The 18th edition of DIFC Art Nights is captivating Dubai’s art enthusiasts with an array of immersive experiences, running from 5 pm to 10 pm every evening until November 15. This much-anticipated event brings together a diverse lineup of artists, from a mother-son team who crafted a 250kg masterpiece to a sculptor who waited 15 years to showcase his work. Visitors can enjoy interactive paintings, workshops, and panel discussions, along with numerous activities designed to engage and inspire creativity across all ages.
Here's what you can expect at the event:
Wooden marvel
This impressive artwork, crafted by mother-son duo Mustafa and Seema Hamed, weighs a staggering 250 kilograms and took an entire year to complete. Using a single piece of mahogany wood sourced and shipped from the United States, the pair created a piece inspired by one of their favorite destinations: Bali.
12 years of waiting
For sculptor Abdul Rouf Kotekar, DIFC Art Nights represents the end of a 12-year journey to display his creation. Despite facing repeated rejections from those who dismissed his models as "not art," he persevered. His intricate model of a warship, a labor of love crafted alongside his wife, took months of meticulous work to complete. Remarkably, this detailed piece can be dismantled into 110 individual components, showcasing both artistic dedication and engineering precision.
Wings of future
In celebration of DIFC’s 20th anniversary, Emirati artist Dhuha has envisioned the future of this landmark by adorning the iconic Gate Building with wings, symbolizing progress and ambition. Aiming to complete the artwork within 30 hours, she plans to transform it into an interactive exhibit, inviting visitors to capture Instagram-worthy moments and share in her vision of DIFC’s soaring future.
Of womanhood
As part of the annual Art Connects Women initiative, a curated selection of 23 paintings by talented female artists is on display. Among them is Syrian painter Seren Al Khalaf, who contributed a striking mixed media piece featuring a fox and a horse. Al Khalaf shared that her artwork serves as an emotional outlet, reflecting her feelings about the war that has devastated her homeland over the years.
Steely sculptures
The stainless steel sculptures by an artist known simply as Zeeko brought a vibrant splash of color to the exhibition, captivating attendees with their unique designs. Each piece is distinct and available for purchase, with prices ranging from Dh10,000 to Dh103,000, inviting collectors and enthusiasts alike to take home a piece of this striking artistry.
40 hands
A group of forty Iranian women collaborated to create a vibrant painting celebrating Ramadan in Dubai. Infused with Persian floral designs and a refreshing spring ambiance, the artwork beautifully merges iconic UAE landmarks with intricate calligraphy and shimmering Ramadan lights. Remarkably, this collective masterpiece was completed in just three days.
Interactive workshops
In addition to captivating paintings, DIFC Art Nights offers interactive workshops that invite visitors to unleash their creativity. Participants can try their hand at designing a sarood, a traditional Emirati handbag, adding their personal touch to this cultural accessory. For those interested in hands-on art, the pottery wheel provides an opportunity to shape unique creations and explore the art of ceramics firsthand.
News Source: Khaleej Times
