People with determination paint their dreams at Dubai airport

Abdulla Essa with his work. Dubai Airports launched its artDXB initiative, which seeks to engage and entertain passengers by showcasing local and international art to the millions of passengers who travel through Dubai International every month, in collaboration with Mawaheb from Beautiful People, a Dubai-based art studio for adults with special needs. - Photo by Juidin Bernarrd

Beautiful, inspiring, hopeful and full of life are some of the words that can be used to describe the artworks unveiled on Wednesday as part of the Dubai Airports' initiative called #artDXB.
Dubai Airports has partnered with 'Mawaheb From Beautiful People', a Dubai-based art studio that supports artists with special needs (aged 16 years and above), now known as the 'people with determination', to showcase their talents.
The artworks are currently on display at DXB's Terminal 3, including a commissioned mural created by 24-year-old Emirati artist Abdullah Essa Lutfi. His piece - set on a 120 inches X 180 inches canvas - offers a fun and fanciful depiction of life inside the world's busiest international airport, and will be put up on display at Concourse C.
Abdulla told Khaleej Times that it took him three weeks to finish the mural and that he used only markers to draw the black and white piece. "I did not add colours because I want people to appreciate the beauty of my artwork in its simplicity. I also want them to look at the finer details - it depicts happiness in various ways."
Abdulla said he did not make pencil sketches but directly drew on the canvas. Some of the scenes at the DXB were drawn in single continuous strokes.
In the coming months, other student artists of Mawaheb - which means 'talent' in Arabic - will also be featured as part of the #artDXB display at the concourse.
Anita Mehra, senior vice-president, communication and reputation at Dubai Airports, said: "Dubai Airports is committed to giving back to the community and supporting local culture and art. Launching artDXB with Mawaheb is the perfect marriage of both and we are thrilled to profile the work of these talented, local artists to our passengers.
"We are also raising awareness about the importance of providing opportunities to help them live fuller, more rewarding lives."
Wemmy de Maaker, managing director of Mawaheb, said: "Our mission to is to break down boundaries and stigmas associated with the determined ones, by integrating them into society and demonstrate that each individual can be creative in their own unique way.
"We've realised that at Mawaheb, we can only do so much to bring awareness but with this collaboration with Dubai Airports we can reach out to the world. Together we are going to bring awareness about the determined ones living in the UAE and we will share with the world their talents by showcasing their artworks and tell travellers about their hopes and dreams."
Dubai Airports is the world's busiest airport for international passengers. About 83.6 million people passed through the airport last year, up by 7.2 per cent in 2015. This year, it expects to receive around 89 million passengers.
angel@khaleejtimes.com

Angel Tesorero

angel@khaleejtimes.com