Latest news with #WorldArtDubai
Gulf Today
09-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Gulf Today
Bloom World Academy banks on Banksy's bouquets for baccalaureates
Muhammad Yusuf, Features Writer Bloom World Academy's (BWA) private art fair on May 30 saw the debut display of three original Banksy street art pieces — Running Coppers, Toxic Fuel, and Secured. It made BWA the first school in the UAE to host original Banksy street art works, including the world premiere of 'Secured', one of the artist's highly coveted pieces. The artworks, which were presented alongside student work at the school's exclusive art fair, are owned and curated by Wonderwall Fine Arts. Two of the pieces were unveiled globally at World Art Dubai earlier this year, while 'Secured' had never been exhibited in a gallery anywhere in the world. BWA is a Dubai-based authorised IB school. John Bell, Founding Principal of Bloom World Academy, said: 'At BWA, we encourage students to explore, question and create. This collaboration wasn't just about viewing thought-provoking art — it was about dialogue, reflection, critical thinking and giving our students and their families a front-row seat to culture that challenges and inspires.' Kimberly McMahon, CEO at Wonderwall Fine Arts said that 'we're proud to collaborate with Bloom World Academy on this special showcase — they're a school that genuinely values early exposure to meaningful art and ideas. Our goal wasn't just to display original Banksy street artworks, but to place them where they could spark imagination and conversation. Giving young people access to work that's bold, witty and thought-provoking felt like the right way to make art matter — and perhaps even plant the seed for the next great Banksy.' Featuring a range of student artwork and design projects from across grade levels, the one-day art fair emphasised the power of creativity in holistic education. It was an opportunity for students to exhibit their work alongside one-of-a-kind street pieces by a globally renowned artist. BWA is an International Baccalaureate World School for students aged 18 months to 18 years old. It embeds the arts into its educational ethos and has collaborated with institutions like Jameel Arts Centre. BWA is the first own-brand school of leading school provider in the UAE, Bloom Education. Secured by Banksy. Bloom Education owns brand schools and nurseries, and operates UAE Charter Schools and New Generation Schools. It is a pioneer in the Middle East education sector for nearly a decade and half and has introduced leading American, English and International Baccalaureate curriculum education brands in the UAE, with a total roster of over 20,000 students. Partnering international school brand Brighton College, Bloom Education has been selected by Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) to operate the Abu Dhabi Charter Schools programme. Bloom Education has also been chosen by Emirates Schools Establishment (ESE) to operate schools in the Northern Emirates, as part of the 'Ajyal' (new 'generation') school initiative. Kimberly McMahon responds to Gulf Today's questions regarding the art fair Why did you choose a school for the Banksy exhibition? Bloom World Academy is not just a school; it is an innovative incubator that strives to stimulate and educate young minds. If we could inspire just one child during our exhibition, who knows, we may bring about the next Banksy! What attracts you to Banksy? His subversive wit and willingness to look at the world afresh with playful authenticity, whilst never shying away from global issues. There is also beauty and complexity in something so simple. A lot of Banksy's work are simple designs and stencil based — yet they invoke such deep thought. Added to this, the nature of the street art and where the art is curated, offers another layer of beauty. Given some of the street art pieces are over 20 years old, the mediums in which these pieces were created deliver a visceral response. Bloom World Academy premises. What are the backstories of Running Coppers, Toxic Fuel and Secured? Banksy's works often mimic municipal signage in each of these three works. Is he simply poking fun at authority or is there a deeper message at play? Each of the pieces challenge traditional authoritative figures (police, parents, security guards) in a humourous way, insinuating their authority is nothing more than a mirage presented by flawed humans. What is the mandate of Wonderwall Fine Arts? Wonderwall is a response to a passion formed over two decades, and an intrinsic desire to honour the pieces within a stewardship. Wonderwall operates under three pillars - i) Preserve the irreplaceable — rescue, restore, immortalise. ii) Showcase the legacy — Through global exhibitions and galleries. iii) Curate history — Through our limited edition art offerings, ensuring the pieces and their meaning survive through avid collectors and admirers. What were your takeaways from World Art Dubai? It was both liberating and inspiring to see the reaction of the very few people who have ever had the opportunity to see a Banksy street artpiece in person! The excitement and anticipation visitors had when discovering the brand's offering, only further inspires us to deliver on our objectives. What is Dubai's place among the great world capitals of art? Although late to the party, it is clear that Dubai has a voracious appetite for contemporary art and has both the energy and enthusiasm to become a global leader! What do Dubai and Banksy have in common? Both Banksy's art and Dubai's culture are young and unencumbered with historical baggage ... neither are restrained by rules and both are motivated to look forward, not backward. Dubai and Banksy also challenge societal norms, looking to develop and be at the forefront of contemporary thinking.
