These UAE-based artists adorn talabat rider helmets with art

The initiative kicked off on 29 October with Evgenia Silvina, who painted the first helmet. Evgenia, a multidisciplinary UAE-based artist of Russian origin, works with themes of heritage, tribal minorities, culture and people portraits. She enjoys creating a series of portraits of indigenous, tribal minorities and nomadic people, infused with local nature elements and traditional ornaments. She said, “Growing up among the cultural fusion of the UAE residents (since 1998) has had a huge influence on my art, allowing me to explore ethnic diversity, the subject of tolerance and the beauty of heritage in my works.” Interestingly, talabat selected Evgenia before the official launch of Expo 2020 Dubai to paint the mural and the bike on the first floor of the talabat Kitchen. Their recent most activation was last Friday (12 November) with another UAE-based talented artist Ella Orencillo. With more than 20 years of experience, Ella, a Filipino artist, is known for creating art on any surface possible from shoes to huge wall. Her art has distinct vivid colours with a cross of pop-surrealism, “The main inspiration behind my helmet art is the face-paint and headdress of native Papuan tribesmen. I find their culture fascinating, especially their choice to remain close to nature and unperturbed by changes in the world. They witness visitors that dress and look differently, carry some strange tech objects, they see ships and airplanes pass and yet, they still choose to follow old ways. There is an element of pride, preservation and belonging to their choice, and I truly don’t believe it’s about fear of change," said Evgenia.

talabat will be hosting one artist per month at Expo 2020 Dubai as part of this collaboration, and painted helmets will be displayed in the ‘talabat Kitchen’ for the duration of Expo 2020.