Art draws from images and daily experiences, as well as the continuous evolution of previous visual languages. Here, the artist does not rely on collage as a mere technique, but as a style through which they acknowledge all previous forms of art and build upon them. The paintings of Nadh Turk at the 'Creatures of Hope' exhibition in the same gallery oscillate between good and evil, hope and despair, adopting a color-rich approach to express his philosophical reflections on humanity. In times of challenges, art emerges as a warm refuge and a voice that reorders the chaos within the soul. From this perspective, numerous initiatives have been launched that go beyond offering spaces of beauty, becoming a human act, pulsating with fidelity, dedicated to honoring the nation's protectors. These are complemented by workshops akin to spaces for confiding and inclusion under current circumstances. Amidst this scene, Dubai's art scene continues its renewed presence through multiple exhibitions characterized by diversity and experimentation, emphasizing that art is not a luxury, but a necessity and a message addressing humanity at all times. The University of Sharjah has called for artists and university students to submit applications for the 'Nation's Protectors' art exhibition, which will be organized as a tribute to the UAE Armed Forces. Gratitude and Appreciation Regarding the initiative, the Head of Fine Arts at the University of Sharjah, Mohammad Hussein, told 'Al-Ittihad': 'We wanted to convey a message of gratitude and appreciation from society for the heroic role played by the armed forces through an art exhibition in which a group of artists and university students will participate with works that highlight their role. The exhibition will be organized in cooperation with the Emirates Fine Arts Society and Aswar Center.' He added that the registration window, opened two weeks ago, will continue until April 15, as they look forward to diverse submissions including painting, sculpture, photography, and digital art. He explained that after receiving the artworks, a technical committee will select the exhibition pieces according to high standards, with the first and most important criterion being the work's alignment with the initiative's theme. Regarding the diversity of participants, he confirmed that they indeed represent various nationalities, starting from the UAE, passing through many Arab and foreign countries, including Russia, Lebanon, Syria, Tunisia, Egypt, and others. He noted that the exhibition's organizers aim to reach 50 artworks, and highlighted the participation of Abdullah Al Kaabi, who owns a private museum, and will display a collection of artifacts related to the history of the UAE during the event. 'Draw - Breathe - Focus' Meanwhile, Saku Studio in Dubai has launched a special workshop titled 'Draw, Breathe, Focus,' aiming to create a space for connection through art. Forms and figures hold a central place in the artist's work, taking the form of a self-portrait to embody Nadh Turk's vision of humanity and his relationship with the world, making the frightening creatures a representation of the complexity of our human ecosystem. 'Dubai International Financial Centre' Evenings The 'Dubai International Financial Centre' Art Evenings also announced a general call for registration for its 21st edition, held at 'The Beach' at DIFC. The evenings offer participation through diverse art forms, including visual arts, performance art, and interactive experiences. The evenings shed light on visual arts through the exhibited works, as well as the artistic issues discussed in accompanying sessions. A Mirror to Society Head of Fine Arts at the University of Sharjah, Mohammad Hussein, confirmed that the date for the 'Nation's Protectors' art exhibition has not yet been set, but its opening will include honoring the leaders of 'Nation's Protectors,' in addition to special invitations for the families of martyrs for their tribute. He added that art is a mirror to society, influenced by the conditions and circumstances it lives in, and therefore, presenting a vision through creativity helps illuminate certain issues. The workshop to be held on April 4 will be conducted by artist Farnaz Farid, who told 'Al-Ittihad': 'I have been working in Islamic geometry for 12 years, and this type of art is similar to meditative therapy. In the current conditions, this type of art helps the public dive into a state of meditation, as well as into their inner psychological selves, to find more comfort.' She added: 'This type of art allows for meditation, especially as I teach it in a way that relies entirely on manual work, so there is no possibility of drawing on a computer, and this requires a great deal of concentration to achieve a perfect artistic piece.' Faranaz noted that these art workshops do not require any artistic background from participants and are open to all over the age of 15, emphasizing that manual work helps relieve stress, as the focus is on the work of the hands, and thus the mind is distracted from thinking about other challenges. Gateways to the Imagination Beyond these initiatives, Dubai's art scene continues its momentum through a wide array of exhibitions, including 'The Traveling Companions' at 'Tabari Art Space,' which brings together five female artists who have worked on a new approach in art. The exhibition aims to make discussions about modernity entirely contemporary, linking the past with the present, and seeks to restore the concept of movement not as an act of 'uprooting,' but as a potential site for connection and a healing effect within the imagination. The artists: Sonia Balassanian, Erin Shainman, Lalita Lajmi, Simon Fital, and Luisa Correia Pereira present their works created during their travels, starting from the Levant, passing through the Mediterranean, and reaching the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, to see how cities like Baghdad, Tehran, Damascus, Beirut, Calcutta, as well as Lisbon, Paris, Rio de Janeiro, and New York have become gateways to their imagination. In turn, the exhibition by artist Muayyad Murad at 'Ayyam Gallery' titled 'Exiting the Maze: Wandering as Destiny' presents art as a practice influenced by visual images, where art does not emerge from nothingness, does not announce a clear beginning, and does not define itself by rejecting what came before.
