HIS HIGHNESS SHEIKH MAJID BIN MOHAMMED
OPENS DIFC ART I
His Highness Sheikh Majid Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (DCAA) today opened an exhibition of works drawn from DIFC Art Collection 1, the Dubai International Financial Centre’s collection of calligraphic works.
To be held from 22 to 29 June in the lobby of Building 5 in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), the exhibition features over 40 works of renowned calligraphy artists from various Arab and Islamic countries.
After the inauguration, His Highness Sheikh Majid toured the exhibition along with H.E. Dr. Omar Bin Sulaiman, Governor of DIFC and Managing Director of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority.
He added, “The works showcased at the exhibition feature verses from the Holy Quran, the Hadith, prayers, poems, words of wisdom and proverbs. Two pieces have used quotes of His Highness
THE MIDDLE EAST AND ART INTERTWINED
Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. This exhibition is one of the events organised by the Department of Art and Culture in DIFC to contribute towards realising Dubai’s cultural vision. We hope that this event serves to raise public awareness of both contemporary calligraphic art as well as the great cultural heritage of the Arab and Islamic world. We believe that events such as these will contribute to developing Dubai into a hub for artistic and creative professionals.”
Artists whose works are displayed at the exhibition include, Mohamed Mendi from the UAE , Aytain Turyaki, Sawash Jowaik, Ali Tawi, Farhad Towrlo, Fo'ad Bashar, Mustafa Halim and Mumtaz Sajkin from Turkey, Taj Alsir Hassan from Sudan, Wesam Shoqat from Iraq and Yaqoub Ibrahim from Jordan. The works have used a range of scripts including Thuluth, Diwani, Naskh and Kufi.
Brownbook, the urban guide to the Middle East held a special exhibition (Urban Artists) that attracted hundreds of visitors from all around the UAE on the 18th June, 2008 at the Tashkeel Gallery in Nad Al Sheba. The Urban Artists event was held to profile artists in the Middle East that are making a difference.
Rashid bin Shabib, Editor in chief of brownbook magazine said: “Brownbook will continue its search for the definition of “art” in our generation and exploring artists in the industry that are either upcoming or artists whom influenced far more than an art piece on the wall”.
Although the medium of art has changed over time, the artist's message is one that still lies within the core of any masterpiece. These diverse messages are ones
that convey agendas such as religion, language, liberalism and heritage. These messages are still
important in art today, and regardless of the nature of the artist's creations.
Art is becoming increasingly familiar within the region. Throughout different generations of Middle Eastern art, we have seen the rise of many designs and styles. Whether it be art produced in fabrics, calligraphy or even music, it is certain that the Middle East and Art have always managed to intertwine.
"Brownbook's goal is to discover the region, and through this journey we have ourselves started to rediscover the region and ourselves”. Ahmed Bin shabib, Publisher of brownbook magazine.