< PreviousThe Abu Dhabi Arts Society is engaging art enthusiasts from all walks of life. Ayesha Shehmir discusses with founder Dr. Hamed Al Suwaidi the ways in which the non-profit organisation is shining a light on budding and established artists in the Middle East Dr. Hamed Al Suwaidi at Blenheim Palace. Courtesy of Abu Dhabi Arts Society Mission A P ETIC 100 HarpersBazaarArabia.com/culture/art Spring 2020 HBA_038_100-101_The exchange_ADAS_11202743.indd 10011/03/2020 09:20:55 AM The EXCHANGE From top: City of London, Art Scholars 2019; Reverend Canon Andy Thompson with Dr. Hamed at Al Suwaidi Majlis 2019, courtesy of Abu Dhabi Arts Society When was Abu Dhabi Arts Society (ADAS) established and what was the vision you had for the non-profi t organisation? Abu Dhabi Arts Society was established in 2019 with the intent of honouring past Emirati poets and artists, promoting emerging artists from all nationalities and managing and funding cultural projects. ADAS is committed to enhancing the cultural environment of the community by supporting artists who bridge the cultural divide, unifying people and cultures of all backgrounds, and preserving the artistic heritage. The organisation aims to highlight the beauty of Emirati culture through certain initiatives and special projects. It further promotes non-Emirati and Emirati artists who might not necessarily fi nd the right platform to pursue their creative careers and assembles history projects that shed light on prominent fi gures who represent the past and the future of the UAE through fi ne arts, poetry and other mediums. What are some of the ways the organisation aims to break down cultural barriers? ADAS aims to break down cultural barriers by integrating homegrown Emirati projects with renowned international projects and showcasing them here in the UAE. For example, we have worked closely with our colleagues in Scotland to develop the fi rst Emirati tartan where the UAE fl ag colours were woven into the beautiful pattern. Many other similar projects have taken place between the UAE and the UK, and they were highly received by both countries. In addition, ADAS strives to broaden the reach of these events to encourage a warm atmosphere based on mutual appreciation and engage art enthusiasts from one generation to the next. When the chance arises, we aim to sponsor cultural exchange programs and promote both Emirati and non-Emirati art and showcase them in the West. How do the events hosted by ADAS aim to connect artists, collectors, scholars and enthusiasts? We have hosted several networking events related to art that aimed to bring local and international artists, poets and historians from different regions to discuss collaborations. We also arranged for a few private showcases in which we hosted international collectors from the UK to bring and reveal a unique collection of limited art pieces that will be displayed in galleries and museums around the UAE in the near future. One such example is of an 18th century masterpiece painting titled Mary Magdalene in Ecstasy which was presented to us last July 2019 on permanent loan from Patrick Moody, British Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates. This gift was a token of goodwill from the UK to the UAE as a symbol of the enduring friendship between the two countries in the Year of Tolerance 2019. In your opinion, why is it important to promote art in the Middle Eastern region? Culturally speaking, the Middle Eastern region holds an immense heritage of art and has been a major infl uence and inspiration for artists around the world. The Middle Eastern countries are known for their unique historical museums and with tourism being a key element in many countries, more museums, galleries and other platforms are emerging. In what ways do you think visual art, poetry and music can be used to shine a light on traditional and emerging artists? One of the key aspects in which visual arts, poetry and music can highlight the realm of artistry is by providing the necessary tools and resources that artists use to communicate their passion and their message to the world. Education and knowledge can have a profound impact on emerging artists who wish to expand their creative mindset. In the UAE, we are proud of many young talents that are emerging that aim to preserve the cultural heritage of the UAE. Many of the prominent UAE fi gures in the community thrive with their many talents such as poetry, crafts and other skills. They set an outstanding standard for others who are following in their footsteps. What are the plans for ADAS in 2020? We have a range of projects and collaborations that we will announce