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Arts & Culture Lite Blogs

From Street Vendor to Renowned Artist

Shakila was married at the age of 12 to a vegetable vendor. However, with Panesar’s help, she found a job as a paper bag supplier. Her first brush with paper started here as she turned paper into bags…reports Asian Lite News

While the interesting story of artist Shakila making a mark in contemporary art is known to many, her large body of works has never been showcased outside Kolkata.

For the first time, the Centre of International Modern Art (CIMA), in collaboration with Bihar Museum, Patna, is showcasing over 30 of her artworks from April 13 to May 5 in a show titled ‘SHAKILA artworks from 1993 – 2024’.

Shakila started her life on the pavements of Kolkata. Deserted by her husband, her mother Jaheran Bibi sold vegetables in one of the city markets. However, B.R. Panesar, a philanthropist who in his spare hours helped children living on the pavement alongside the YMCA, did the same for Shakila and her siblings.

Shakila was married at the age of 12 to a vegetable vendor. However, with Panesar’s help, she found a job as a paper bag supplier. Her first brush with paper started here as she turned paper into bags.

Eventually driven by a deep desire to create, she started making paper collages, as she had watched Panesar paint and do collages with paper. There was no looking back after that.

“When CIMA started in 1993, Panesar approached me to help represent Shakila. CIMA organised her first show in collaboration with the World Bank; our friend, Bim Bissell, was the force behind it all, as she was working there at the time. Given Shakila’s special case, the World Bank permitted us to sell her works. Out of the 30 works Shakila presented, 29 were sold instantly,” recalls Rakhi Sarkar, Director of CIMA gallery.

After that, regular group shows started happening, followed by a breakthrough. Shakila was the only visual artist selected by the India Festival authorities at the Galeries Lafayette, Paris, in 1995.

Over the years, she has won several awards, accolades and honours. While her work started with a charming naivete and humour, the hypocrisies and vagaries of life imbued her creations with an occasional darkness.

She internalised her experiences and finally sublimated them into immensely poignant expressions – resplendent with subtle humour and sensitivity, hitting out silently yet forcefully, whenever her conscience and creative instincts beckoned.

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Arts & Culture Lite Blogs

Hip Hop Artist Nimo Patel Partners with MuSo

The original peace anthem is expected to express hope for the safety of children all over the world, and respect for the courage and resilience that youth in conflict zones continue to show…reports Asian Lite News

Mumbai-based ‘Museum of Solutions’ (MuSo), a children’s museum in Mumbai, has partnered with Hip Hop musician Nimo Patel, Netflix film-maker Safdar Rahman, and artist Ruchi Bakshi to co-create an original song, film and fraternity flags on peace.

Patel will co-create a peace anthem with 24 young children from the Maximum City, and is currently composing an instrumental track for which the children will provide original lyrics and vocals.

The original peace anthem is expected to express hope for the safety of children all over the world, and respect for the courage and resilience that youth in conflict zones continue to show.

Film-maker Safdar Rahman will collaborate with 15 young children in Mumbai to leverage the art of simple and powerful visual storytelling, as a medium of expression and advocacy for peace. These children will, through basic tools and concepts of filmmaking, co-create an original film on peace – right from scripting to recording and editing the final short film.

The purpose of the film is to capture the idea of peace from the lenses of Mumbai’s children & teenagers and convey a message of hope and solidarity for those children living in conflict zones.

Bakshi will work with 40 children from Mumbai to explore the idea of fraternity, understand the symbolism of flags, unleash their artistic side, and create their version of a ‘Fraternity Flag’.

Through an immersive art workshop, Bakshi will work with these children to connect with their common human identity, visualize elements of peace and fraternity, use different colours and textures, and create their original version of the flag.

The Peace Carnival is scheduled on March 9 at the museum and is expected to bring together more than 500 children from schools and NGOs in Mumbai city.

