Students paint Zayed in myriad hues
dubai — Millions of passengers travelling through the arrivals hall at Dubai International Airport’s (DXB) Terminal 3 will be given a glimpse into the spirit and vision of the UAE’s founding father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.
Five unique artworks, created by six students from Mawaheb (a Dubaibased art studio for people with determination), will adorn the halls of the terminal for the duration of 2018 to mark the Year of Zayed.
Unveiled on Sunday, the exhibition, which is part of the #artDXB initiative, fell in line with the 100th birth anniversary of the UAE’s very own architect.
Titled ‘Inspired by Zayed’ the artworks encompass the five main pillars of Sheikh Zayed’s vision: Heritage, agriculture, female empowerment, education and humanitarianism.
Inspiring quotes based on each of the five pillars adorn the five paintings and have been brought to life using Arabic calligraphy.
Speaking at the unveiling, Asma Baker, an Emirati student from Mawaheb, spoke about why 2018 is a special to her.
“This is an important year for me. It’s the year that two of my favourite people turn 100; my grandfather and Baba Zayed. These are the men I look up to. Baba Zayed is no longer with us in person, but he is with us in spirit. He created my future and put the UAE on the map. His vision was powerful.”
Founded by Wemmy de Maaker, Mawaheb has been partnering with Dubai Airports for its #artDXB exhibitions for over one year now, and Sunday’s unveiling marked the fifth time artwork from students have been displayed at the airport, which receives footfall in its millions.
Calling the exhibition a “collaborative effort”, Mike Arnold, a Dubaibased artist and architect who mentored the students during the creation of the paintings, said each one took about “a day and a half to create”.
“The students really took the lead on this. We wanted them to paint from the source, which means paint from the heart, the soul. They truly captured that here.”
The abstract artworks host a variety of colours including whites, golds, oranges and yellows and will offer respite
The students really took the lead on this. We wanted them to paint from the source, which means paint from the heart, the soul. They truly captured that here.”
Mike Arnold, Dubai-based artist
for travellers, away from the usual hustle and bustle of the airport routine.
Nami Pagarani, 26, one of the artists from Mawaheb, told Khaleej Times it was an “honour to paint in memory of Sheikh Zayed”.
“It was so much fun to paint with such freedom and to do it in memory of Baba Zayed made it even more special.”
And for Jamal Al Hai, Dubai Airports’ Deputy CEO, the exhibition marked a very important occasion.
“This artworks remains close to our hearts. Today marks the 100 years memory of Sheikh Zayed. He turned this desert into what we see today.”