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Gulf Today
10 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Gulf Today
Here comes the sun: DIAC show revels in glow of summer colours
Dubai International Art Centre (DIAC), a cornerstone of the UAE's creative community, has unveiled its latest exhibition, Summer Colors. It is a showcase of artistic talent that celebrates the spirit of summer through vivid colours, enviable textures, and sincere expression (July 19-26). The exhibition opened to a full house of art lovers, collectors, and cultural dignitaries, and features a lineup of over 50 talented artists from diverse nationalities. Their artworks – inspired by the glowing warmth, profound energies and the special beauty of summer – create a kaleidoscope of canvases across a variety of mediums including paintings, mixed media, and abstract compositions. The opening ceremony was graced by Chief Guest Anamika Chatterjee, Associate Editor of Khaleej Times. She said that 'artists must always follow their passion, even when life gets busy with responsibilities. Art is what keeps the soul alive.' The event was also honoured by the presence of leading Emirati artist Faisal Abdul Qader, Guest of Honour, who applauded DIAC's continued commitment to providing a platform for both emerging and established artists. 'Dubai International Art Centre has played a crucial role in nurturing creative talent through exhibitions such as this,' he said. Noted cultural personality Ahmed Al Awadhi Rukni attended the event as Special Guest, along with other prominent personalities from the media and art worlds, including senior artist Anjini Prakash Laitu. Their presence added undoubted significance and recognition to the inaugural. Exhibition Director Ambika Vohra expressed her pride in the quality and diversity of the artworks on display. 'The works showcased here are not just beautiful; they're ideal for enhancing any home,' she said. 'The attention to detail and emotional depth in each piece is remarkable.' A ballerina prepares for her dance. The Summer Colors Exhibition has already attracted a huge footfall of visitors, ranging from passionate art buyers to curious newcomers, making it one of the season's most talked-about cultural events. With a rich display of imagination and talent, it provides a unique opportunity for art enthusiasts to understand new perspectives and take home a piece of summer. The exhibition is open to the public and art lovers are encouraged to visit and explore the colourful offerings, many of which are available for purchase. Participating artists include Akshita Lad, Akanksha Kshatriya (ArtbyAK), Afshan Khan, Alia Amin, Amancia Sandra Menezes, Amna Ameen, Anxhela El Ahmadieh, Anita Sahai, Aquila Abdel Rahim, Asma Syed, Bianca Pascual, Celina Sarieddine, Debra S Mascarenhas, Deepa Rajesh, Diyali Bhalla, Dr. Anum Ali, Dr. Kamal Al Yammahi, Elham Mohammadnia, Erum Durrani, Gursheen Kaur, Jagruty Sanjay, Jaimee Felysse Reyes, Jyoti Devdhar, Lita Mathews, Mahboobeh Goshtaseb Shahnavaz, Mahi Wasfi, Mahnaz Rafiq Javid, Maitha Bin Shahdoor, Maryam Khodaverdian, Maryam Taghikhani, Nanditha Unnikrishnan, Natalia Venerova, Nikita Neogy, Ola Khalil, Pari Sagar, Prachi Khurana, Prasanth Chandran, Radhika Arya, Renuka Sanjeev, Roya Vahidi, Sandeep Soni, Sarika Handa, Shebaniah Asaph P. Pineda, Sibel Yavuz, Solmaz Gholami, Sumaya Azam and Trupti Rele. An AI reference notes that 'many artists across various eras have found inspiration in the season of summer, capturing its essence through vibrant colours, landscapes, and scenes of leisure. Notable examples include Claude Monet, who painted 'Impression, Sunrise' and 'End of Summer Morning', capturing the fleeting beauty of light and atmosphere and their effects, characteristic of summer, and Vincent van Gogh, whose 'Harvest at La Crau' showcases the golden hues of summer fields. His 'Haystacks, Summer', exemplifies his use of colour and texture to depict the feeling of summer. A group photo from the event. Artists like David Hockney with his 'Portrait of an Artist (Pool with Two Figures)' capture