The museum has also partnered with the global education organisation, Teach For India’s Kids Education Revolution, to distribute this original peace anthem, film, and flag to thousands of children living in conflict zones in Palestine, Armenia, Afghanistan, and beyond. These co-created original renditions of the peace anthem, short film, and artwork will be digitally launched & distributed that can be taken to schools across the world. s to the children living in these conflict zones.

Tanvi Jindal Shete, Founder of the museum says, “We are currently witnessing four conflicts across the globe. There is a need for our future generations to be sensitised on these conflicts and the importance of peace to develop and grow the global economies.”

Musician Nimo Patel asserts, “It is important for us to bring this conversation of peace to the forefront, otherwise the conversation of war & conflict is what becomes the norm. We need to not only talk about it but practice it. Kids do not only learn what they see, they learn from how they feel.”

“Sometimes we just need to look the children in the eye and tell them that it is rough, but we are with them. That peace often needs to be fought for, it is worth it, and we are willing to do it with them, together,” adds filmmaker Safdar Rahman.

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Arts & Culture Lite Blogs

A Glimpse into the Multifaceted Artistic Offerings at India Art Fair

The 15th edition of the India Art Fair, featuring 100 exhibitors including 71 galleries, 7 design studios, 26 new exhibitors, and 18 international galleries, is set to take place at the NSIC Exhibition Grounds in New Delhi from February 1 to 4, 2024. With an expanded lineup and thrilling exhibits, here is an essential guide to all the exciting activities planned for the India Art Fair 2024.

Decades Ahead in Design: The ANATOM collection by Rado, celebrating its 40th-anniversary edition, stands as a testament to the brand’s forward-thinking approach. With its timeless and unique design, the collection remains easily recognizable as Rado’s signature, showcasing the brand’s ability to stay ahead of the competition in design innovation.

Innovative Facade: Artist duo Thukral & Tagra’s creation for the India Art Fair will be transformed into chic collectible bags by Dalit-run Chamar Studio after the event.

‘Future is Born of Art’ Commission: Sponsored by BMW India, this year’s commission winner, Sashikanth Thavudoz, will craft a sensory installation exploring the theme of Forwardism, blending natural and industrial materials for a thought-provoking experience.

Record-Breaking Participation: With over 100 galleries participating, including esteemed names like Carpenters Workshop Gallery and Galleria Continua, the 2024 fair marks its largest gathering yet, showcasing modern and contemporary art from South Asia to the world.

Spotlight on Emerging Artists: The fair continues to nurture young talent through its Artists in Residence programs, featuring rising stars like Thamshangpha Maku, Mayuri Chari, and Siddharth Gohil, alongside established names such as Jatinder Singh Durhailay and Guler Ates, offering a diverse array of artistic expressions.

Diverse Artistic Offerings: From tapestry weaving by Akshata Mokashi to humorous sculpture by Jonathan Trayte, and vibrant photographs capturing everyday scenes by Bhargava Barla, the fair presents a rich tapestry of artistic endeavors, highlighting the depth and breadth of contemporary art in the region.

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Fashion Lite Blogs

An ode to timeless craft and artistry of couture

Rohit Gandhi and Rahul Khanna’s collection Equinox at the ongoing India Couture Week, is inspired by the celestial geometry of Autumn Equinox. Drawing from the phenomena Equinox it marries faith and fable, with architecture and craft to birth a collection that is equally balanced…reports Tanya Banon

We live in a world where everything happens a million frames a second, and our connection with time-honoured traditions ebbs and flows, but it is often lost. That connection beckons time and again yet something beautiful happens when we lean into the voice of tradition—it anchors us in meaning,” says Tarun Tahiliani who unveiled “For Eternity” at the ongoing India Couture Week 2023. 

The collection is an ode to timeless craft and artistry of couture’  with traditional craftsmanship in the spotlight.  Weaving a tapestry of innovative interpretations featuring Chikankari, Kasheedakari, Byzantine art, Egyptian Jaalis, and Persian motifs. The creator of the concept Indian sari, Tahiliani seamlessly blends Indian style with modern reflections.  True to his legacy the collection featured impeccable tailoring, sculptured fits, refreshed draping styles, in a pale spectrum of colours, “like the patina of a dust storm or the palest colours of the first bloom.” “It’s time to return to the only star that should be on the ramp, and that is the clothes,” stated the designer.

