Visitors travel to a world of fantasy at Sharjah book fair

People pose for photos with superhero characters at the Sharjah International Book Fair. - Photo by M. Sajjad

The Virtual Dresser at the Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) made children's dreams come true with a superhero makeover. This is just one of the many events that made literature an exciting experience not just for children but even for adult visitors at the fair.
On display were one-of-a-kind acrobatics and live storytelling by which visitors travelled to a world of fantasy where fictional characters came to life.
Children stood in rapt attention as performers displayed their best air stunts - connected flips, a human pyramid and jumps. This unforgettable experience was put up by the Alter Trio from Poland.
For superhero lovers - a sought-after sight at the fair was a car with Captain America at the wheel. The passengers on board - Spiderman, Batman, Iron Man and more jumped off to greet fans and click selfies.
Visitors got to dress up as their favourite superhero in the Cosplay Competition. This event saw participants dawn costumes and accessories to represent a specific character from a movie, comic, video game or Manga universe. Everyone got to be a hero for a day!
The dreams of aspiring comic artists came true at the Gestures workshop that equipped them with the basics of digital art and detailing involved in comic art. Ashraf Ghori, Dubai-based digital artist who conducted the workshop, said: "Today the avenues of storytelling have exceeded all traditional barriers. I wish I grew up in this age to enjoy the multifarious ways of storytelling."
Another popular among crowds is the Light Art show organised by DOWIS art studio. The exhibit illustrates the unparallelled power of storytelling. In this performance, two narrators use a ray of light to create breathtaking works of art on the spot on a luminescent board.
What's a fair without a flash mob? Unlike usual surprise dance shows, the clown flash mob, organised by the Saltimbanco Italiano Global Art Company welcomed visitors to dance along the rhythm.
Speak of a circus, and an entire Circus Show arrives at the fair. It brought Alice in Wonderland, Pinnochio, Thumbelina and other lovable characters back to life in a surreal show of dance, acrobats and songs.
Indeed, the SIBF proved to be an unforgettable experience with a box full of talented artists relaying stories in unconventional ways.
reporters@khaleejtimes.com