Microscopic lines, narrative vines: Art4you hosts miniature exhibition
Curated by Jesno Jackson, the show focused on the powerful connection between narrative and detail. It explored how artists can use minimal space and fine elements to convey expansive stories, personal reflections, cultural memories, and express spiritual journeys.
The opening day was marked by engaging conversations, thoughtful observations, and a shared appreciation for the discipline and imagination of miniature art. Guests, including art patrons, cultural figures and media representatives, were drawn to the quiet power of the minimalist presentation of the artworks showcased. The curated show brought together an eclectic ensemble of 18 contemporary artists who had created 80 artworks.
From the precision of Maliha Zaidi's repetitive hand-drawn cubes symbolising unity and interdependence, to Noreen Nawab's poetic self-portraits infused with Nature and love, each piece revealed unique, individual visual narratives.
Vasilisa Eliseeva's Sounds of the Universe.
Vasilisa Eliseeva's Sounds of the Universe portrayed serenity through cosmic feminine imagery, while Jesno Jackson's elegant canvases and introspective Reflection series, celebrated womanhood and tradition. Neethu George's tribute to Sufism captured the divine journey of the whirling dervish, paralleled by Shaf Beypore's evocative portrayal of ancestral tales told through the sands of the desert. Aimee George's Arabic calligraphy reverently illustrated Islamic devotion, while Thomas Antony honoured the spirit and resilience of the UAE's pearl diving legacy. Jeevan Oroolu's six-panel work vibrantly amplified the divine feminine through the powerful language of Theyyam, the elaborate ritualistic art form of Kerala State, India.
Perihan Marwan's series explored a spectrum of feelings, balance, vulnerability, healing, and secrecy, while Muthu Krishna expressed structural emotion through architectural photography. Lucinda Holland's trompe l'oeil boxes offered layered perspectives, drawing viewers into illusory spaces with animal motifs. Katerina Sholomova wove whimsical tales with abstract lines inspired by peacock feathers, and Noura Aldhaheri presented the Emirati woman as a cultural beacon. Salma Barakat's Echoes of Line meditated on the enduring nature of identity through cycles of transformation. Disha Paul's celebration of feminine resilience highlighted moments of rest and reflection as sources of strength.
Tribute to Grandmothers by Noura Aldhaheri.
Ayesha Rahman fused script and image with spiritual depth, while Yashi Khatanhar blurred boundaries between painting and photography in a dreamlike, immersive series. Collectively, the artists presented a diverse yet harmonious symphony of expression, tradition, and transformation. 'Miniature Lines, Infinite Stories invited viewers to discover the vastness held within small frames,' said Jesno Jackson, who is also Co-founder of Art4you Gallery. 'By limiting the format to a 20x20 cm canvas, the focus was on intimacy, precision and depth, that encouraged artists to create a series of connected works that spoke across canvases, traditions, and borders.
'The concept was envisioned to celebrate diversity through line work, making space for voices from across the globe. As a curator, I believe in creating thoughtful platforms that not only showcase creativity, but also builds cultural bridges. The show was a tribute to storytelling, discipline, and the timeless beauty of simplicity.' The exhibition was officially inaugurated on June 14 by Ahmed Obaid AlTeneiji, Director General of Department of Antiquities and Museums, Ras Al Khaimah, in the presence of Alshemaili Nabil, Tariq Alsalmaan, Rengi Cherian (Co-founder, Art4you Gallery), Waseem Al Sawan, Abdulhadi Alyak, Ahmad Yousif, Omar Al Hashmi, Tariq Al Salman, Yousif Waseem Al Sawan, and Abdulrahman Al Naqi.
Artists and art supporters at the event
A musical performance accompanied the event, orchestrated by cultural partners Jaime and Johana; it provided a tuneful accompaniment to the art of small canvases. 'The success of the show was made possible by the generous support of our supporters and all partners,' said Jesno Jackson. 'The exhibition offered sparked dialogue, built bridges, and encouraged reflection, and has left a lasting impression on all those who experienced it.'
Art4you Gallery is an inclusive platform dedicated to promoting contemporary art and cultural dialogue across borders. Founded by Jesno Jackson and CEO Rengi Cherian, with a vision to connect artists, audiences and collectors, the gallery curates a wide range of exhibitions, workshops and international collaborations, that celebrate creativity in all its forms. With a focus on social impact and sustainability, Art4you often aligns its initiatives with global causes, such as environmental awareness and cancer advocacy. It serves as a nurturing space for both emerging and established artists, fostering engagement through visual storytelling, community outreach, and innovative curatorial practices.
Rengi Cherian (left) and Jesno Jackson.
Miniature painting, says an AI reference, is the art of painting small-scale artworks, often portraits, illustrations, or figures, in meticulous detail. It encompasses various forms, from historical illuminated manuscripts and portrait miniatures, to modern hobbyist painting of miniatures for tabletop games. 'Portrait Miniatures,' it says further, 'were small, finely detailed portraits painted on vellum, card, copper, or ivory, popular from the 16th to mid-19th centuries.'
Miniature illustrations were a key element in decorating manuscripts, often depicting religious scenes or historical events. Persian, Ottoman, and Mughal Miniature Painting traditions involved intricate, small-scale paintings on paper, often illustrating books or albums. Modern Miniature Painting includes Tabletop Game Miniatures, involving painting plastic or resin figures for games like Warhammer, Dungeons & Dragons, and others. Miniature paintings, concludes AI, are characterised by their small size, requiring a steady hand and fine brushes; intricate detailing is crucial to the craft.
Muhammad Yusuf, Features Writer
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