Dubai: A new exhibition by Gulf News deputy picture editor Sankha Kar, which seemingly blends the realms of photography and painting, was well received by art aficionados and fans in Dubai on Tuesday night.
Titled ‘Fluid Moment: Impressions of Spontaneity’, the weeklong exhibition opened at the reputable Dubai International Art Centre (DIAC), which began in 1976 as The Art Society of Dubai.
The event was inaugurated by Saeed Al Naboodah, Acting Director-General of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture). He was flanked by Abdul Hamid, Editor-in-Chief and Executive Director of Publications at Gulf News. Also in attendance was famed Indian photographer Ramesh Shukla, who is famous for the iconic photo of the UAE’s foundation at Union House in Dubai in 1971. Prominent Indian businessman Ram Buxani also attended.
The exhibition features photographs of reflections on the glass facades of Dubai’s skyscrapers (top) and of droplets frozen in time moments after splashing.
Running till March 28 (entry is free of charge), Kar’s exhibition offers many of his masterpieces for sale.
It showcases photographs of reflections on the glass facades of Dubai’s glittering skyscrapers, with the tightly-framed images appearing as paintings of colourful patterns and abstractions.
The exhibition also displays vividly colourful photographs of droplets frozen in time moments after splashing, creating exquisite shapes resembling people, crystals, flowers, hats — or other interpretations.
Both themes bring to brilliance the innate beauty and spontaneity in aspects of life overlooked by most people, hidden in plain sight.
“I’ve just visited Fluid Moment show of Mr Kar and I must say it’s a pioneer show at all levels,” read Al Naboadah’s fresh entry in the event’s visitor log, describing the show as a wonderful “showcase of Dubai and the hidden beauty. All the best.”
Amateur Indian photographer Samiulla Kazi, an ardent fan of Kar, said Kar has a strong following not just because of his photography, but also owing to his approachable demeanour. “Kar is very inspiring to others … Each and every piece of his art is a masterpiece in itself, which we can see here. It’s just amazing, I like his style of working,” added Kazi, 47.
Atul Panase, an accomplished painter who is the curator of the exhibition, said Kar’s work combines creative technique, aesthetics and emotion.
Panase added: “To my knowledge, the works seen here are unique in their portrayal of impressions of the city. Most other exhibitions are about old architecture and so on. But Kar has captured the reflections so well, they look like paintings,” Panase said.
Jeff Scofield, art director of DIAC’s Gallery 76 where Kar’s exhibition is on show, said Kar’s work in Fluid Moment is representative of modern contemporary art led by emerging artists “with something different to say”.
Kar, who has three decades of experience in photography, said his solo exhibition was “a way of giving back to Dubai”, where he has spent the last 17 years with Al Nisr Publishing, the publisher of Gulf News.