the modern experience of summer leisure and Berthe Morisot with 'Summer's Day', has also depicted the joys of summer recreation and relaxation. Morisot's 'Summer's Day' depicts women in a rowboat, showcasing leisure activities associated with the season. Pierre-Auguste Renoir's 'The Luncheon of the Boating Party' captures a lively scene of people enjoying a summer day. Giuseppe Arcimboldo's allegorical portraits, including 'Summer', depict the season through symbolic arrangements of fruits and vegetables. Winslow Homer often painted scenes of coastal life, capturing the energy and vibrancy of summer. Paul Gauguin's Tahitian landscapes like Tahitian Landscape, evoke the warmth and exoticism often associated with summer and Artsper Magazine notes that Edward Hopper's paintings such as 'Second Story Sunlight', capture a sense of solitude and light associated with summer afternoons. Marc Chagall's painting 'Summer Dream' is an example of his whimsical and dreamlike style often incorporating vibrant colours, AI adds. Several Eastern artists too have found inspiration in the summer season, translating its vibrancy and essence into their work, the AI overview continues. These artists draw from nature, cultural traditions and personal experiences, to capture the spirit of summer in their creations. Eastern inspirations range from detailed jewellery design to large-scale paintings and photography. The works reflect the beauty, energy, and cultural richness associated with the summer months. Cindy Chao, for example, is a jewellery artist whose 'Aquatic' series is inspired by snorkeling; she uses vibrant gemstones to recreate marine life with a focus on underwater hues and light. Dina Razin, a digital artist with Middle Eastern heritage, incorporates her culture into vibrant scenes featuring women in embellished outfits and floral elements, often with a summer beach setting, while American artist Summer Wheat, creates tactile paintings that capture the essence of summer.
Gulf Today
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Gulf Today
Small is beautiful: DIAC show hosts big art on little canvases
Early last month, Dubai International Art Centre (DIAC) hosted the second edition of its group art show titled 8'x8' Beauty in Unity. BiU marked a significant milestone in the UAE's cultural and creative calendar, in the number of artworks shown and the response generated. The exhibition was held for the second consecutive year, without a break, and drew hundreds of art lovers, collectors and industry dignitaries; it also received a World Record award from Talent Record Book, for exhibiting the highest number of small canvases in a single show. The record-winning show consisted of 692 individual artworks, each sized at merely 20x20 cm; it was a celebration of artistic capacity in miniature form! This year's edition witnessed the participation of 102 talented artists from diverse nationalities, showcasing styles ranging from realism and abstraction to Arabic calligraphy, digital art, and photography. The outcome too was commendable — over 150 artworks were sold, underscoring the event's commercial and creative success. The exhibition was inaugurated by renowned Emirati artist Faisal Abdul Qader, who said that 'it's inspiring to see such powerful creativity captured within such a small canvas. Each piece tells a story — concise yet impactful.' The event was also graced by eminent personalities and supporters of the arts, including Emirati artist Ahmed Rukni, Indian art legend Anjini Prakash Laitu, water colour champion Atul Panase and art doyen Sultana Kazim, each of whose presence lent prestige and encouragement to the participating artists. DIAC Chairperson Diyali Sen Bhalla spoke about the vision behind the show: '8'x8' Beauty in Unity is more than just an art exhibition — it is a growing cultural movement,' she said. 'It provides a unique platform for artists to demonstrate extraordinary talent within compact compositions. These mini masterpieces appeal to a broad spectrum of buyers, making art more accessible while still maintaining their soul and uniqueness.' The response to Season 2 has resonated in a way that DIAC received multiple requests to organise Season 3, on a larger scale. Plans are underway to host the next chapter in November 2025. 