Abu Dhabi: Visitors at Abu Dhabi's Marina Mall were yesterday treated to a sneak preview of the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix with a special live art display on a full-size replica F1 car.
Yesterday's activity is one of five events where life-size F1 replica cars will be painted by local artists as part of Yasalam's series of exhibitions called The Art of Racing.
Yasalam is the city's dynamic programme of F1-related events and entertainment, created to bring the entire community together celebrating the UAE's biggest sporting event.
The Art of Racing creates a fusion between motorsport and art, showcasing the country's finest artistic talent in public locations across Abu Dhabi in the lead up to the race on November 1.
Further live Art of Racing painting performances are planned for Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi Airport, and Zayed University, which is for students only. Each artist will reflect "What the 2009 Etihad Airways Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix means to the UAE".
Renowned local artist, Wasel Safwan is painting the F1 car body shell directly outside the Ferrari merchandise shop in Marina Mall, which he began on Friday until tomorrow. The stunning finished car will remain in place for all to see until November 2, the day after the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
The award-winning local artist has pioneered his unique style of 'UAEism', a contemporary art genre developed and inspired by the multi-cultural community of the UAE and the art the country has produced over time.
Wasel says: "I have painted on many different shapes in my life, but this is my first time designing the body shell of an F1 car and I'm excited and happy to be doing this here in Abu Dhabi."