Bridalwear draws inspiration from the rich heritage of India, Egypt, and Persia, where ancient Mughal and Egyptian jaali motifs converge with Mumbai’s Art Deco trellises. Bespoke Couture, presents a harmonious fusion of time-honored traditions and the India Modern narrative. The canvas becomes a playground for fusion-inspired silhouettes, ranging from lehengas and heavily embellished shararas to stylish gilets, statement jackets, flowy concept saris, structured drapes, and fusion-style jumpsuits. The Menswear line features a liberating sense of ease, sexiness, and flair through garments tailored to fit individual style and body. Inspired by the dramatic flair of the ’90s, this menswear line redefines time-honored craftsmanship with an avant-garde twist, infusing innovative Chikankari, Persian motifs, artful Kashidakaari, and Egyptian Door influences.

Rohit Gandhi and Rahul Khanna’s collection Equinox at the ongoing India Couture Week, is inspired by the celestial geometry of Autumn Equinox. Drawing from the phenomena Equinox it marries faith and fable, with architecture and craft to birth a collection that is equally balanced. It featured mesmerizing patterns and brings them to life in rich, unlined fabrics, and hypnotic 3D embroidery techniques. The collection echoes the Autumn Equinox’s annual change in season where Summer and Spring fall away to a season where the seeds of fresh life are sown.

Actors Ishaan Khatter and Sobhita Dhulipala walked the runway as showstoppers for the designers.

The collection has a strong representation of vintage kaleidoscopic windows found across the world from Bombay to Manhattan. Much of the collection draws from long wintery walks where ancient metal fences with trellis designs were the only spot of floral hope. Every garment comes to life in colors that span the sky- shades of blue from milky way to vivid, and highlights in garnet, rosewood, and twilight lavender. 

The craft in this collection however is in its representation of body art, or tattoos, on gossamer fabric. Through precision design principles the designer duo created a line of winning gowns, luxe tuxedos, and contemporary Indian formals.

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Lite Blogs

Uncovering hidden gems and lesser-known artists

Lot no. 47, an untitled work by artist K. Laxma Goud is estimated to be sold at INR 20,00,000 – 25,00,000. Appearing in an auction for the first, the work executed with acrylic on canvas in 2022 is a brilliant example of the artist’s vibrant and captivating colour and his mastery over figurative subjects…reports Asian Lite News

Bidders have the rare opportunity to acquire exquisite masterpieces and rare compositions spanning different periods of Modern Indian Art at AstaGuru’s upcoming ‘Collector’s Choice’ Modern Indian Art auction.

Commenting on the auction, Sunny Chandiramani, Senior Vice President- Client Relations, AstaGuru, said, “The overwhelming response to ‘Collectors Choice’ affirms its success in creating a platform that appeals to a broad range of collectors, fostering a vibrant and dynamic art community. The ability to acquire artworks at different price points presents a chance for both seasoned and new art connoisseurs to expand their collections with diverse pieces. It encourages exploration and discovery, enabling them to uncover hidden gems and lesser-known artists that might otherwise go unnoticed.”

Leading the auction lineup is lot no. 15, which features on the catalogue cover. The work appearing in an auction for the first time belongs to the oeuvre of revered Bengal School artist Nandalal Bose. Executed in 1941 with tempera on paper, it depicts the immortal imagery of Radha and Krishna churning butter. Through vibrant colours and intricate details, as well as the serene expressions and graceful postures of the figures, the work evokes a sense of harmony and embodies the spirit of divine love. This lot is estimated to be acquired at INR 15,00,000 – 20,00,000.