Gulf Today
03-06-2025
- General
- Gulf Today
Anubha Kaw turns enchantment of silk into entrancement of art
Anubha Kaw spent the last decade exploring various subjects, mediums and techniques of art; however, it was during her sabbatical from a rewarding career in IT, she discovered her true love: silk painting. Nature, spirituality and the serene beauty of the mountains she grew up in Kashmir, are at the heart of her inspiration. She draws from them deeply and brings them to life on the soft, luxurious canvas of silk. Whether it is the emotions provoked by a landscape or quiet moments of reflection, her pieces strive to impart grace and meaning. Her silk creations have reached audiences far and beyond, gaining her international recognition. As a silk artist, Anubha blends tradition, craftsmanship and sustainability in her works. Specialising in hand-painted silk and intricate hand embroidery, she transforms fabric into living tapestries of movement, memory, and connection. Colours depicting Euphoria. Each of her pieces reflect an ongoing dialogue between the past and present, with ancient artistry meeting contemporary mores. Her works are a combination of abstract art on silk, touched and embossed by sinuous hand embroidery. Anubha has exhibited her works widely, including at ADIHEX (2021); #NOFILTERDXB with Artsmiley (2021); RANG with Funun Arts (2022); World Art Dubai with Funun Arts (2022); INDEX Dubai (2022); Group exhibition with First Wish Art Gallery, Tbilisi, Georgia (2023); Art UAQ and World Art Dubai, solo art exhibition (2025), among many others. The awards and recognition she has won include the Best Artwork Award conferred by the Ambassador of India to UAE Sunjay Sudhir at the Embassy of India, Abu Dhabi (2022) and the Anni Albers Award for most outstanding Textile and Fiber Artist – Textile Sustainability - at Artistic Luminary Awards, Dubai (2024). She was also chosen to conduct the silk painting workshop at Ras Al Khaimah Art festival (2023). 'Silk is more than a canvas to me,' says Anubha. 'Through it, I explore the dialogues between tradition and transformation. My intention is to create work that not only adorns space, but also tells a visual story - one that bridges craft and fine art, tradition and innovation, personal memory and cultural continuity.' Anubha Kaw speaks to Gulf Today about her tryst with silk Can you tell us how you discovered silk painting? Primarily, I used to work with oil - a medium I love for its depth and richness. But one day, out of sheer curiosity and simply to enjoy a creative outing with my little girl, I booked ourselves a silk painting workshop in Abu Dhabi. The moment I felt the silk and touched the brush to the fabric, I was completely mesmerised. The fluid movement of the dye, the softness of the fabric and the way colours naturally bloomed and blended, felt as though the fabric was breathing with the paint. What began as a casual exploration quickly turned into a deep and evolving passion. What does painting on silk offer that other mediums like oil, mixed media or acrylic cannot? Painting on silk offers a sense of delicacy, spontaneity and flow that I haven't found in other mediums like oil and acrylics. The way the dye or the paint moves across the silk is almost alive. There's also a luminous transparency to silk that allows light to pass through the colours, adding a softness and dimension that feels almost dreamlike. How do you source the silk? I source my silk from trusted suppliers who specialise in high-quality natural fabrics. Whenever possible, I try to support small-scale or ethical producers, as sustainability and quality are both important to my practice. Who are the artists in your genre you find inspirational? Why are they so? I admire Karen Sistek for the way she redefines silk art with scale and emotion. Her beautiful floral paintings on silk capture both delicacy and vibrancy, and her mastery of the medium is truly inspiring. Another artist is John Martono, who influences me for transforming textiles and discarded materials into powerful visual narratives. Can you tell us how you blend cultural traditions and contemporary features? I draw inspiration from traditional textile techniques such as silk painting and embroidery, which carry a deep sense of history and craftsmanship. I also bring a modern perspective through abstract forms, contemporary colour palettes and personal narratives, that reflect the world I live in today. Anubha Kaw smiles at the camera. Why do you think embroidery enhances a silk painting? Silk painting captures movement, light and emotion through colour and natural sheen, whereas embroidery brings in texture, structure, and rhythm. The contrast between the softness of the silk and the precision of the thread, creates a beautiful dialogue that enriches the overall experience of the artwork. Besides landscapes, what are your subjects? My subjects often revolve around emotions, memories, and the unseen rhythms of daily life. I am drawn to abstract forms, organic shapes and subtle gestures that express inner states of being. Sometimes, a piece is inspired by a fleeting feeling, a conversation or even a moment of silence. I also explore the passage of time, movement and human connections that are deeply personal, but also universally felt. What are the stories your works narrate? They speak of transitions, physical and emotional, of places I have been, people I have encountered, and the feelings those experiences have left behind. Through colour, texture and form, I try to capture the invisible threads that bind us, stories of change, resilience, longing, and hope.