'It promises an even bigger celebration of creative diversity and global unity through art,' said Diyali Sen Bhalla. Artists with their certificates. Season 2 participating artists included Adila Shoaib, Ahmad Al Awadhi Rukni, Alemayehu Goshime, Alia Amin, Amancia Sandra Menezes, Amanda Ovington, Amna Mohammed Ameen, Anastasie Akibode, Anirban Midya, Anjini Prakash Laitu, Anjum Daud, Ankisha Jhawar, Anuj Sarkar, Anum Anwar Ali, Aquila Abdel Rahim, Arezoo Rahmdel, Arti Bhatia, Asiya Hassham Malik, Asma Seyed, Avantika Sharma, Avijit Majumder, Beena Samuel, Bhakti Ghaghda, Bhumika Maniyar, Chandralekha Dubey, Debra S Mascarenhas, Deepa Rajesh, Deepti Sharma, Dheepa David, Diyali Bhalla, Dr. Poonam Chauhan, Dr. Devisree S, Elaheh Baghaiesaien, Elahehsadat Mirafzal, Erum Durrani, Farivash Rajaei Alawadhi, Fathima Shihnaz Ahamed, Gülüm Erzincan, Hanna Alexandra Adoro Tepace, Jagruti Sanjay, Jaimee Felysse Almendares Reyes, Jamila Patanwala, Jenny C Ang, Jyoti Devdhar, Jyoti Sethi, Komal Jhala, Kriscia Bianca Pascual, Kunchay Visweswar, Lara AbouKhaled, Latha Narayanan, Leila Ramezani, Lita Mathews, Mahboobeh Shahnavaz, Mahi Tawfik, Mahi Wasfy, Mahnaz Ghafouri, Mahnaz Rafiq Javid, Mahshid Mirab, Maitha Shahdoor, Malika Rahman, Mary Ann Pascual, Marya Adnan, Mini Suboth, Mona Biswarupa Mohanty, Mrinmay C Sebastian, Muhammad Habib Akram, Nanditha Unnikrishnan, Neema Rajesh, Nithya Rajendiran, Pari Sagar, Pinki Sanyal, Radha Bhatia, Ranjisha Raghavan, Rashmi Parakkal, Reeta Kumari, Renuka Sanjeev, Rubab Zahra, Sahira Banu, Sameena Firdose, Sandeep Soni, Sandhya S. Iyer, Sara Masoumi, Seema Haque, Sibel Yavuz, Sona Minasyan, Soobika Fawad, Stuti Parikh, Sunanda Jain, Sunita Vasanth, Suva Mishra, Swaraj Jawale, Trupti Rele, Ursula Musch, Vandana Sudhir, Varghese Naiju, Varsha Khatri, Vasanthi Kannan, Vinu Aravind, Yamini Maria, Yoshita Ahmed, and Zoharath Suha. An AI overview of small canvas paintings says that 'they offer a great way to experiment with art, add pops of colour, and personalise small spaces.' AI goes on to prod artists to 'consider painting abstract designs, landscapes, or even portraits on miniature canvases. You can also create a gallery wall with multiple small pieces, or use them as decorative elements on shelves or tables.' Diyali Sen Bhalla, DIAC Chairperson. A list of ideas for small canvas formats is provided: abstract art patterns and designs, which are popular and versatile for small canvases; geometric patterns which can be easily executed on a small scale; Nature-inspired works such as painting flowers, trees, sunsets, or seascapes for a calming and familiar subject; celestial bodies where one can paint stars, moons, planets, or galaxies for unique and visually appealing pieces; miniature portraits which captures a person's likeness or facial expression on a small canvas; animal paintings of one's favourite animal or whimsical creatures; quotes and text which combine painting with typography carrying inspirational quotes or short phrases; or miniature landscapes that capture the beauty of Nature on a small scale, like a serene forest scene or a vibrant sunset. Artist John Lovett says that 'once I got started on these small paintings I couldn't stop. They were such a lot of fun - no pressure to produce a masterpiece, just quick, exciting experiments that revealed numerous options I would have otherwise never have considered.' He found it surprising how much detail and subtlety could be packed into a small space. 'Experiments with colour options, texture treatments and composition arrangements could be carried out quickly and effectively,' he says. Talent Record Book celebrates and showcases exceptional talents and remarkable achievements of both individuals and groups from around the world. The platform serves as a hub for talent recognition and inspiration, where individuals and groups alike can share their unique abilities and accomplishments.