soon. They will include promoting work by prominent Emirati fi gures (men and women), from the past and sponsoring emerging native and non-native artists who are pushing boundaries with their work and looking for a platform to shine. I would like to remind the current art institutes on the importance of investing in artists that might not necessarily fi nd an outlet for their work and provide a stepping stone for them as they are the future of the content artistic creation and expression in the community. abudhabiart.org 101 HarpersBazaarArabia.com/culture/art Spring 2020 HBA_038_100-101_The exchange_ADAS_11202743.indd 10111/03/2020 09:21:03 AM102 HarpersBazaarArabia.com/culture/art Spring 2020 From top: Kirstel Bechara. Audrey Hepburn. Acrylic on canvas. 150x100cm; Artist Mireille Salti at work With a showcase of a variety of local and international works from fashion and art to virtual reality, the region’s largest affordable art fair World Art Dubai is set to return for its sixth edition ART AND SOUL The sixth edition has been curated to attract an even wider pool of art enthusiasts and collectors by providing live art demonstrations, wearable art collections and interactive activations across varied mediums and styles,” says Nidhi Kumari, Head of World Art Dubai. “The beauty of the show is that we cater to a large audience, with a variety of contemporary artworks taking centre stage.” The essence of the fair is that it is home to a variety of affordable and engaging art for exhibitors and buyers alike. The art scene in Dubai is relatively young but has come quite a long way. Kumari speaks about the increase in art across town in the recent years, and how it has raised curiosity among the general public. With Dubai providing such strong platforms, the love for art continues to fl ourish and evolve at a rapid speed. On show at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC District) from 8 until 10 October this year, the sixth edition of World Art Dubai will feature works by emerging and established artists by the likes of Almudena Angoso from Tres Ases, Emirati artist Hend Rashid and Indian artist Mena Malgavkar. Fresh activations and engagements will also be on show. Staying true to our times, World Art Dubai will launch the concept of VR Art. For the fi rst time ever for the fair, a unique collaboration between art and technology will be used to target the more tech savvy millennials. “Blurring the lines between reality and imagination, the live painting experience will bring 3D art to life,” states Kumari. “The incredible artist, speed painter and VR performer, Cathy Deniset, will customise pieces to fi t shoppers’ preferences on the spot, in addition to other exciting digital activations.” Another fi rst for World Art Dubai will be Artism, an initiative by Dubai’s Senses Center designed to positively impact those with special needs. On show in this section will be artwork prepared by 20 autistic children in collaboration with 30 artists, and all proceeds will go towards helping special needs individuals. Mawaheb from Beautiful People, a Dubai-based art studio for adults of determination, will once again showcase their students’ artistic skills with a display of their latest works. Renowned photography brand Nikon will showcase a series of photographs and host video workshops – all by its top photographers. To support a good cause, all proceeds will go towards causes supported by Mawaheb and Artism. World Art Dubai will welcome several returning artists and galleries. Born and raised in Kenya, Dubai-based artist Amrita Sethi is one of the many returnees. A self-described tech-artist, Sethi became recognised last year for winning an award of 'Best Outstanding Artist' for her iconic Voice Note Art series. She states, “It gave my work a new elevated platform for recognition and visibility that created a snowball effect." Another returning artist, Mireille Salti, will showcase her works for the third time at World Art Dubai. Her focus this year will be on The PREVIEW HBA_038_102-103_Preview_World Art Dubai_11239204.indd 10211/03/2020 02:18:01 PM103 HarpersBazaarArabia.com/culture/art Spring 2020 Clockwise from left: Almudena Angoso. Coral. Oil and acrylic on canvas. 80x128cm; Mihoko Fujino. Looks like your heart is transparent. Oil and acrylic painting, mixed media. 