Dubai: From 250kg artwork to interactive paintings, DIFC Arts Nights is fun for the entire family

From a mother-son duo who carved a 250kg art piece to a sculptor who waited 15 years to display his craft, the DIFC Art Nights brought together artists from various countries and backgrounds in one place. The 18th edition of the much-anticipated art event will run every evening from 5pm to 10pm until November 15 and has interactive paintings, workshops, panel discussions and several activities for visitors to try.

Here are some things you can check out at the event:

Wooden marvel

This artwork by mother-son duo Mustafa Hamed and Seema Hamed weighs a whooping 250kgs and took an entire year to craft. Made from a single piece of mahogany wood that they shipped from the US; the duo has crafted an artwork that is inspired by one of their favorite places- Bali.

12 years of waiting

For sculptor Abdul Rouf Kotekar, the platform marks the end of 12 years of wait to display his creation. He said he was often turned away saying his models could not be counted as art. His model of warship with its intricate detailing took months of patient work by him and his wife to complete and can be dismantled into 110 pieces.

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Wings of future

As this year marks the 20th anniversary of DIFC, Emirati artist Dhuha was asked to imagine the future of the location. She chose to overlay the iconic Gate Building with wings, signifying the future. She hopes to complete the painting in 30 hours after which it will be an interactive exhibit where people can take Instagrammable photos

Of womanhood

As part of the annual Art Connects Women social initiative, a selection of 23 women’s paintings is displayed. One among them was Syrian painter Seren Al Khalaf, who made a mixed media painting of a fox and horse. She said she used her paintings as a way of expressing her feelings about the war that has ravaged her home country over the last several years.

Steely sculptures

• Look: How this UAE designer reclaims traditional dhow wood to create new furniture