Lot no. 47, an untitled work by artist K. Laxma Goud is estimated to be sold at INR 20,00,000 – 25,00,000. Appearing in an auction for the first, the work executed with acrylic on canvas in 2022 is a brilliant example of the artist’s vibrant and captivating colour and his mastery over figurative subjects.

Leading the auction lineup is lot no. 15, which features on the catalogue cover. The work appearing in an auction for the first time belongs to the oeuvre of revered Bengal School artist Nandalal Bose. Executed in 1941 with tempera on paper, it depicts the immortal imagery of Radha and Krishna churning butter. Through vibrant colours and intricate details, as well as the serene expressions and graceful postures of the figures, the work evokes a sense of harmony and embodies the spirit of divine love. This lot is estimated to be acquired at INR 15,00,000 – 20,00,000.

Lot no. 47, an untitled work by artist K. Laxma Goud is estimated to be sold at INR 20,00,000 – 25,00,000. Appearing in an auction for the first, the work executed with acrylic on canvas in 2022 is a brilliant example of the artist’s vibrant and captivating colour and his mastery over figurative subjects.

Titled ‘Prakriti,’ lot no. 113 is an illustrious example of S.H. Raza’s exploration of the ‘Bindu,’ which became an iconic element and a unifying motif of his oeuvre. Executed in 1994 with acrylic on canvas, this work also embodies the artist’s renowned and groundbreaking approach to geometric abstraction. This work is appearing in an auction for the first time and is estimated to be sold at INR 80,00,000 – 1,00,00,000.

Lot no. 133 is a monochrome abstract landscape work by Ram Kumar titled ‘Autumn Landscape.’ Executed Circa 1950, this work was created after the artist moved to Paris to study under famed artist and writer Andre Lhote. The oil on canvas work is estimated to be acquired at INR 60,00,000 – 80,00,000.

An important bronze sculpture by artist Himmat Shah, lot no. 145, is also offered in the auction. The work ‘Untitled – Goddess Durga (Ed. 5/5),’ was also exhibited at the artist’s retrospective at Kiran Nadar Museum of Art, New Delhi, in 2016. It was also published in the book ‘Himmat in London: 36 Bronze Sculptures’ by Aleph Book Company in 2021. It is estimated to be sold at INR 25,00,000 – 30,00,000.

Lot no. 155 is a large-scale figurative work, executed in signature style by artist Jogen Chowdhury. Executed with pastel & acrylic on canvas in 2019, it is estimated to be sold at INR 30,00,000 – 40,00,000.

Lot no. 200 is an untitled work by artist Anjolie Ela Menon, executed in her signature medium of oil on masonite board. Executed in 2022, it was showcased in the exhibition titled  ‘Anjolie Ela Menon: Nostalgia 2022′ at Vadehra Art Gallery, New Delhi. It was also published in the book ‘Anjolie – Inner Vision: A Selection of Works from 1956 – 2022’ by The Arts Trust, Mumbai, in 2023. This work is estimated to be acquired at INR 30,00,000 – 40,00,000.

The auction will also present works by several more eminent artists of India, including M.V. Dhurandhar, Jamini Roy, Rabindranath Tagore, M. F. Husain, Akbar Padamsee, K. H. Ara, Sakti Burman, K. K. Hebbar, Bikash Bhattacharjee, Ganesh Pyne, Satish Gujaral, K.G. Subramanyan, Manu Parekh, Biren De, Thota Vaikuntam, Bhupen Khakhar, V.S. Gaitonde, and ManitBawa among others.

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Lite Blogs

Every artist has her personal dialogue with her art form

Managing to maintain a fine balance between tradition and innovation, the dancer says it is impossible for her body to move in a ‘un – Bharatanatyam’ manner. “My technique has always been grounded,” she adds…reports Asian Lite News

For several years now, she has been venturing into new avenues of Bharatanatyam with respect to vocabulary, poetry, and treatment. Choreographing multiple dance compositions that can become a part of the traditional repertoire, Sangeet Natak Akademi Award-winning dancer Rama Vaidyanathan’s latest ‘New Dimensions to Margam’ born out of these ventures will have its India preview on April 21 at India Habitat Centre in the national capital as part of Madhvi Festival.