53x45.5cm; A live installation at World Art Dubai human emotions, something she believes truly unites the world. On display will be her works of intuitive art – a series of paintings created using a combination of paint and a pouring technique. “The show grants a great chance for art lovers and artists alike: unique pieces of art are now attainable to art lovers, while artists have the opportunity to have their art displayed without the barrier of a major investment,” states Salti. Another artist of note participating at the 2020 edition is Canada-based Paul Ygartua. Famous for painting some of the country’s largest murals, Ygartua’s forte is abstract art. Moscow-based contemporary artist and an assistant professor at the Moscow State Art Academy, Julia Smolenkova will also be returning to the fair for the third time this year. Hailing from Lebanon, award-winning Dubai- based artist Kristel Bechara is another third-time exhibiter at the World Art Dubai. Ever since she showcased her works at the fair, her reach has widened to cities far and beyond; she proudly has a permanent set-up in a few galleries across the world. “World Art Dubai has been achieving signifi cant footfall growth with every edition and this can only mean that it is fi lling a gap in the market,” states Bechara. “The show represents an opportunity for artists to interact with collectors and serves as a launch pad for a successful career.” On display at the artist’s booth at this edition will be several pieces from her new collection entitled Inamorata. The intention behind this collection is to celebrate the powerful women around us, some including Audrey Hepburn and Fairouz. BIKOH Art, second time exhibiting gallery at World Art Dubai, will focus on unique and creative works by Japanese artists this year. A prominent name among them is painter and children instructor Mihiko Fujino, who is famed for her works on feminism. The four-day event will see over 3,000 artworks from local and international artists and galleries, from across 30 countries. The fair is backed up by Dubai Culture & Arts Authority and is a key player in Dubai Art Season. “This year, we have curated an even more interactive and engaging programme, by combining classic and modern art works with a cast of sculptors, art performers, short fi lm producers and graffi ti artists assembled to entertain crowds on the show fl oor,” says Kumari. “We expect this to raise World Art Dubai’s profi le even more, bringing together creative minds from a wide variety of backgrounds and age groups.” World Art Dubai runs from 8 until 10 October 2020 at Dubai World Trade Centre W ORD S B Y BEENA P A GARANI, ALL IMA GES C OUR TES Y OF W ORLD AR T DUBAI AND RESPECTIVE AR TIS T S HBA_038_102-103_Preview_World Art Dubai_11239204.indd 10311/03/2020 02:18:11 PMCat e r em et enis e x c eped iciet, cum, odio es c onsequosa di v olupta sinctiatio . Jeddah has staged yet another illuminating edition of 21,39 Jeddah Arts. Athwifa Saleem delves deeper into how the seventh edition is raising awareness on the sustainable ways our planet can thrive CRY A GLOBAL 104 HarpersBazaarArabia.com/culture/art Spring 2020 HBA_038_104-105_The Preview_Jeddah Arts_11231352.indd 10411/03/2020 08:19:44 PMhe artistic landscape in Saudi Arabia has seen phenomenal growth over the last few years, credit due for the ongoing efforts of the Saudi Art Council, which was formed to provide an institutional platform for cre- ative thinking and experimenta- tion where the general public can experience thought-provok- ing exhibitions and an extensive programme of talks and work- shops. The seventh edition of 21,39 Jeddah Arts has been con- ceived as an urgent call to action in response to environmental emergen- cies from the specifi city of a local context and through the non-profi t initiative, participants are required to seek out tangible solutions to for- mulate alternative and symbiotic ways to inhabit our planet. The exhibition which is aptly entitled ‘I Love You, Urgently’ takes a thorough look at the global climate crisis through a series of individual artistic endeavours. “Each work is a personal journey into the experience of the climate emergency, relating and exploring it through tangible, real-life ideas,” says the curator of the exhibition, Maya El Khalil. “As such, it is as diverse and as idiosyncratic as each participating artist, and they are all very diverse. There is so much dialogue that is scientifi c or bureaucratic, this can feel alienating and it is easy to feel defeated.” 