VIP Guests, artists and founders of Creashion_dxb
Looking through a kaleidoscope, with its rich patterns, coloured mirrors and beads shows us the potential of infinite possibilities. This captivating feeling of being in a multiverse inspired Shilpi Dutta and Shoma Banerjee, founders of Creashion_dxb as they curated their recent exhibition, The Kaleidoscope, at Art Coast Gallery, Dubai from September 21 to 22, 2024.
From modern cubism to vibrant impressionism to Indian folk motifs each wall of the gallery represented a multitude of art themes. Twenty-six artists of various nationalities displayed a diverse array of artworks at the group exhibition.
"The month of September ushers in a change of weather and heralds the beginning of the festive season. For us kaleidoscope was an analogy for joy and happiness we feel during this time. Our artists too perfectly reflected this theme through their canvases showcasing myriads of art styles," said Shilpi Dutta, curator and co-founder of Creashion_dxb.
Shoma and Shilpi, founders of Creashion_dxb with Chief Guest HE Yaqoob Al Ali
On the opening day, the gallery inside a bylane of the Goshi Warehouse Complex in Al Quoz was brimming with artists, their guests and Creashion_dxb's VIP invitees. Some of the notable guests who attended the exhibition included Chief Guest HE Yaqoob Al Ali, Executive Director and Private Adviser, Office of His Highness Sheikh Juma bin Maktoum Al Maktoum; HE Laila Rahhal El Atfani, Goodwill Ambassador Royal House of Queen Sheba Crown Senator, President and Founder of Business Gate Women's Business Circle; Sultana Farouq Kazim, Global Ambassador of UNESCO International Action Art Club of Piraeus and Islands and the Representative and Coordinator for the Museum of Americas; Nada Al Barazi, internationally acclaimed multi award-winning artist, Ambassador at Omniyat Center for People of Determination, along with eminent artists Anjini Prakash Laitu and Ahmed Al Awadhi (Rukni), art critic and founder of Art Forum, UAE Peter Gressman and feature writer, Gulf Today, Muhammad Yusuf.
It was a full house at Art Coast Gallery on the opening day
The exhibition began with the felicitation ceremony and a guided art tour where the artists got the opportunity to talk about their creations. While touring the exhibition HE Laila Rahal said, "I see a lot of diversity here and a representation of varied art schools. It is beautiful to see the soul of each artist reflected through their canvases. They all have the potential to scale new creative heights." An art patron, she said, art is the language of love that can promote tolerance and harmony. Stopping by each artwork and spending time and exchanging notes with the artists was Sultana Kazim, herself a veteran artist. "It is extremely heart-warming to be amidst such great talent and view the work of all these emerging artists," she said.
Artworks of Isabelle Tretola and Gitanjali Nangia
Standing next to seven of his canvases was Egyptian artist Motaz Khalil, wearing a self-designed outfit. A fan of cubism, his art, he revealed, is an extension of his persona and experiences. "So, in my art you would see a blend of modern cubism, doodles, Arabic art and Egyptian symbols," he explained. Motaz, who won the Emerging Artist Award at World Art Dubai (WAD) 2021, said he draws his biggest inspiration from the great Pablo Picasso. "I am also intrigued by Egyptian history. The striking bold eyes seen across my pieces are taken from ancient Egyptian stories."
For Indian folk artists Shubhangi Phulpagar and Nandini Sapre preserving their native ethnic art is integral to their artistic practice. Shubhangi's canvas titled Gulistan, a bouquet of vivid flowers, adorned with tiny pieces of mirrors, traces its roots to the state of Gujarat in India. Called Lippan art it is made with mud and mirrors. On the other hand, Nandini's Gond Art from Central India depicted a flying falcon, intricately painted with vibrant geometric lines.
Artist Perihan Marwan Kamal points to one of her paintings
Dubai-based Pakistani artist Mariam Khawer took a cue from a recent trip to perform Umrah while recreating a scene of a veiled woman sitting on a prayer mat. Egyptian artist Perihan Marwan Kamal captured the essence of the scenic Greek holiday town Santorini while painting a cerulean blue door laden with bright flowers.
Through her striking animal portraits Syrian artist Sana Maarrawi wanted to be the voice of endangered animals and bring attention to crime against wildlife. Themes of sustainability were seen in the textile canvas of Indian artist Vidya Michael and in Iraqi artist Jehan Ali's still life painting of empty bowls that resembled hungry gaping mouths.
Born in the trying times of the pandemic, Creashion_dxb, successfully concluded its eighth exhibition with The Kaleidoscope. Empowering emerging talent has been a top priority for this art group. "Creashions is a self-driven women-led platform and we understand that emerging talents are the seeds of the future, which is why we are focused on providing them with an accessible platform to showcase their art," said Shoma Banerjee, co-founder of Creashion_dxb.
The exhibition also included the artworks of Merit El Shenawy, Lulaeva Elza Talgatovna, Dr. Poonam Chauhan, Khadija Noor, Swarna Sengupta, Shrirupa Bose, Anu Das, Jagruti Sanjay Patni, Anastasie Akibode, Isabelle Tretola, Susmita Mandal Sana, Gitanjali Nangia, Anubha Kaw, Dr. Sangeeta Sanjay Parashar Srirupa Saha, Aakanksha Kshatriya, Divya Abraham and Mubashara Madni.
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