Gulf Today
19-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Gulf Today
‘Transience' by The Creative Cubes examines impermanence at DIAC
The Creative Cubes Gallery unveiled its latest group exhibition Transience: The Flow of Being, on June 14 at Dubai International Art Centre (DIAC). Curated by Dubai-based artist and curator Swapnil Jawale and to run till June 21, the multidisciplinary exhibition brings together 24 diverse contemporary artists who explore the theme of impermanence, through varied mediums and styles. The inaugural evening commenced with a welcome by Diyali Sen Bhalla, DIAC Chairperson, followed by the remarks of Swapnil, who introduced the exhibition's theme. 'This exhibition explores the fleeting, yet deeply beautiful nature of life – where every moment is both an ending and a beginning,' he said. 'Transience is a reminder that nothing in life is static — we grow, we evolve, we transform. Just like art, our identity flows in between form and formlessness. 'The show honours those invisible threads — of memory, culture, nature, and being — that root us in the present, while drawing from the past and dissolving into what's next.' The exhibition was officially inaugurated by Chief Guest Khurshid Vakil, Co-founder of Marina Home Interiors. Vakil's views resonated with the exhibit's theme, as he emphasised the emotional value of spaces, aesthetics, and the dynamic relationship between art and identity. Anita Sahai's artwork depicting freedom. The event also welcomed special guests including eminent Emirati artist Ahmad Al Awadhi Rukni, Art Senior Anjini Prakash Laitu, renowned water colourist Atul Panase, Dr. Supriya Kulkarni Sudhalker and Dr. Uday Sudhalker. Participating artists are Aakanksha Kshatriya, Anita Sahai, Asma Mehmood, Ayesha Yusuf Bhatti, Diyali Sen Bhalla, Gesere, Isabelle Alves, Kritika Iyer, Kiran Kumar, Marwa Elbadawi, Murugesh Thaigarajan, Nashwa Nagy, Pari Sagar, Ranjisha Raghavan, Ravindra Parkhi, Rooma Ejaaz, Saliha Hanif, Samishka Jawale, Sandeep Soni, Smithashree Balaji, Sonia Sahni, Srirupa Bose, Swaraj Jawale, Ulyana Okava and Vandana Arora. Marwa Elbadawi's work Alignment radiates quiet strength; it is joined to minimalism. Rooted in Islamic metaphysics and the wabi-sabi philosophy, the Japanese aesthetic philosophy that finds beauty in imperfection, impermanence, and incompleteness, her art weaves together silence, material, and memory, embodying a sacred yet grounded presence. Murugesh Thaigarajan is an accomplished artist and educator. His work addresses the loss of humanity in a mechanised world and uses vivid colours to explore identity and emotional connection to Nature. Swapnil Jawale, who is also an artist, showcases a piece from his ongoing series Shivakala: Timeless Creations. Marwa Elbadawi's artwork. The work seamlessly blends Indian traditions with contemporary symbolic forms. A dedicated advocate of contemporary and traditional art, Swapnil has curated the Indigenous Artistry section at international exhibitions for several years, and continues to mentor and uplift grassroots artists. His vision for Transience brings together global voices, and staying rooted in shared cultural traditions. Ravindra Parkhi's artwork Jubilant Moments stands out for its sophistication and mature technique. Parkhi is known for his international presence and active participation in residencies and biennales, and a deep understanding of visual storytelling. Kritika Iyer is a young, emerging talent. Her Malar series reimagines femininity through the metaphor of flowers. The work balances structure and softness, and is rooted in textile traditions and cultural symbolism. With an eye trained in architecture and a heart drawn to storytelling, she bridges structure and spirit, form and feeling. Sonia Sahni is trained in both science and art; her evocative canvases invite viewers into a layered experience of mystery, design, and vibrant expression — a reflection of her background in Ayurveda and space design. Kritika Iyer's serial work. Sandeep