21,39 Jeddah Arts has grown steadily since its inception in 2014. This year, through the country’s much-awaited opening to tourism – in line with Saudi Vision 2030 – the seventh edition is attracting a much greater public. Saudi Art Council curates an extensive educational programme for each edition of 21,39 Jeddah Arts which has young people at its utmost focus. The seventh edition continues building on this important work to elevate education in the arts across the region. German architect Frei Otto’s sustainable architectural approach was the inspiration behind the theme of the seventh edition. Otto, consid- ered the father of biomimicry, was always inspired by the processes of form-fi nding in nature and studied the structure of cells and bones, trunks and stalks, spiderwebs and all the minimalistic details encrusted in nature’s bounty. Taking into consideration the environmental emer- gency and the migration crisis we are enduring today, Otto’s ecological and adaptable approach to architecture is timely and pressing. “His phi- losophy is a new approach away from the overemphasis of power into the direction of an understanding of a new human scale,” says El Khalil.“For him, architecture is a starting point for a collective discourse on the future of society.” This edition of 21,39 Jeddah Arts is exhibiting works such as Al- Manakh, You Will Be Missed (2019) by artists Alaa Tarabzouni and Ithra Art Prize winner, Fahad bin Naif. The work highlights the huge envi- ronmental impact of the Saudi cement factory, while also offering an insight into factory life and the tight-knit community it has created around it, with the neighbourhood an unlikely human utopia and an example of ‘live, work, play’ type of philosophy. Aziz Jamal’s 1056% (2019) documents abandoned water parks in the PREVIEW The From top: a view of Farah K. Behbehani, Rahal, 2020. Courtesy of the artist; Zahrah Alghamdi, Ashgan Village, 2020. Photo: Ashwin Gohil and Hussain Rangwala, Canvas magazine. Commissioned by Saudi Art Counci; Facing page: Marwah AlMugait, I lived once, video stills, 2020. Courtesy of the artist Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia and Riyadh, drained of water and empty of people, revealing a silent crisis. Saudi Arabia is saddled with a critical debt of having used 1056 per cent of its total renewable water sources, far exceeding the conservative global water scarcity threshold of 20-40 per cent. The theme parks featured in the artist’s video are relics of a short-sighted way of life, a culture of abundance that ignores a critical situa- tion in favour of leisure, and enjoyment and pastimes imported from elsewhere, without consideration of local traditions or conditions. Amsterdam-based designer Duran Lan- tink’s It’s not what u think (2020) is another highlight. Frustrated by fashion’s pervasive overconsumption, Lantink takes leftover designer overstock and interweaves them together to create improbable new gar- ments. For the fair, he created a site-specifi c installation of three outfi ts from pre-owned garments donated by individuals in Jeddah. Also of note is Ephemeral Witness (2020) by Saudi artist Maya Aldowayan. The ‘des- ert rose’, known colloquially among geolo- gists and mystics as “an ephemeral witness to time”, is a rare, fl ower-like crystal forma- tion, found in the desert near Aldowayan’s childhood home of Dhahran. Rendered here in fabric, the desert rose’s surfaces are printed with information that guides women on how to behave in public spaces. Falling and folding, the soft sculpture loses meaning. Erect, it solidifi es the concept. As the layered petals reveal and conceal the texts, the work suggests the diffi cul- ties that exist when discussing gender issues in the public sphere. Other artists being featured at this year’s edition include Ayman Zedani, Cris- tiana De Marchi, Daniah Al Saleh, Farah K. Behbehani, Filwa Nazer, Maha Nasrallah, Marwah AlMugait, Mohammad Alfaraj, Mohammed Kazem, Muhannad Shono, Obadah Aljefri, Omar Abduljawad, Nojoud Alsudairi, Raja’a Khalid, Sultan Bin Fahd and Zahrah Alghamdi. “These artists were selected based on the quality of their initial proposal or the promise it contained; and importantly, based on their eagerness to be challenged and their readiness to invest time in research,” says El Khalil. An important characteristic of art is its ability to disrupt, to challenge society’s way of thinking. With the recent major developments, 21,39 Jeddah Arts is set to encourage an intimate engagement with environmental issues and the formulation of community groups and policies to promote an everlasting change in our consumption and extraction mentality. thesaudiartcouncil.org I Love You, Urgently is on view at the Gold Moor Mall and Rabat Al Khunji in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, until 18 April 2020 105 HarpersBazaarArabia.com/culture/art Spring 2020 HBA_038_104-105_The Preview_Jeddah Arts_11231352.indd 10511/03/2020 08:19:52 PMIMA GES C OUR TES Y OF AR T DUBAI Amir H. Fallah. Ruler of the Repeating Pattern. Image from Art Dubai 2012, part of The Third Line Arsalan Mohammad presents an overview of