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Happy Anniversary! 2010-07-24T22:37:00.000-07:00

Happy Anniversary!

Thank again to Malen and Albert for ordering their anniversary gift from OrangeJar.com!

Museum ME the UAE 2010-07-24T22:17:00.000-07:00
A brief history of one country, through one hundred objects…

The UAE is a place of multiple nationalities and cultures, and together the population shares in the history of the place they inhabit. Museum ME the UAE aims to present a snap shot of the UAE and the shared experiences of its community by inviting anyone and everyone to submit an object(s) which relates to the UAE’s history.

One hundred objects will be selected and presented in categories of history, domesticity and art, placing sentimental tokens on the same level as historical artifact, weaving together the personal fragments into a cumulative patchwork tapestry of the UAE’s identity.

Please find attached the press release for the same.

Submit your application to museumuae@thejamjardubai.com by 1 October 2010.

What to send:

Jpeg image of the object being submitted
Description of its importance to the UAE in no more than 150 words
Measurements in centimeters, height x width x depth
Estimate of object’s age

The exhibition will take place at thejamjar from 14 – 21 October 2010.

For more information, contact:
T | +971 (0)4 341 7303
F | +971 (0)4 341 7304
E | info@thejamjardubai.com
www.thejamjardubai.com

Calling artists to redesign Emirates membership cards 2010-07-22T13:13:00.000-07:00
Earlier this year, Emirates redesigned its Skywards frequent flyer membership cards by featuring works of art from renowned contemporary artists such as Damien Hirst, Christopher Ries and Simone Cenedese.

Now, with the launch of a global art competition, Emirates is furthering their commitment to the art world by giving new and undiscovered talent the unique opportunity to enjoy global exposure and have their artwork adorn their membership cards in 2011.

Emerging artists are invited to respond to any or all of the three briefs: Gold, Silver and Blue. Each brief asks for an interpretation of a different mood or quality.

Winners will receive a commission of USD5,000 and their work will also enjoy global recognition. In addition, you’ll have the chance to fly to Dubai and display your artwork and portfolio at Art Dubai, the leading contemporary art fair in the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia region in March 2011, attended by art critics, collectors and gallery owners from around the world.

More info here.

Happy birthday Carrie! 2010-07-19T09:59:00.000-07:00

To Malen & Abet: thanks for ordering your gift for Carrie's birthday at OrangeJar. And double thanks for sending the photo.

Old comics 2010-06-28T00:36:00.000-07:00
Cleaning up a brimming inbox and found this among the sent files. An old comics I worked on which was supposed to be for a weekly gadgets rag in Dubai, but got cancelled. Oh well. Just remember, this was like three years ago. Enjoy!

IF: Paisley 2010-06-23T13:30:00.000-07:00

A few critters got into my paisley. What am I do?

A hundred they'll tally, it'll be a zoo!

"Sketch" at the Jamjar! 2010-06-16T05:33:00.000-07:00

"Sketch" is an evening of live sketching and art making and offers the local arts community a place to congregate, talk, create and be seen, with the request for artists to simply drop in, register and start creating.

The final work(s) will be put up for sale on the walls of thejamjar as and when the artist has completed their piece – and the artists are encouraged to produce as many pieces as they wish throughout the evening. The end result being that the art is instantly made more accessible to attending customers and by individually pricing each piece, making them independently affordable and attainable.

The registration fee is AED 40 and all basic materials needed for the event will be provided. NEW price structure for art – all prices now restricted between AED10 – AED150

All art created at the event is for sale and will be displayed until the event closes.

This event offers patrons and art lovers an opportunity to see local artists at work and get acquainted with them on a personal and interactive level – as well as it being an ideal way for artists and designers to meet each other in a social environment and be inspired by each others creative process.

Fn looks forward to seeing as many art lovers as possible in attendance at the ‘Sketch’ event, to support the idea and the artists alike. This art-social event promises to be the next big art-driven event in Dubai.

thejamjar

T | +971 (0)4 341 7303
F | +971 (0)4 341 7304
E | info@thejamjardubai.com
www.thejamjardubai.com
PO Box 27554, Dubai, UAE.

