A visual journey with the scent of a flower

Shaikh Ahmed during the opening of the art exhibition, Scent of a Rose, by Shaikha Maytha in Dubai. - Supplied photo

In the first-ever public art exhibition by Emirati artist Shaikha Maytha bint Obaid Thani Al Maktoum, guests are taken on a visual journey - accompanied by music - along the life of a flower from inception to bloom.
The unique exhibit - entitled 'Scent of a Rose' - is located inside a pitch-black gallery in the Al Majlis Ballroom of Mina a' Salaam in Madinat Jumeirah. With the background of soothing music, the exhibit comprises five paintings, each revealed one by one by lights, which stand in stark contrast to the darkness of one's surroundings.
"The concept is purely the Shaikha's. She had a vision of how she saw her paintings being seen by everyone, and the music, the layout, the concept of the light going on in the dark room. all of that was Shaikha's," explained Emma Ali, who works in public relations for the Shaikha.
"What I've seen it does, after having seen people experience it, and what I think was in the Shaikha's mind, is that is makes you stop," Ali added. "It's not a case of paintings hanging on the wall in which you walk on to the next one. The way it's done... makes you stop yourself and calm down. It depicts the scent of a rose, rather than the rose itself. It's the scent travelling from the bud, into the air, surrounding the area and then dying down again."
Ali added that it's the first time that Shaikha Maytha - a longtime artist - has displayed her work to the public. "She's been painting for many years, but up to now it's only been seen by friends and family," Ali said.
The exhibition was opened by Shaikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates airline and Group.
bernd@khaleejtimes.com

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