Soni is a petroleum engineer by profession and IIT graduate and a hobbyist artist who believes that art is the very essence of life. His surreal, story-driven artworks blend intellect, emotion, fantasy and philosophy. He also explores creative outlets such as music, graphic design and photography, embodying a holistic, artful existence. Isabelle Alves was born in Mauritius and is now based in Dubai. She is a mosaic artist whose pieces echo Nature's intricacies. Her work, marked by meticulous craftsmanship fusing glass, stone and other materials, presents a harmonious, organic aesthetic. Ulyana Okava's emotionally charged works aim to awaken inner consciousness. Drawn from personal growth and spiritual reflection, Ulyana's art touches on ecological awareness and carries a message of light and healing to the world. Samishka Jawale (left) and Swapnil Jawale. Srirupa Bose's conceptual installation Imprints explores the integration of experiences across a lifetime. Drawing on the metaphor of tree rings, the piece invites viewers to reflect on the cumulative nature of time, insight, and self-awareness. It encourages a deeper understanding of how individual experiences layer over time to create meaningful transformation. 'Transience: The Flow of Being,' said Diyali Sen Bhalla, 'is curated by the dynamic duo of The Creative Cubes, Swapnil and Samishka Jawale. The Creative Cubes is more than just an art space - it's a movement. They have consistently given a platform to artists in different and interesting exhibitions. This exhibition is a collection of high standard artworks from acclaimed and emerging artists and offers a compelling exploration of technique, emotion and brilliance.' Diyali is also a visual artist, illustrator and fashion designer, who celebrates life through abstracts. DIAC Chairperson Diyali Sen Bhalla. The Creative Cubes was founded by Samishka Jawale and is a UAE-based gallery that champions diverse artistic narratives, from indigenous art to experimental forms. With a strong presence at major events like World Art Dubai, the gallery is committed to creating cross-cultural platforms for artists worldwide. The Creative Cubes nurtures and showcases both established and emerging talent. Since 2025, it has also been expanding its digital footprint, offering global access to curated collections and artist collaborations through its online platform.
Gulf Today
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Gulf Today
Traditional muse, millennial views: Old and new live in Jamila Patanwala's art
Jamila Patanwala is a contemporary Islamic artist, based in Dubai. 'My work is a reflection of my roots, and I strive to create pieces that invite the viewer to explore Islamic art in a contemporary manner,' she says. She primarily works in acrylics and mixed media, using bold colours 'to evoke the regality of Islamic patterns and calligraphy.' Her work is inspired by the richness of Islamic architecture, Quranic verses in Arabic calligraphy, and Nature. Some of her works were shown in an exhibition in Dubai International Art Centre (DIAC) recently. They were commented upon for their focus on the subject, the detailing of their meaning and the expertise of their execution. From her workspace comes Mishqaat-ul-Anwar, in acrylic on canvas, inspired by the Jamea Al Anwar mosque in Cairo, Egypt. Jamila's painting depicts a mishqaat or lamp or light from the mosque. Fruits of the Holy Quran, created in mixed media (it was shown at DIAC) is a sculptural and calligraphic art series that brings to life sacred fruits mentioned in the Quran, through the medium of clay. Rehnuma in acrylic and go leaf on canvas, is influenced by the opulent history and cultural significance of calligraphy. Work titled Fruits of the Holy Quran. Shuja'at (Courage) in acrylic on canvas depicts a lion, its mane forged with swords — a crown of steel shaped by bravery, sacrifice, and divinely bestowed strength, says Jamila. Noorun-Ala-Noor or Light upon Light in acrylic is a luminous tribute to divine beauty and spiritual profundity. 