One of the directors of Ganesha Natyalaya, the dancer says it has been an exciting journey discovering her dance form, celebrating it, and adapting it to her body, mind, and intellect. “Every artist has her personal dialogue with her art form, and it is this phenomenon that helps the art form to evolve. In my case as well, I was able to harness the vocabulary that I learned from my gurus and search for a fresh impetus and different approach which then became my own individual statement,” she tells.

For someone who started creating her own pieces quite early in life, there was never any apprehension about what the purists would think. “Well, I was too busy having fun with my dance, and doing that, you seldom stop to think of its repercussions. The madness of exploring, deciphering, and reconstructing had engulfed me so strongly that all I could do was to throw myself wholeheartedly into creating new compositions,” she recalls.

Anyone who has witnessed Vaidyanathan on stage can effortlessly gauge that her performances go beyond grammar and conventions. She says it is imperative to go beyond the form because the same is the basic medium of communication and its essence and beauty will be enhanced only if there is a soulful liberation in its execution. “It is a tool that we need to utilize with aesthetics and sensitivity. It is a path need to walk on to discover new spaces and embark on exciting journeys.”

NCPA Mudra Dance Festival 2022.(photo:IANSLIFE)

Managing to maintain a fine balance between tradition and innovation, the dancer says it is impossible for her body to move in a ‘un – Bharatanatyam’ manner. “My technique has always been grounded,” she adds.

Staying in Delhi, Vaidyanathan has always been exposed to multiple art forms and follows sculpture, painting, literature, music, and genres of dance as well. “This has helped me open several doors in my mind and has widened my perspectives. Particularly with regards to poetry in different languages that find a lot of space in my repertoire.”

Pleased with the many performance courses that have been introduced by different private universities, she feels dance is serious, and needs to be studied just as other disciplines of learning are done. Along with the actual practical stream of dancing, such courses teach about the treatises on dance, its history, social connotations, and areas of research. “This gives the dancer a very holistic approach to dance and at the end of the course, it throws open many more vistas of exploring for the student. Performance is just one aspect of dance, there are many other areas, especially scholarship that we actually need many more youngsters to adopt.”

Stressing that the country needs more professional setups for dance — with proper payments, opportunities for performance and research, where artists can make a living from art, Vaidyanathan adds that there is also a need for schemes for pensions for aged artistes and scholarships for young dancers from weak economic backgrounds who do not have resources and the capacity to enter into this world.

She also feels that the private sector needs to support classical dance more liberally considering in India the government is still engaged in providing basic medical needs and education to a large section of our society. “It is definitely the responsibility of the society as a whole to preserve, cherish and propagate our ancient arts.”

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Arts & Culture Lite Blogs

‘Oh To Believe in a Better World’

The arguments around authoritarianism in “Oh To Believe in a Better World” will inspire the audience of Kochi Muziris Biennale to consider the current political situation…reports Asian Lite News

Popular South African artist William Kentridge persuades the art aficionados who walk into Kochi Muziris Biennale to engage in a critical conversation with life and culture in the colonial countries.

His work titled “Oh To Believe in a Better World”, an immersive film projection set in an abandoned Soviet museum, is one of the invitations programme of Kochi Muziris Biennale 2022.

The installation explores the immense possibilities of performing arts and films to inspire contemporary ideological debates.

As the title suggests, the artist refers to the concept of utopia, the wish for it, and the futile struggles for its realisation.

Through art, this South African artist inspires critical ideology debates

According to Kentridge, people are good at making connections, though not intended by the artist.

“As an artist, I’ve my own perspective and stance. The audience can agree with them or reject them. But there is always scope for creative debates,” said the South African.

The arguments around authoritarianism in “Oh To Believe in a Better World” will inspire the audience of Kochi Muziris Biennale to consider the current political situation.

