Dubai: In a first-of-its-kind initiative, construction workers who create the iconic skyline of Dubai are telling their own stories and giving expression to their joys and sorrows in moving works of art.
Called “Restart the Art’”, the initiative by the non-profit Sameness Project has roped in 43 workers from two companies and paired them with 43 UAE-based artists to create a collaborative artwork which when complete will transform the look of buses carrying them to and from their work sites.
“This is our newest initiative and hands down, biggest yet,” said Fiona Hepher of the Sameness Project. “The 43 workers participating are from Al Futtaim Carillion and Khansaheb. We paired them with 43 artists and asked them three questions about their dreams, their greatest pain and greatest joy. The idea was to get all of them to tell their stories and depict their answers in a collaborative artwork that will be plastered on two labour buses in time for Dubai Art Week in March.”
Connected beautifully
Project Manager Jonny Kennaugh said: “When the artists and workers met for the first time, they connected beautifully. We saw smiles, tears and hugs in less than half an hour. One artist left the conversation with tears in her eyes saying, ‘I can’t believe his story of love and loss is so similar to mine’.”
The artists and workers couldn’t agree more. Emirati fine art photographer Amani Al Shaali who worked with carpenter Navdeep said: “The experience was amazing. Navdeep came up with two works of art based on his dreams and feelings. While the first was a bedroom furniture design in line with his dreams of becoming a designer furniture maker, the second was a broken heart which he claimed depicted his own state of being heartbroken.”
Amani said her inputs into the second piece of art helped infused hope to show that hearts can heal. “It was a very humbling experience. It made me realise that no matter what section of society we come from, we are all the same with the same dreams, pains and joys.”
South African creative artist Paul Brewer who was paired with Indian labourer Mukesh said: “The initiative helped raise awareness about the fact that labourers too need to talk about their dreams. They need appreciation and praise like anybody else.”
The workers held nothing back and vented their innermost feelings. “I always had an artistic streak in me” said Mukesh. “This was a great way of rediscovering it.”
A more emotional Navdeep said: “I live away from my family and nothing gives me more joy than my mother’s call from India.”
The initiative has received a lot of backing. “We believe that everyone is naturally unique and original and has the ability to bring out their creative spirit to keep the world fresh and diverse,” said Carla Hassan of PepsiCo Middle East & Africa, which is supporting the initiative along with 7Up, Al Futtaim Carillion, Khansaheb, Gulf Photo Plus, A4 Space - Al Serkal Avenue, American University of Dubai, The Domino & Zeearts.
Hepher said the public is also being given a chance to participate in the initiative by allowing them to follow the action online at www.restarttheart.com.
