Artworks showcase UAE's tolerance at Dubai exhibition

Exposing oneself to different people, cultures and places is the best way to promote and understand tolerance and this is how the UAE's artist community is marking the Year of Tolerance through their month-long Beyond Borders exhibition.

Over 50 UAE artists representing 30 nationalities have joined hands for the tolerance exhibition that was inaugurated by Yasser Algergawi, director of programmes and partnership at the Ministry of Tolerance and chairman of the Dubai Folklore Theatre.

Through their works, artists at the Beyond Borders exhibition expressed that it is through the language of art bridges are built and knowledge shared.

Presented by Art4you Gallery, the tolerance exhibition - curated by Jesno Jackson, founder of Art4you gallery and Rengi Cherian - saw all big names from the art scene in the UAE grace the event that is being held at Cassells Al Barsha Hotel Dubai until March 16.

The special guest list included Emirati artist Abdulqader Alrais; Khalil Abdul Wahid, visual arts manager at the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority; Sultana Farouq Kazim, fashion designer, artist, art curator and coordinator for the museum of the Americas, UAE.

The exhibition is open from 11am to 8pm and has around 60 artworks, including one sculpture.

Artist Swapnil Jawale, who had made a portrait of the late Sheikh Zayed using pointillism technique (using dots), said: "My artwork shows the late Sheikh Zayed, who had a natural disposition for tolerance, genuineness and concern for others. "

Algergawi said he was immersed in the individual creativity and talent of the artists. "Through streams of colours that form fusions of stories on canvas, with each piece telling a unique story, an environment of holistic tolerance and diversity exudes throughout the exhibit space."

He added that as he toured the exhibition, he noticed that each artwork reflected the ethnic character and background of the artists and their nationalities.

saman@khaleejtimes.com