“Human beings, their ideas, innovations, dreams, and connections are the capital of the future. Because where great minds go today, great things will happen tomorrow,” Beautiful words by the visionary leader Sheikh Mohammad.
The UAE based art group Funun Arts along with Grand Mercure Hotels and Residences organized an art exhibition that saw 26 artists from 10 different nationalities showcase UAE, Culture, Places, and their perspectives through arts. Titled ‘UAE: Land of Dreams’, the exhibition was inaugurated at the Grand Hall Art Gallery of the Grand Mercure Hotel, Dubai. This is the first art exhibition to be held in the gallery and will be open to the public till September.
Founders of Funun Arts and organisers of the event, Shiba Khan and Farah Khan, invited artists to take part in this exhibition and were overwhelmed by the response. Out of the massive number of entries, only 26 artists were selected from 10 different nationalities residing in the UAE. The exhibition was inaugurated by Mr Khalil Abdul Wahid, Director of Fine Arts, Dubai Culture and Art Authority and Mr Yasser Algargawi, Director of Programs and Partnerships, Ministry of Tolerance.
“It is an honour to be here as a chief guest and see the beautiful artworks and artists from diverse nationalities coming up together to showcase one theme with different perspectives,” said Mr Khalil.
Mr Yasser said, “I congratulate Shiba Khan and Farah Khan for their work in the field of art and culture,” and added “We can see a variety of work and the expressive way of artists through their paintings. Each artwork narrates a story which is well explained by artists and felt by the viewer.”
Apart from them, there were many other distinguished guests who were present during the opening night of the exhibition.
Mr Tyrone Lodder, General Manager of the hotel said, “Art has added colours to the beauty of the hotel. We are so happy to have this collaboration and showcase these beautiful artworks which give a pleasing experience to the eyes. Shiba Khan told us that the UAE is a land of dreams and inspiring tales. It is a land where fantasy is converted to reality every day. It is a land with lots of opportunities for the youth, for entrepreneurs and for art as well. It is like a home far from home for all the expats living here, and this is the high time to pay tribute to this great nation. As art is the best way to express it, we came up with this theme. My paintings ‘Emotions’ which are a part of the exhibition shows my attachment to this place. Bold colours and textures used to represent the strength and the tolerance of this multicultural place.”
Farah Khan, Creative Designer of Funun Arts exhibited her beautiful photograph which shows the oldest mode of transport Abra, which is still used and is one of the favourite tourist attractions. It shows the connectivity of the culture and modernization. The other picture tells the story of Sikka, the narrow old lanes of Dubai, which are the hub of art and culture.
Anjani Prakash Laitu, a legendary Indian artist received the lifetime achievement award presented by Funun Arts. “It is a very prestigious award and I am happy to receive it,” said Anjani and added “My paintings ‘Colors’ show the vibrant culture of this nation. I have been here for 25 years and have lived my passion for painting. My paintings spread happiness and positivity.
Rafa Tom, an artist from Lebanon, presented her four artworks showcasing the culture and life of the UAE. She used different textures in her paintings which makes the artwork very expressive.
Amr Wadea, an artist from Egypt showcased his two works of art. Speaking about his works he said, “I want to show the progressive thinking of this nation through my paintings.” One painting shows the culture and the other shows high rise buildings with the best infrastructure. The works showed balance and success while keeping their roots strong.
Ahmed Rukni, Maryam and Gayathri are the artists from UAE who paid tribute to the United Arab Emirates with their artworks using different mediums.
Petra Kalternbach (Germany), Samar Kamel (Egypt), Batool Jafri (Pakistan) are some of the other artists and special guests from the event who exhibited their artworks showing love and devotion.
Rose Jaranya an artist from Thailand presented her artwork using the traditional style of Thailand painting, with the UAE iconic spots as its focus. She said, “The colours in my paintings show the colourful and happy life in UAE.”
Rima Moukahal an artist from Lebanon said she saw the beautiful sunrise and she painted it on the canvas. “My other painting shows the blossom and enrichment. I am lucky that I live in this nation which is a multicultural place,” says Rima. Participating artists whose artwork can be seen till September are Aarushi Malik (India), Ahmed Al Awadhi ( UAE), Ajmal Mirajkar (India), Amr Wadea (Egypt), Anjini Prakash Laitu (India), Batool Jaferi (Pakistan), Christopher MacNeil (America), Dina Albarqi (Palestine), Farah Khan (India), Gehan Fawzi (Egypt), Ghayathi Belhasa (UAE), Ishrat Keyani ( Pakistan), Maryam Bin Bishr ( UAE), Mukta (India), Noor Haidri (Pakistan), Pari Sagar (India), Petra (Germany), Rafa Tom (Lebanon), Rima Moukahal (Lebanon), Rose Jaranya (Thailand),
Sabah Anees (India), Samar Kamel (Egypt), Shabnoor Quereshi (India), Shiba Khan (India), Somya Rastogi (India) and Vanashri (India).
“We try to put our soul and heart to bring together everything. As the philosophy of Funun Arts is “Coming together is the beginning, Keeping together is the process, Working Together is the success,” said the founder and organiser of the event.