'I have tried to give a contemporary look to the exterior Medallion motif on Jamea Al Anwar,' Jamila says. 'I have recreated it on a square MDF plank, trying to mimic the original's placement on the exterior wall of the mosque.' Shubbak Al Anwar in acrylic on MDF refers to the discovery of a Fatemi shubbak - a stucco grille with floral patterns - during the restoration and revival of the Jamea Al Anwar mosque. 'The painting of this window or grille evokes a sense of tranquility and spiritual elevation, symbolising the divine connection between the sacred space inside and the world beyond,' says Jamila. The Golden Armour is an illustration which portrays a woman dressed in the Rida, the traditional attire of Dawoodi Bohra women. 'This piece symbolises the strength, dignity, and beauty I find in wearing the Rida — not as a restriction, but as a radiant shield of identity and faith,' says Jamila. 'Just as armour protects a warrior, the Rida envelops me in a sense of purpose, confidence, and pride. Through this artwork, I aim to challenge the often misunderstood narrative around the hijab and abaya. They are not symbols of oppression, but of autonomy, progress, and inner strength.' The golden hue of the artwork represents empowerment, resilience and spiritual richness. Jamila Patanwala speaks more on her work to Gulf Today Why did art interest you? My interest started in childhood, seeing my older brother's sketches. Watching his pencil bringing images to life made art feel natural and achievable; so I picked up a pencil too. That early habit, which started as a sibling inspiration, grew into my own creative voice and passion for Arabic calligraphy, motifs, and Nature‑inspired pieces. What do you mean by 'Contemporary', as in contemporary artist? 'Contemporary' means 'of our time'. A contemporary artist is someone engaging with the ideas, material, technologies and culture of the present moment. I try to weave my own spiritual experience into a work; so the art reflects how faith feels now, not as it was felt centuries ago. The reinterpretations of classical motifs through contemporary lens, connects tradition with present day aesthetics. Jamila Patanwala is based in Dubai. How can Islamic art be interpreted in a contemporary way? My work begins with the foundations of Islamic art — calligraphy, geometry, and arabesque motifs — but I weave in elements of Nature and present them through today's materials and formats. You'll see paintings brought up to mural size technologically and calligraphy being projected on digital screens. So, while the vocabulary is traditional, the presentation turns it into a contemporary conversation. How has India and UAE influenced you as an artist? The India-UAE axes gave me a unique blend of deep tradition and modern aesthetics. India inspires the craft, colour, memory and devotional content; the UAE sharpens aesthetics, scale and global visibility. The dialogue between the two is what gives my pieces a cutting edge. Why do you use bold colours? In Islamic calligraphy, hues like lapis blue or radiant gold, evoke divinity and awe more powerfully than muted tones. I use bold colours because I want the message in my work to come through loud and clear. How does architecture inspire you as an artist? I am drawn to painting architecture, because buildings hold so much meaning. Islamic architecture is not just about structures - they are symbols of faith and connection to the divine. Architectural geometry and patterns provide me a sense of order and harmony. What is the role of calligraphy in your art? Calligraphy is the heart of my work. I use sacred words because they instantly give meaning to the composition. It's worship in a visual form. Is Art a profession for you or is it only a hobby? Art isn't just a hobby for me — it's my profession, my practice, and my purpose. I see art as service. Whether through conversation, workshops, or simply sharing my work, my goal is to bring art into people's lives in a meaningful way.