“The struggles of the art and literary activists in the western countries like scarcity, oppression, and repression, are relevant elsewhere in this modern era,” opined Kentridge, who has also excelled in his roles as an animator, a filmmaker, and an activist.

Through art, this South African artist inspires critical ideology debates

“I have always been interested in the artistic experiments of the constructivists. I also tried to apply the new ways of filmmaking,” he adds.

The medium uses elements of divisive theatre, puppetry, music, stop-frame animation, collage, and tapestry.

The 67-year-old multi-talented artist has received several international recognitions, including Spain’s prestigious Princess of Asturias Award.

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Arts & Culture Lite Blogs

Sankalp for Khadi: Unique platform exclusively for rural artists

Following the inaugural event, the programme introduced the Dharoharr Pradarshani, a special kiosk presenting the line of Dharoharr products made by rural artisans…reports Asian Lite News

“Dharoharr” by “Sankalp for Khadi” is a unique platform exclusively curated for the welfare of rural artists and artisans, across the country. In an endeavour to restore India’s Khadi power, a mega-event was held in the national captial.

15 classical musicians performed Live as part of the show’s outstanding opening act in association with partners of “Sankalp for Khadi”- Raahein ensemble by Dear Sunshine Foundation. The Azadi Power Walk, honouring well-known figures who have transcended stereotypes to make a difference in reviving, promoting, and spreading Khadi, came next. The occasion also presented the “Gandhi Smriti Chin” to honour numerous guests who made a “Sankalp for Khadi” promise to revitalise the fabric in the nation and make it the most beloved and cherished fabric of India.

Following the inaugural event, the programme introduced the Dharoharr Pradarshani, a special kiosk presenting the line of Dharoharr products made by rural artisans. The final act, Vrindavan Raas, came next (a specially curated, overwhelming performance by Iskcon).

Speaking on the occasion, Paridhi Sharma (Founder- Sankalp for Khadi) stated, “I am immensely glad to present Dharoharr to the country. The idea behind Dharoharr will pave new avenues for rural India to develop sustainable business opportunities and employment. And will re-introduce ‘Make in India’ products to the present generation, encouraging them to make rural crafts a part of their daily lifestyle.”

“Proud to be a part of this revolution. Dharoharr as an E-commerce platform will bridge the gap between rural craftsmen and buyers, presenting artists and artisans a sea of overwhelming opportunities to sustain their income and employment. It will strongly empower, protect & uplift India’s rural communities. I congratulate Paridhi Sharma for bringing Dharoharr to the fore,” said Ashwini Kumar Choubey- Minister of State for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution of India.

Craftspeople and artists will be able to present their collections in a seamless and structured manner on Dharoharr for the purpose of sales. A wide range of individuals from many walks of life, including politicians, bureaucrats, industrialists, diplomats, businesspeople, military officials, artisans, celebrities, and more were present at the event.

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Arab News News World

Palestine artists turn walls into canvas for hope

Walking in a street of any Palestinian city, you can easily find walls covered with impressive murals of landscapes, portraits, or the symbols of the Palestinian nation…writes Sanaa Kamal

Since the 1980s, murals have gradually taken the walls of the enclave as Palestinian artists have been using them as a way to show their talents and a canvas to reflect the reality of the turbulent area.

Among the hundreds of artists who try to transform the walls, Hussam al-Sabaa, who lives in the West Bank city of Jenin, is one of the street masters.

Aged 60, al-Sabaa began his career of painting murals in Jenin 27 years ago. He said it is a great way to show his artistic creativity and to convey his ideas.

“These walls offer spaces to express our feelings about social issues, through which we can draw up a true picture of the reality that Palestinians live in,” said al-Sabaa, when he was painting a mural on a giant wall of Jenin.

On the wall al-Sabaa was working on, an old Palestinian woman sits next to a map of Palestine, looking sad with her head lowered.