St. 17a, Between Habitat & Chevrolet Insportz
Behind Dubai Garden Centre
Exit 39, Sheikh Zayed Road from Dubai
Exit 42, Sheikh Zayed Road towards Dubai
Gulf First Bank Metro Station

For directions and a location map go to
www.thejamjardubai.com/index1.html
Opening hoursOffice: Sunday - Thursday, 9am - 6pm
Studio: Monday - Thursday, Saturday 10am - 8pm; Friday 2pm - 8pm; Sunday CLOSED

Watani expands Summer Camp profile 2010-06-16T05:30:00.000-07:00
The popular Summer Camp programme of Watani, the UAE’s unique celebration of national identity, is back again with an action-packed calendar offering greater opportunities for children to learn new skills and re-discover themselves in an atmosphere of fun and creativity.

Over 420 children aged seven to 12 are expected to attend the camps, which will be held from June 19 to July 8 in Dubai and from July 11 to July 21 in Fujairah and Ras Al Khaimah, under the title ‘United in creativity and knowledge,' reflecting one of the key pillars of Vision 2021, which aims to make the UAE among the best nations in the world by year 2021.

An exciting array of events will keep children active and occupied at the camp while also bringing them closer to their roots and heritage, and encouraging them to venture out beyond classroom learning. Field trips and sessions organised as part of the camp will enable participants to learn more about their living environment as well as the latest advances in science.

His Excellency Ahmed Al Mansoori, Director General of Watani said: "Watani's Summer Camps are an ideal platform to develop and shape responsible, knowledgeable citizens of the future. The Camps not only help children develop their hobbies and interests into meaningful pursuits but also inculcate in them a sense of national pride and identity.

" Through the Summer Camp, we aim to align the aspirations of children in line with the goals outlined by UAE Vision 2021 and link them to the country's cultural values. These camps are indeed one of the best investments in our future," he added.

Among the highlights of the Camps this year are the “Watani Space” Programme organised in co-operation with Emirates Institution for Science and Advanced Technology, and “Watani Skies”, which will be presented by the Dubai Aviation Academy.

Field trips to hospitals and training sessions on radiation prevention and healthy diets will also be part of the programme, as strengthening awareness on health is critical to individual and social hygiene. A mechanic workshop will be introduced to provide children with essential information on car components and electronics.

Environment and heritage as well as prudent use of resources will also be a major theme of the Camp this year. Students will be taken on trips to Masdar, ADNOC, Jumeirah Beach Park and the Dubai Dolphinarium to enable them understand the importance of these issues and the priority being accorded to them by the UAE as part of its commitment to sustainable development.

About Watani:

Watani Program was launched on December 2, 2005 under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to promote the UAE's national identity and practices of good citizenship within the UAE's diverse and multicultural society. The program organizes and implements various educational, entertainment, and media activities that are directed to the youth, women and children. The activities and campaigns organized by Watani are carried out by a number of volunteers and public interest advocates in the UAE.

Summer camp for kids at DLC 2010-06-15T23:25:00.000-07:00

Dubai Ladies Club, a member of Dubai Women Establishment, today announced the dates for its annual Kids Summer Camp. Each batch will run for two weeks and will bring together three renowned names – Kidzart, Mad Science & Playball – that have designed a summer program that will immerse students in a wide range of extra curricular events so that they spend their time effectively while learning something.

Now in its sixth season, the Kids Summer Camp, which is held at The Art Centre in Dubai Ladies Club, has become hugely popular as a place where children can develop new interests, gain exposure, choose a new direction, and make lifelong friends. The camp is open to boys and girls between 6 – 11 years.

Maryam Al Ghurair, Art Centre Executive at Dubai Ladies Club said, “This year’s program will target three fields - Arts, Sciences and Sports – with structured training and exercise that are designed to be not only fun but also to further develop their social, physical, intellectual and artistic abilities.”

Enrolment for the Summer Camp is now open. The first batch will begin from 4 July until 15 July, 2010. The second batch will commence on 18 July until 29 July, 2010. While the third and final batch will commence on 1 August until 12 August, 2010. Camp activities will be conducted from Sunday through Thursday, 9:00am-12:00pm. Fees for the two-week summer camp is AED700 per child for Dubai Ladies Club members and AED750 per child for non-members.

To register and to make an enquiry please contact our Customer Service Representatives at The Art Centre in Dubai Ladies Club by calling +971 4 349 9922 or email artcentre@dubailadiesclub.com.

