Emirati artists revealed their inspirations in a panel discussion on Emirati Expressions IV: Conventions of Arts

ABU DHABI, 21st January, 2016 (WAM) -- As part of the Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi) initiative Emirati Expressions IV: Conventions of Arts, a panel discussion presenting the works of participating artists Khalid Mezaina, Sumayyah Al Suwaidi and Maryam Al Suwaidi took place on Tuesday at Manarat Al Saadiyat. The participants discussed each of the artists’ works and explored the ways in which their projects blur the boundaries between design and fine art, and speak to the social consciousness embedded in the cultural fabric of the UAE that the exhibition identifies as a unifying theme in contemporary Emirati art. The panel discussion was moderated by the exhibition’s co-curators Maisa Al Qasimi, Programmes Manager, Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority, Reem Fadda, Associate Curator, Middle Eastern Art for the Abu Dhabi Project of the Solomon R. Guggenheim and Assistant Curator Muneera Al Sayegh, Programmes Officer, Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority. "The artists talked about their inspirations, artistic practice and creative processes, presenting their artworks within the curatorial context of Emirati Expressions IV: Conventions of Arts," says Maisa Al Qasimi. "The exhibition’s public programme features an ongoing series of talks and workshops which aim to engage and inspire the UAE’s arts community as well as the wider population." Reem Fadda commented, "The artists who participated represent three distinct but interlinked areas of the design industry – fashion, furniture and graphic illustration – yet their works defy traditional disciplinary boundaries between fine arts and functional design. This discussion explored the natural oscillation between aesthetics and use value incorporated throughout the artworks presented in Emirati Expressions IV: Conventions of Arts. The artists explained in their own words how their work connects with audiences through immersive and tactile experiences, as part of the ongoing Emirati Expressions IV: Conventions of Arts public programme." Maryam Al Suwaidi discussed her works ‘Kufic Bench’ and ‘The Eight Point Bench,’ two interactive installations inspired by Islamic geometric designs that also serve as useable furniture. Sumayyah Al Suwaidi presented her body of work ‘Back to Nature’, a series of wearable designs including kaftans, handbags and watches featuring her digital artworks and inspired by the Islamic idea that all beings are created from a single drop of sand. Khalid Mezaina discussed his series of illustrations inspired by the urban elements and sprawling city landscape around him. For Emirati Expressions IV: Conventions of Arts, he illustrated the facades of the social and community clubs of Abu Dhabi and presented the works as posters for visitors to take home. The next in the series of Emirati Expressions IV: Conventions of Arts talks will take place on February 16th 2016 at Manarat Al Saadiyat. It will focus on Abu Dhabi’s social clubs, including the Armed Forces Officers’ Club, Jordanian Association and Indian Social and Cultural Club, which reflect the diverse communities of Abu Dhabi and inspired the curatorial concept and commissioned artworks presented in Emirati Expressions IV: Conventions of Arts. The talk will also coincide with the launch of a publication exploring the theme of the exhibition, including research on Abu Dhabi’s cultural clubs and essays that contextualise the work of featured artists. In association with Emirati Expressions IV: Conventions of Arts, Artscape – the popular event celebrating the arts of the UAE -will be returning in March. The two-day festival will present a series of activations, performances and workshops that will gather music and art lovers, families, students and artists amongst others. The fourth edition of Emirati Expressions opened on November 12th 2015 and will remain on display until March 31st 2016. The exhibition displays works by 15 Emirati artists at Manarat Al Saadiyat and throughout the city of Abu Dhabi, including wearable textiles, photography, furniture design, interactive video installations, paintings, illustrations, large-scale sculptures, and a live studio where artists will be working throughout the exhibition. – Emirates News Agency, WAM -http://www.wam.ae/en/news/emirates/1395290553531.html