Dubai: The artworks of 16 UAE-based Indian artists are being showcased at an exhibition at the Sultan Bin Ali Al Owais Cultural Foundation.
Titled ‘A Picture is a Poem Without Words’, the exhibition was inaugurated on Wednesday night by Dr Mohammad Al Mutawa, member board of trustees at the foundation, showcasing a collection of more than 50 artworks.
Organised by The Guild, an association of established Indian artists mainly from Kerala, the impressive works in various mediums combine creative technique, aesthetics and emotion.
Dr Al Mutawa told Gulf News holding the exhibition reaffirms the foundation’s approach on openness towards different cultures around the world and strengthens the active role of communication between various civilisations.
“We hold these kind of activities in order to have people visit and experience the different cultures of various countries. These events highlight UAE’s culture of tolerance through which it interacts with different communities living in the UAE.”
A metal sculpture of Shaikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan titled ‘Zayed Father of Unity’ by artist Nisar Ebrahim was unveiled during the exhibition to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the birth of the UAE founder.
“There are a variety of subjects in the artworks on display at the exhibition which aims to promote arts and culture,” said Vineeth E., an artist and representative of the Guild association. “Different artists are handling different subjects in their works, from nature to current affairs.”
Speaking about his own artworks in the exhibition, Vineeth said his series of paintings were based on the suffering of children in countries going through unrest. As part of his installation, viewers are asked to download an app and play an audio that connects them with the paintings.
“My intention was to provide the viewer an ambient experience of the subject of the painting. For example, one of the paintings was about the Syrian child who was washed on the shore. When the viewer focuses the camera of the phone on the painting, they will be able to hear the distant noise of a boat and the sound of the sea including the father calling out for help,” he explained.
Vineeth said four of his works were influenced by the news he used to wake up to everyday. Another painting by him depicts a mother in Mosul hugging her young daughter whose mouth has been taped.
“In Mosul, there was a tough time when people wanted to escape from Daesh, but the big problem for them was their kids, who used to cry. Mothers had no choice but to tape their children’s mouths and some even had to drug them to sleep so they won’t get caught,” he said.
As for Nisar Ebrahim, who was behind the Shaikh Zayed installation, he said his piece indicates the presence of unity. “The separate metal pieces in different shapes and sizes join together to form the portrait of the late Shaikh Zayed.”
Meanwhile, artist Abu Mohammad is showcasing four of his abstract acrylic on canvas artworks. “I tried to show the future through abstract shapes and buildings. People who see it should derive meaning out of it. It’s an abstract of the future,” he said.
The exhibition runs until May 17 at the foundation’s premises in Riqqa Street.
