And the Dh2.3 million 3D art awards go to ...
dubai — The winners of Dh2.3million Dubai Canvas 3D Art Award were announced on Saturday during a ceremony at the Dubai Canvas Festival.
The jury of the world’s first award that recognises excellence in 3D art named the winners after evaluating 25 shortlisted artworks for creativity, technique, composition and design, command of the medium, and the artist’s interpretation of the theme of Happiness.
Tony Cuboliquido was named the first place winner while Danila Shmelev and Leon Keer were named the second and third place winners respectively. Tomotero Saito won the People’s Choice Award, which was decided based on public votes.
All the works shortlisted for the award are being displayed at the Dubai Canvas 3D Art Festival 2017, which began in City Walk on Sunday. The award and festival are organised by Brand Dubai, the creative arm of the Government of Dubai Media Office (GDMO), in partnership with Meraas, one of Dubai’s leading holding companies.
Director-General of GDMO Mona Al Marri said: “The award’s theme of happiness evoked an exceptional creative response from the participating artists. The shortlisted artworks demonstrated a range of unique creative perspectives and innovative techniques. This award is part of Brand Dubai’s efforts to implement the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to transform Dubai into an openair art museum.”
Maitha Buhumaid, director of Brand Dubai, said: “The award generated significant interest from the global 3D art world. Over 80 per cent of the international community of accomplished 3D artists submitted entries for the award. We will continue building on the success of the first edition of the award to foster excellence in 3D art as well as further enhance the development of Dubai’s cultural and artistic landscape.”
Apart from the prize money awarded to the winners, the other shortlisted artists received $5,000 each as a token of appreciation for their participation and artistic contribution to the festival.
Launched at last year’s Dubai Canvas, the award invited proposals for 3D artworks from artists across the world on the theme of Happiness. The theme was inspired by the UAE’s own focus on people’s happiness as one of its most important goals.