Gulf Today
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Gulf Today
Colours of Arabian Sea: Atul Panase's art reflects both the UAE and India
'Creating something spontaneously, while establishing a meaningful conversation which can give happiness and a clear message to the masses, is the only way for me go ahead with art, regardless of the medium I use to express myself,' says Atul Panase, Brand Ambassador, Daniel Smith Artists' Materials and Co-curator, World Art Dubai, 2017 and 2018. He is based in Dubai and is a recipient of the Cultural Golden Visa. He has taken part in many national and international exhibitions, including at Fabriano in Acquarello, the biggest International festival dedicated to watercolour in Italy. He has curated many shows in the UAE and received multiple international awards, which includes the first prize in Watercolor Challenge-UAE Series organised for Channel 4 by Dubai International Art Centre (2002). Composition titled Swati. He has also won the Nikon Photography Award in Dubai. He has been a resident artist, attended innumerable art camps, given dozens of art talks and demonstrations and has won prestigious commissions from Dunhill-Switzerland (300 of his paintings were purchased by them; he won the contract beating 17 competitors from 17 countries) and Rice Perry Ellis Consultants, Dubai, among others. Recently, he was invited to an international watercolour event in Texas, USA, where he held a demo at the Fort Worth Art Community Centre. His art classes and workshops are appreciated both by students and art lovers. He has even held art workshops in the University of Socotra! During the Ras Al Khaimah Art Festival in 2022, his watercolour portrait painting titled 'Purple Aura' was installed on Jebel Jais — the highest mountain in the UAE. It was a huge print of 40 square metres and was displayed on the occasion of the UAE National Day. Watercolour and Pen & Ink are his leading mediums, though he also works in pencil, charcoal, pastels and acrylics. Most of his artworks are portrait-based or are trendy/contemporary illustrations. Atul Panase draws his colours on Gulf Today's canvas Facing the world fearlessly. Why do you like colour and black and white? I love Nature; hence I love colours, because there is a natural connection between us and colours, as Nature is colourful. Different colours help to create a mood. I realise how the colours of walls of your home, studio or the place you visit, can change/enhance/uplift your mood. Black and white is the most favourite combination for me because it gives you a large number of greys, which can make the creation more soothing and meaningful. Many say that there is only one colour in the universe, which is Black! Black is the colour which never changes its nature, regardless the type, intensity or the colour of light. How does India and the UAE help you make art? India is the land of my birth and the UAE is the land of my work. I find a strong connection between the soil of my motherland and the sands of UAE. It is a connection of love, friendship, culture, tradition, food, music and fine arts itself, which have been nurtured with passion at many levels. In the domain of Nature. Can you tell us more about your brand ambassadorship? I am a proud brand ambassador and leader of Fabriano in Aquarello watercolour team of the UAE for the past ten years and also at Daniel Smith Artists' Materials. I was given the chance to build a team of talented watercolourists from the UAE at Fabriano in Aquarello in Italy, the biggest international watercolour festival in the world. So far, I have chosen 120+ artists from the UAE who come from over 10 nationalities and we have displayed our artworks not only in Italy, but in many other countries including USA, India, Malaysia, Vietnam, Australia and China. This team of watercolourists includes very professional and young budding talented artists too! As ambassador of Daniel Smith Artists' Materials, we have begun activities such as introducing an award, named the Daniel Smith Artists' Materials Award. I am also offering free demos and workshops for art enthusiasts to get the experience of Daniel Smith Extra Fine Watercolors, and also for them to learn a few new techniques. Work titled Hues of empowerment. What are the qualities needed for being a commissioned artist? To become a pro artist, one needs to work with the right mindset where you have to acquire the knowledge of that particular assignment and master many related subjects. One has also to produce high quality art pieces, besides meeting the given deadline. Apart from collectors' liking, what makes art collectible? That's a very subjective question as there are many forms of art and different types of artists as there are buyers! If your art showcases a unique approach, along with the use of unique techniques and is a very high quality finished artwork which can narrate an interesting story successfully adjusted to the price ... then the art is definitely a collectible one! Atul Panase with his watercolour work. How do you see yourself evolving in the next 25 years? Breaking my own barriers while setting new records in the form of bringing new techniques, working on new concepts, organising larger than life art events and yes, setting up my own studio, besides establishing a fine art college which can serve society in the most useful ways, are my tiny future dreams. They will help me to give back to the country I call my adopted motherland, the UAE, and show my gratitude for the opportunities given to me here!
