive the best eye care treatment in the world.

www.moorfields.ae

Meet us on Feb 6 at Souq Extra! @ DIP

Ei there, we will be showcasing and selling our gitshop items at the Souq Extra! Community Bazaar on Feb 6, Saturday, from 10am to 5pm in DIP. Drive down and meet us!

Directions:
After you exit Emirates Road to go to DIP, ignore the main and take the second entrance a few meters more down the road. After you turn right, you'll reach a roundabout (on the right would be the Market, The Courtyard), go LEFT on this r/a.

Go straight, pass three roundabouts, on the THIRD roundabout make a U-turn. Take right on the second entrance to Ewan residences, there will be a sign pointing to the Souq Extra!.

Alternatively, once you're in DIP, just follow the sign to either Souq Extra! or Spinneys.

See you there!