Comics to come alive in Abu Dhabi
abu dhabi — Featuring comic strip artworks by talented artists in the UAE, the Comic Craze exhibition will open to the public at Al Qattara Arts Centre in Abu Dhabi on September 14.
According to the Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi), the Comic Craze showcases examples of different techniques and materials from fabricated portraits to animated films. “With a flourishing community of comic artists in the UAE, the exhibition highlights the artistic expressions of established and emerging comic artists who depict scenes from the society and the government,” the TCA Abu Dhabi said in a statement.
Among the artists featured in the exhibition is Khalid bin Hamad’s sci-fi animation series, Empire of N, which aims to generate a new form of media in the UAE. It is a mix between action and science fiction with an Emirati twist, where Khalid uses Japanese animated style to reflect on the Emirati identity. The series has a unique element as it presents the audience with an artwork that represents local society in an international style.
Sumayya Al Suwaidi, community events manager at TCA Abu Dhabi, said: “The Comic Craze exhibition represents our commitment
We will continue to support with resources and provide platforms that will encourage and strengthen art practices and talents in the UAE across traditional and contemporary genres.” Sumayya Al Suwaidi, community events manager, TCA Abu Dhabi
to nurture the creative minds of emerging artists, curators and the young generation that use different methods of art that are more contemporary to speak to a new era of audiences. We will continue to support with resources and provide platforms that will encourage and strengthen art practices and talents in the UAE across traditional and contemporary genres.”
Another participating artist is the self-taught artist Moza Al Hamrani’s whose comic book paintings use techniques featuring brush pens, markers and paper scraps. Khalid Mahmood, another contributing artist, created an animated film that celebrates Hag- El Laila, an annual traditional cultural occasion celebrated by the UAE children to mark the arrival of the month of Ramadan.
The Comic Craze Exhibition will run until October 19 and will be open daily from 5pm to 9pm.