IF: Ripple 2010-06-15T09:58:00.000-07:00

“Made in Tashkeel” exhibition 2010-06-10T08:50:00.000-07:00

Founded in January 2008 by Lateefa bint Maktoum, and nestled amongst the leafy streets of Nad Al-Sheba, Tashkeel is an inspirational haven of calm and tranquility for the UAE’s art community, committed to inspiring art and design practice, cross-cultural dialogue and creative exchange.

“Made in Tashkeel”, an annual showcase of work by Tashkeel members, workshop participants and exhibiting artists, runs from Wednesday 9^th June through to Thursday 16^th September. The exhibition will highlight the exceptional creativity that Tashkeel is committed to encourage, and will feature a diverse collection of work that includes jewellery, drawing, painting, photography, printmaking and textiles.

“This is a great opportunity for our members to show their work, and many regular Tashkeel members are taking part in the exhibition alongside others who have great potential,” said Lateefa bint Maktoum, founder of Tashkeel and an accomplished artist in her own right. “This show embodies the essence of Tashkeel, which is to give artists and designers the opportunity to interact with artists from many different cultural backgrounds and experiences, including leading local, regional and international professionals who have been working in the field of art for decades as well as young artists who are just starting their careers.”

Among the many works on show at the exhibition are paintings by French artist Jean-Charles Yaich, a Tashkeel member since January 2010 who, in addition to practicing his own painting, teaches a weekly workshop at Tashkeel. Along with a certain degree of abstraction, Jean-Charles works with line and form, from drawing in ink to oil painting.

Also on display is the work of Indian sculptor, printmaker and illustrator Debjani Bhardwaj, a Tashkeel member since 2008, who works across a diverse range of media, building her ‘stories’ in clay or inks and layering the surfaces with textures.

Another Tashkeel member who has gone on to receive international recognition for her work, having sold her last collection to major stores in New York, London and Milan, is British textile designer Felicity Brown. Felicity has designed for Alberta Ferretti, Lanvin, Loewe and Mulberry and has been selected to show at ‘New Generation’, part of London Fashion Week, in September 2010.

More creative diversity comes in the form of young Emirati artist Maitha Demithan, whose work has, over the last year, been included in exhibitions in Berlin, Brisbane, New York and Venice as well as at Art Dubai.

Also included in the exhibition are individual pieces by German jeweller Lia Staehlin who, in addition to creating her own unique hand-made jewellery collections and one of a kind jewellery items for her customers, enjoys a second field teaching jewellery design and goldsmithing, and runs workshops at Tashkeel throughout the year.

The exhibition, which is supported by an online catalogue available at www.tashkeel.org, is open from 10 am to 8 pm Saturday to Thursday, and admission is free.

About Tashkeel:

Founded in January 2008 by Lateefa bint Maktoum, and nestled amongst the leafy streets of Nad Al-Sheba, Tashkeel is an inspirational haven of calm and tranquility for the UAE’s art community. An independent resource for artists and designers living and working in the United Arab Emirates, Tashkeel is committed to inspiring art and design practice, cross-cultural dialogue and creative exchange.

Studio facilities available to members include a print making studio, fully-equipped computer laboratory (with graphic design, interior design and architectural software and video editing facilities) a darkroom, photo studio (complete with backdrop and lights) and a large, airy fine arts studio plus sewing machines, wireless internet and jewellery making stations. In addition to the studio resources, there is an up to date international journal / reference library plus a members room, art supplies and equipment rental store and a gallery that is open to the public. Tashkeel also organises regular creative workshops (open to both members and non-members) led by practicing artists.

Being a member at Tashkeel gives artists and designers the opportunity to interact with artists from many different cultural backgrounds and experiences, including leading local, regional and international professionals who have been working in the field of art for decades to young artists who are just starting their careers. Tashkeel firmly believes that this interaction is vital in order for artists to develop their work and their artistic techniques, as it gives inexperienced artists the unique opportunity to take part in workshops led by highly accredited professional artists such as Sacha Jafri, Azza Al Qubassi and Huda Smitshuijzen Abi Fares. They also can volunteer to work hands on with artists to assist with the set up of large complex installations for exhibitions at Tashkeel.

Tashkeel members that have claimed their places in the international art world include Reem Al Ghaith (whose work has been shown internationally, and this year is appearing at the Centre Pompidou in France and at the United Nations Headquarters in New York) and the renowned British textile designer Felicity Brown (who has designed for Alberta Ferretti, Lanvin, Loewe and Mulberry and whose work has been seen on international catwalks all around the world).

