Young, special artists sparkle at World Art Dubai

A visitor looking at different artworks at World Art Dubai exhibition at Dubai World Trade Center.-Photo by Neeraj Murali

A small group of people of determination sparkled the brightest at the opening day of World Art Dubai on Wednesday at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC).
Now in its fifth edition, World Art Dubai is a fusion of art, education and entertainment.
"It is an affordable and accessible art fair concept, designed to unite global artists with Dubai's international community," said Trixie LohMirmand, senior vice-president for exhibitions and events management at the DWTC. The four-day event, set to run until Saturday, is supported by the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority and serves as a key pillar of the emirate's art season.
A delighted group of 33 students - from the Rashid Centre for the Disabled and the Special Needs Future Development Centre (SNF) - displayed their artworks with the support of the Dubai-based collective Funun Arts.
For most students, this was the first time that they were given the opportunity to exhibit their artwork outside their school community. The students have put their masterpieces together with help of a group of 23 volunteer artists from across the world.
Since the organisers did not stick to a particular theme for the curation of artworks, the students were able to truly express themselves, said Shiba Khan, director and art activist at Funun Arts.
Alen Sebastian, a 20-year-old student artist from SNF, displayed his maiden artwork titled 'Mother and Child'.
"I began painting after I joined SNF. I really enjoy it," Alen told Khaleej Times.
His mother, Lesly Sebastian, said: "Alen is intellectually disabled. He finished the painting in one day, and he is working on this skill because he really enjoys it. This is his first exhibition outside of the SNF. (World Art Dubai) is a fantastic space for youngsters like Alen to express themselves."
Sisters Shiba and Farah Khan, on the other hand, have been exhibiting at World Art Dubai for over three years now. But this is the first time that the gallery is showcasing the works of the students of the Rashid Centre and SNF.
"It was a collective effort from volunteering artists and the students. The process was truly incredible as the students were given the space to create and the artists worked with them to give the artworks the final touches," said Shiba.
For Funun, this is their way to give back to society. "A rough theme of 'Love and Cherish' was given to the students, and their creativity were really showcased through their works," said Farah.
A group of students from other schools in Dubai also exhibited their works at the fair.
Abhinav Rajesh, 13, from Rayan International School, earned a spot for his painting titled 'Are we doing enough?'
"The painting depicts a helicopter that is providing rescue and relief supplies to people stuck in distress. It was my way of saying that more needs to be done," said Rajesh.
Khan Ayan Abdullah, 14, of DPS Sharjah, on the other hand, painted a picture of a Sufi dervish dancer, and said: "Sufis are closer to God. I was searching for ideas, and decided to do something that is related to God, religion, and history."
Another student Siya Lijesh, 12, came up with an abstract painting, which she described as her most favourite form of art.
3,000 paintings from over 150 artists on display
More than 3,000 pieces of art from 150-plus artists and galleries are on display at this year's World Art Dubai.
Sheikh Hasher bin Maktoum Al Maktoum, director-general of the Dubai Department of Information, formally opened the fair at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) on Wednesday. He was accompanied by Helal Saeed Almarri, director-general of the DWTC Authority and Dubai's Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing.
The global appeal of World Art Dubai 2019 has drawn debut artists and galleries from more than 30 countries, including Chile, Myanmar, Argentina, Italy, Taiwan, Turkmenistan, Mexico, Belarus and Gabon.
Like in previous editions, engaging talks, interactive workshops and exploratory sessions on a wealth of topics are lined up to engage artists of all levels.
From photography walks around the show floor and speed-painting demonstrations to calligraphy workshops and training on all things graffiti, visitors are in for a remarkable experience.
Visit the fair
>What: World Art Dubai
>Where: DWTC's Sheikh Saeed Halls 2 and 3
>When: 1pm-9pm (until Saturday, April 6)
>Register at www.worldartdubai.com/whats-on-at-wad
>Ticket: Dh25 for a daily pass, when purchased on-site
dhanusha@khaleejtimes.com

• UAE

Dhanusha Gokulan

• dhanusha@khaleejtimes.com