Dubai, United Arab Emirates: 02 April, 2019: The fifth season of World Art Dubai, the Middle East’s largest affordable and accessible art fair, opens on Wednesday 3 April with an engaging schedule of educational workshops, interactive talks and cultural performances complimenting the 3,000-plus collection of artworks on sale at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC).
Boasting inspirational artworks from 150-plus artists and galleries from 30 countries across five continents, the four-day art extravaganza’s retail element will cater to the UAE’s passionate population of dedicated art aficionados, first-time buyers, and commissioning private entities, while a range of all-day educational activities will educate and enthral visitors.
Artists will be flying in from around the globe, including Ben Eine (UK), Nikhil Kapur (India), Julia Smolenkova (Russia), Petra Kaltenbach (Germany), Lizelle Englebrecht (South Africa) and more. Particularly of note is Polish National Marcin Rogal – also known as MrArtPride – whose ‘Watches’ collection has proven popular with a stream of celebrity fans including internationally acclaimed footballers and musicians.
Among the must-see regional galleries are Synergy Art Group (KSA), 3D Artworks Gallery (KSA) and Art Plus Gallery (UAE), while Internationally, Studio 3 Art Gallery (India), Maria Elena Gallery (Argentina) and Galeria 3 (Chile) will also be demonstrating a wide range of art styles and work.
Taking Art Beyond Walls
A key event on the Dubai Art Season calendar, World Art Dubai is the city’s main event to access emerging art curations priced at USD100 upwards. From renowned photographers and calligraphers, to inspirational graffiti pioneers and fashion creators, World Art Dubai offers visitors a truly immersive and interactive experience to browse and buy bespoke works.
“World Art Dubai continues to reshape the limitations of a modern, accessible art event. This year’s fair taps into the latest trends through its pool of expert curators and artists. World Art Dubai’s aim is to enthral and entertain every visitor, stretch their imaginations and provide added value beyond the already affordable art on display – and our most interactive event to date will deliver that experience,” said Trixie LohMirmand, Senior Vice President, Exhibitions & Events Management at DWTC.
With so many interactive sessions and activities taking place during the four-day event, here are just a selection of those targeting both the art connoisseur and amateur art lovers to look out for when visiting.
Street Art for the Fashionista
With street art picking up respect within the global art community, it is the perfect time to learn some of the basics from celebrated artists from around the world. Leading the pack, is self-taught artist Franck Noto – aka Zest – who began his experimentation with art at the tender age of 15. Now one of France’s most celebrated street artists, the Montpellier-born painter creates abstract art on a monumental scale that’s found in streets and city galleries around the globe and will be attending World Art Dubai to host a graffiti workshop to teach his tricks. The sessions being held between 4pm and 6pm on the 4-6 April.
Combining art and fashion, visitors can engage with multi-disciplinary Filipina artist Ella Elenzano-Orencillo, who will be adding her art to visitor clothing, customising them with her unique style and flare, free of charge. Specialising in customising pieces of clothing, bags and shoes, self-taught Ella continues to explore different mediums that widen her knowledge and improve her skills.
Well known for her dream interpretation, Ella’s works display feminism meets pop-surrealism, with highly vivid colours. Some of Ella’s notable works are the customised MEGA by Foo-Dog vinyl toy and The Olympic Mural for the British Embassy in Abu Dhabi.
From Quill to Pencil
From mastering the ancient calligraphy forms to details in pencil shading, two of World Art Dubai’s skilled exhibitors, Diaa Allam and Sarmed Mirza will be hosting independent workshops that will train attendees in their own art.
Known for putting his own modern spin on the calligraphy art form long-recognised for its traditions, Diaa Allam has made a name for himself with his participation in the Dubai Guinness Record Graffiti Scroll and his latest work “Tolerance is the Heart of Wisdom” which was specially made for the launch of the new Dubai Airport identity. Diaa will be hosting his workshop on Friday 5 April from 3-6pm.
Matching the master arts, renowned artist Sarmed Mirza, a qualified teacher with more than 30 years’ experience in creative arts will lead a two-hour workshop that aims to enhance skills and confidence in putting pencil to paper. The workshop, taking place on 3 April, seeks to recognise values, understand reflected light and identify illusions.
Not all Art Takes Time
It’s true that great art does take time, however, participating performance artist Victor Sitali will shatter this concept, performing his famous seven-minute speed panting sessions. The Zambian artist who has resided in the UAE for the past 10 years, has been hearing impaired since the age of three, finding ways to express his voice through painting. A firm believer in affordable and accessible art, Victor Sitali is a key supporter of World Art Dubai’s art for all mission and a hotly anticipated feature during the show.
Capturing all types of artistry, World Art Dubai will serve as an active studio for the Nikon’s Photowalk, which will lead keen photographers and hobbyists through curated exhibits to gain skills required for event photography. Led by four photography experts daily from 6pm, registered participants can also submit their best photos taken during the tour for a chance to win a Nikon D350, courtesy of Nikon Middle East and Africa.
Visitors looking to take part in any of World Art Dubai’s interactive workshops and talks are advised to register through www.worldartdubai.com/whats-on-at-wad, where a full schedule of events and more information about how to sign up can be found.
Entry to World Art Dubai is AED25 for a daily pass when purchased on site at DWTC’s Sheikh Saeed Halls 2 and 3. The show is open from 2-9pm on Wednesday 3 April and 1-9pm from Thursday 4 April – Saturday 6 April.
For more information, please visit www.worldartdubai.com.