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!
Hi Dubai
29-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Hi Dubai
World Art Dubai 2026 Dates Announced as 2025 Show Honors 16 Prize Winners
World Art Dubai 2025 (WAD) wrapped up its final day on Sunday, April 20, at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) with an awards ceremony honoring artists and galleries in 16 categories. The prize ceremony marked the end of a successful 11th edition, which brought together 400+ artists, 120+ galleries, and 10,000+ artworks from 65 countries across Hall 1 and Zabeel Halls 1-3 of DWTC. The closing day saw a lively turnout of families and art lovers enjoying a packed agenda of workshops, including urban sketching and pottery at the WAD Studio, and bag tufting at the Textile Hub, a new feature that brought together 14 textile artists from nine countries. Three pop-up performance zones around the four halls created focal points of live music and art, including the sculpting of a life-sized face and head by Artezaar artist Jude Obozuwa. The entertainment programme closed with the audience donning headphones for a 'silent' show by European synth-pop duo, close to Monday. Closing the evening was a ceremony of awards across 16 categories, which included a Future Artist Award for primary and secondary pupils who imagined a creative vision of the world 50 years from now. The schools were gifted cash and workshops worth AED 1,000 by StuDIYo Lab. The Artist in Residence Awards saw two international artists win a residency at Rove Hotels and Radisson Red Dubai Silicon Oasis, during which they'll produce artworks inspired by their stay. This edition of WAD also marked the inaugural ANAX Art Award, introduced by the show's official property sponsor, ANAX Developments, to honour excellence in Emirati art. The award celebrates the growing cultural identity of the UAE and the intersection of artistic innovation with luxury design. Hend Rashed [CO1] was named the winner and will create a piece of art for an ANAX Property. Kanwar Singh, CEO of ANAX Developments, commented: ANAX Developments is honoured to present the ANAX Art Award at World Art Dubai, celebrating Dubai's rich cultural heritage and showcasing exceptional Emirati talent. This initiative bridges the worlds of art and luxury real estate, highlighting the deep connection between culture and design. In alignment with World Art Dubai's vision, the award reflects ANAX's dedication to boundless creativity and innovation. By supporting local artists, we are not only shaping our brand's cultural identity but also strengthening our connection with Dubai's community. This endeavour transcends art and design; it aims to tell a story that embodies the aspirations of the UAE. Sixteen categories were presented to outstanding talent across the show, with four key titles already announced during Friday night's VIP celebration. These were: ● Best Artist: Dhuha Al Khdhairi ● Best Emerging Artist: CubixArt ● Best Gallery: AN Inc. ● Best Artwork: Mualaqat Assistant Vice President at Exhibitions, Asma Al Sharif, at the Dubai World Trade Centre, said: For over a decade, World Art Dubai has championed both emerging and established voices across the globe. We're proud of the platform it continues to provide and are excited for its return in 2026 with even more creative energy and global participation. Looking ahead, organizers confirmed that World Art Dubai will return from Wednesday, April 29, to Sunday, May 3, 2026. With fresh names, inspiring artworks, and expanded features in the pipeline, the countdown to the 12th edition begins now. World Art Dubai 2025 is brought to you with support from legal sponsor Knightsbridge Group and official property sponsor ANAX Developments. Dates: April 17–20, 2025, at Dubai World Trade Centre
Gulf Today
24-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Gulf Today
Nine to ten: Funun Arts Group nears a milestone at World Art Dubai fair
When it took part in World Art Dubai (Apr. 17 – 20), Funun Arts Group, the UAE-based art community, was celebrating nine consecutive years of participation in the fair. 'Funun Arts Group continues to grow, inspire and redefine what it means to be an artistic movement rooted in community, culture and creative excellence,' say Shiba Khan and Farah Khan, co-founders of the Group. From a modest beginning in 2016 with a single 12-square-metre stand and representing only a few artists, Funun Arts Group is now one of the largest and most diverse participating art organisations in World Art Dubai. In its career of nearly a decade, it has showcased over 500 artists from 60 nationalities in the fair. Shiba Khan and Farah Khan, also known as the Khan Sisters in the art fraternity, say that 'what began as a passion project to unite artists and give them a voice, has blossomed into a global creative movement.' 