Search for Fodooli by Badr Abbas

Emirati artist Badr Abbas showcases his much-loved childhood hobbies through a series of juxtaposed cubist art at Hotel Indigo, Dubai Downtown. The exhibition titled 'Hobbies of Yesterday' runs at the hotel till March 31st, 2022. Art enthusiasts can discover Abbas' unique contemporary art, that merges Emirati cultural icons in a cubist style. Inspired by the works of Salvador Dali, George Condo and Pablo Picasso, the artist presents his traditional roots through a modern lens.

A member of Emirates Fine Arts Society, in this series Abbas pays homage to his love for comics, collectibles, video games and Sci-fi movies. In 'Search for Fodooli', for instance, he brings alive the vintage Majid comics on canvas. "I was a big fan of Majid comics, launched in 1979 – their riddles, brain teasers and puzzles were much sought-after. Every week I used to wait for my mum to bring me the latest edition. In this artwork, I have tried to capture the characters in the comics, their crossword and several other details," shares Abbas.

The games that made us at Hotel Indigo

On display are artworks celebrating his passion for stamp collection, arcade games and the Star War movie franchise. "I have made an attempt to immortalize on canvas the years I spent visiting arcades to play video games – the likes of Pacman, Space Invaders, Mario Bros, Princess of Persia. They were all part of my growing up years. A lot of my childhood memories revolved around these cherished hobbies," he says.

Revealed to the public for the first time, in Dubai, the exhibition is free to view for guests and visitors at the hotel. Alternatively chose an extended art tour with the hotel's in-house art manager Astrid Lesuisse, followed by breakfast or afternoon tea.

Hobbies of Yesterday at Hotel Indigo
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