this year’s presentations around the postponed Art Dubai, fi nding much to discover within the generous serving of events that are still taking place ARTand the CITY 106 HarpersBazaarArabia.com/culture/art Spring 2020 HBA_038_106-107_Special Feature Intro_11239951.indd 10611/03/2020 04:32:43 PMArt Dubai may have reformulated for 2020 with a slimmed-down event – but that doesn’t mean the city will be missing out on a cultural celebration that spans the UAE’s lively arts scene! Over the next few pages, we’re highlighting the unique programme that’s been launched, to ensure that despite the global health crises, Dubai art lovers will still be able to experience a robust artistic celebration of new talents, inspiring ideas and some of the world’s most celebrated artists on show, in and around Dubai. Over the next few pages, we’ll be previewing a few of the highlights of this year’s slimmed-down Art Week, with an overview of key events, interviews with artists and patrons and a guide to our pick of the city’s exhibitions so you can get your art on in style! Special FEATURE Clockwise from right: Installation view of Wadi Finan Art Gallery, from Art Dubai Modern 2018; Guests viewing works of Gazzelli Art House, from Art Dubai Contemporary 2018; an installation view of Art Dubai Modern 2018. Images courtesy of Photo Solutions 107 HarpersBazaarArabia.com/culture/art Spring 2020 HBA_038_106-107_Special Feature Intro_11239951.indd 10711/03/2020 04:32:51 PMW ORD S B Y ARS ALAN MOHAMMAD , IMA GES C OUR TES Y OF RESPECTIVE GALLERIES AND AR TIS T S 108 HarpersBazaarArabia.com/culture/art Spring 2020 With dozens of superb shows scheduled to open during March, this year’s Dubai Art Week shimmers with talent, inspiration, esoteric ideas and mind-melting magic. Here, we select our pick of the bunch this month in Dubai ART WEEK DUBAI New Waves: Mohamed Melehi and the Casablanca Art School Archives HBA_038_108-111_Special Feature_Galleries_11240308.indd 10811/03/2020 06:03:26 PMSpecial FEATURE 109 HarpersBazaarArabia.com/culture/art Spring 2020 CARBON 12 ANDRÉ BUTZER 23 MARCH - 10 MAY 2020 One of our favourite artists from the dynamic powerhouse that is Alserkal Avenue stalwart Carbon 12, this March we are delighted to see Andre Butzer back in town with a new solo show. According to the gallery’s press info, written by a Professor Dr Arno Gruen, Butzer is ‘exploring the most beautiful color ranges, and produces an almost divine rhythm within the works, and within all the nine or so works together being installed in the wonderful gallery space Kourosh and Nadine will open with their respective keys and mobile phones to their friends, and to the general audience. People will learn a lot about these works, nobody knows what exactly, because it’s too early to say, and in general, it’s not something about which you can say, rather you can experience as such and react to as a whole human being or leftover being. Butzer has always painted like that, so, nothing new. New is boring. This type of 22nd century Mondrianism that we are going to see now is instead, friendly, entertaining, groovy and reliable. Let’s do it. Art is OK.’ And we can’t disagree with that. carbon12.art CONCRETE ALSERKAL AVENUE New Waves: Mohamed Melehi and the Casablanca Art School Archives Mohamed Melehi March 14 - April 4 2020 A celebratory retrospective of acclaimed Moroccan Modernist, Mohamed Melehi, New Waves: Mohamed Melehi and the Casablanca Art School Archives comes to Concrete, at Alserkal Avenue. Curated by Morad Montazami and Madeleine de Colnet, the exhibition tells the story of the radical Casablanca Art School, retracing Melehi’s career chronologically—from the 1950s to the 1980s – as well as including some of the artist’s contemporary works. It will include a recently archived collection of Melehi’s documentary photography—over 30 years of artistic travel and visual activism journeys—as well as highlights from the golden age of the Asilah festival. The Festival, co-founded by Melehi in 1978, gathered avant-garde artists from Africa, Asia, and Arab countries. The Dubai iteration will also show works from renowned artists of the Casablanca Art School, such as Farid Belkahia, Mohamed Chabâ, and Hossein Miloudi. A photography archive will shed light on the collective history of the movement. The travelling exhibition marks the fi rst time that the full period of Melehi’s works has been shown on a global stage. alserkal.ae Artwork displayed at Concrete at AlSerkal Avenue André Butzer. Untitled. 2019. Oil on canvas. 88x83cm. Courtesy Carbon 12. Photo credit Anna Shtraus HBA_038_108-111_Special Feature_Galleries_11240308.indd 10911/03/2020 06:03:33 PMNext >