'In our very first year,' says Shiba Khan, who is also an artist, 'we didn't know what to look forward to. We only had a vision – to bring people together through art and create a platform where voices, especially of women, youth and emerging artists, could be seen and heard.' A composition by Dr. Hafsa. Nine years later, the vision has realised itself into one of the UAE's most active and impactful art bodies, hailed not only for its consistent presence in all major art events, but also for the innovative experiences and meaningful conversations it brings to them, particularly to World Art Dubai, every year. This year's presentation by the Group was a visual journey and emotional treat across continents and cultures. Funun's stands offered visitors a rich palette of styles and techniques, from traditional techniques to experimental projects. Included was Abstract Expressionism and Realism (side by side), reflecting both the inner psyche and the outer world; charcoal sketches showing depth and maturity; mixed media and fluid art, spontaneous with movement; paper quilling and glass art done with detail and precision and displays such as paintings on copper trays, leatherwork on canvas, and art-infused carpets, bridging fine art and artisanal craft. Every artwork, speaking softly or boldly, told a story – of its origins, identity, resilience, enthusiasm, and imagination. Artists from India, Pakistan, Syria, Iran, Lebanon, the UK, Philippines, Italy, and many more countries, had travelled to Dubai to be a part of the showcase. Artwork by Anuradha Bhalla. 'We were proud to represent a truly global family of artists,' says Farah Khan. 'Each artist brought not just their art, but their soul, their heritage, and a message that connects with someone out there.' Funun Arts Group has a commitment to innovation in presentation. One of the most talked about performances was 'Rhythmic Painting' in 2022, a fusion of movement and brushwork. Shiba Khan painted live to the rhythms of a classical Indian dancer; it was a moving canvas that came to life with each gesture and brushstroke. It was also a powerful reminder of how visual and performing arts can merge into a single artistic event, erasing boundaries between different forms of art. Other creative highlights offered by the Group have included 'Circle of Life', a collaborative installation symbolising unity, environmental consciousness and the infinite cycle of creativity; and 'Sustainable Fashion Show', where artists turned recycled materials into fashion statements, advocating for eco-consciousness through wearable art. Parvin's powerful painting of a horse. These features, besides giving food for thought and entertaining the audience, also served a greater purpose — connecting art to sustainability, inclusivity and innovation, which are themes that resonate deeply in today's world. This year's World Art Dubai also saw the inclusion of young artists from the Annual Student Art Show (ASAS), the flagship educational initiative of Funun Arts Group. Eighteen student winners, selected from hundreds of submissions, were given the opportunity to exhibit their works at World Art Dubai, alongside the creations of seasoned artists. Student artworks explored the theme 'Art and Innovation', blending traditional ideas with futuristic concepts. From AI-inspired pieces to climate-change reflections, the expressions were instinctive, powerful, and quite insightful. 'This was more than a reward: it was a life-changing moment,' says Shiba Khan. 'Seeing their eyes light up as they explained their works to a visitor or posed with their art — it reminded us why we do what we do. Art empowers, art uplifts.' Pejiman's horse eyes the horizon. The Funun Arts Group spaces saw dignitaries and students, seasoned collectors and first-time buyers, finding something to admire, connect with, or be inspired by. 'Each day of the fair was alive with colour, conversation, and creative synergy,' says Farah Khan. She noted that 'the UAE has become a global art and culture hub. And platforms like World Art Dubai are not just exhibitions — they are incubators of talent, dialogue, and dreams.' Farah Khan (left) and Shiba Khan. With nine successful years behind them, the Khan Sisters and their ever-growing community of artists, are looking ahead. Plans for international exhibitions, youth mentorships, art-tech collaborations and cross-cultural residencies, are already underway. 'We don't just want to exhibit — we want to educate, innovate, and elevate,' says Shiba Khan. 'Funun Arts Group stands for creativity with purpose - and we're only just getting started.' World Art Dubai is the largest art fair in the GCC region, attracting thousands of visitors, VIP guests, collectors and artists from all over the globe. With over 10,000 artworks on display, its 2025 version was a major commemoration of the world's creative spirit.