Al-Sabaa said the struggle of the Palestinians is a repeated theme of his murals, adding that he believed the works of Palestinian artists are the mirrors of their society’s reality. By doing so, they translate their people’s feelings into murals that may live for many years.

“These paintings are not only aesthetic but are also part of preserving Palestinian history,” he said.

You can see large murals of elderly women sitting next to olive trees, and murals of Palestinian prisoners trying to break the chains, while aesthetic images that portray nature are not absent from the scene either.

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Taghreed Abu Shehab, another artist from Jenin, prefers to focus on hope, life, and optimism by drawing scenic landscapes and lovely children playing in public parks.

“I like to reflect the spirit of optimism and hope through my painting, to help people find strengths and happiness in their lives,” she told Xinhua while painting a mural of a Palestinian woman in an embroidered dress standing in nature.

“Every artist has his own view of life. There are people who like to paint landscapes and tranquil nature, some artists like to paint murals of the resistance, and others tend to paint murals with political implications,” she said.

This is also the case for Murshid Gharib, a 73-year-old painter from Jenin who has about 50 years of experience in painting murals.

“For many years, Palestinian artists have been eager to reflect the lives, hopes, and dreams of the Palestinian people on the walls in cities,” Gharib said.

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Dubai Events

Dubai Art Expo will bring together more than 500 artists

The three-day event is held under the patronage of Sheikh Nahyan and curated by Aurela Cuku, Founder of Artissima Art Agency…reports Asian Lite News

Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, launched today the grand opening of the Dubai Art Expo, a new event organised as part of the UAE’s Golden Jubilee celebrations, which will bring together more than 500 artists and performers from more than 170 countries to present their works in Dubai.

The opening at the Meydan Hotel was attended by Albanian Minister of Culture Elva Margariti and a crowd of artists.

Dubai

The festivities will include an art exhibition, talks, workshops and a series of performances from five continents. The performances will feature dancers, choirs, instrumental musicians and singers from many countries.

The three-day event is held under the patronage of Sheikh Nahyan and curated by Aurela Cuku, Founder of Artissima Art Agency.

The event is an initiative from the UAE for the world artists to celebrate the Golden Jubilee of the UAE and will showcase exquisite art and foster mutual cooperation that builds bridges between nations. There will be a series of talks on art by renowned artists and performing arts personalities.

On November 5, Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhoods with Akaas Visual Arts will play host to the Association of Colours of Peace exhibition, a non-profit association that promotes children’s art internationally to reduce cultural, social and economic distances between rich and poor countries with messages of peace, tolerance and unity. Children from the UAE will be drawing for peace.

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The President of ‘Colors for Peace’, Antonio Giannelli, Bernard Dika, Councillor at National Park for Peace Sant’Anna di Stazzema and Councillor for Innovation and Youth Policies of the Tuscan Region, Italy together with the President of Peace Run, Alfredo De Joannon will endorse the Peace torch to Angelo Baldini, the President at Cycling team MG K VIS. The cyclists will ride from the Meydan Hotel to Al Fahidi area for the awareness of the Colors for Peace initiative. This is followed by the show ‘Symbols of Peace and Love’ by the well-known Syrian artist Badie Jahjah.

On November 6, there will be Art Talks with the Secretary General of the Foundation Centro Conservazione e Restauro “La Venaria Reale” Sara Abram in the presence of Dr Platon Alexiou, Dr Mariana Turchio, Dr Najat Al Saeed and Jassim Al Awadhi. This is followed by the show “Caravaggio” by the well-known Italian artist Mimmo Centonze. There will also be additional insights from Dr Nasser Palangi and Dr Carla Barbara Coppi.

AURELA CUKU, CURATOR OF THE EXHIBITION AND FOUNDER, ARTISSIMA ART AGENCY: “We have had an overwhelming response from artists all over the world for the Dubai Art Expo and we are delighted to bring all forms of art this year, including the performing arts. Over the last decade, we have been a catalyst in bringing art from all over the world to encourage a culture of art and heritage appreciation and this time we have also brought sports into the equation.” (WAM)