Membership of Tashkeel costs as little as Dhs. 700 a month and is open to anyone aged 18 and above regardless of their skill or experience. The facility is open from 8 am to 10 pm, Saturday to Thursday.

Vindemia Invites Art Enthusiasts to get Nostalgic with Syrian Artist Baseem Rayyes at the Exhibition titled ‘On the Wall’ 2010-06-06T01:27:00.000-07:00

This summer, soak in some Syrian creativity as Vindemia Art, Antiques and Collectibles Gallery showcases paintings of talented Syrian artist Baseem Rayyes at Aspen Café, Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates. The exhibition titled, ‘On the Wall’ will run from 26 May- July 4, 2010 from 11am - 9pm.

The unique exhibition features a series of paintings that represent tales of nostalgia, based on memories of the artist’s life back home. Through his paintings, the artist wishes to stimulate the desire to embrace life among the viewers of his works.

Commenting on his latest collection, Baseem Rayyes says, “My paintings speak about the lessons life teaches us and how we must erase what we don’t want to see and try to seize – in their truest colors – the moments we wish to remember.”

“Baseem’s paintings reflect his love of life and never-give-up attitude, and are narrated in the aesthetic of a poet. His work transcends both his inner peace and darkness, and emerges from his sorrow in the form of serene faces, feminine bodies, and a faraway tranquil love story,” says Ghada Kunash, Art collector and Managing Director of Vindemia.

Commenting on the hosting of the exhibition at Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates, General Manager Holger Schroth said, “We are very excited to host yet another exceptional artist here at Aspen Café, and continue to nurture the café’s growing reputation among the city’s art enthusiasts who recognize and appreciate unique talent. The ‘On the Wall’ exhibition will have great resonance in Dubai as so many of the people who live here empathise with the feeling of nostalgia for their lives back home.”

The artists’ collection includes around 20 pieces of art, capturing life in a series of moments of pain and pleasure. Apart from painting, Rayyes is also a talented writer and was recently named the winner of the Sharjah Arabian Creativity Award for Short Stories – 2010.

For further information on Vindemia, please visit the gallery located at THE WALK at Jumeirah Beach residence, shop No 21, Murjan 5 from 10am – 10pm Saturday to Sunday, and Friday 2pm to 10 pm or call +9714 427 0219.

ENOC holds painting contest to raise awareness about the Environment 2010-06-06T01:17:00.000-07:00

Children choose to paint with the color green to depict their idea of an ideal and natural environment, at the ENOC booth in Dubai Festival City. The campaign aims to raise awareness on World Environment Day, celebrated, across the world on June 5, through educating people about climate change and key environmental issues. ENOC collaborated with Dubai Silicon Oasis to highlight the importance of preserving and sustaining our environment by inviting children to participate in a drawing competition. Children with the best artwork received gift vouchers.

ENOC also showcased its environmentally-friendly products and services, such as Protec Green and Protec X-treme Energy. It also explained to passersby how the Waterless Carwash service functions and displayed images of the ENOC Green Station, set to open by the end of 2010.

Art Dubai: photos batch 2 2010-06-01T11:01:00.000-07:00
Long overdue... more photos from Art Dubai. Enjoy!

IF: Early 2010-05-26T14:16:00.000-07:00

As a fledgling vampire, Dru can't still get the hang of her new timings.
--
A quickly sketched, and color-expirimented entry for IF.

Art Camp for children this summer at The Farjam Collection 2010-05-26T13:15:00.000-07:00

The Farjam Collection @ DIFC announces the first year of Art Camp - a summer programme of art and activities for children. The first summer camp of its kind in the UAE, Art Camp gives children the opportunity to explore their creative talent while learning from some of the finest works of art from the past. Surrounded by a range of outstanding and rare works including calligraphy, paintings, ceramics, textiles, jewellery and arms, children will spend their summer exploring the fascinating world of Islamic art through worksheets, games and hands-on craft activities.

The Farjam Collection is partnering with Zayed University to curate an exhibition of Islamic art which will run throughout the summer in tandem with Art Camp. The exhibition will lead on from the first exhibition of highlights at The Farjam Collection @ DIFC, showcasing a different selection of works from Dr Farjam’s remarkable private collection. Students from Zayed University will coordinate the exhibition under the supervision of Islamic art expert and Associate Professor Dr. Ron Hawker, and the guiding hand of staff from The Farjam Collection. “The Farjam Collection represents a wonderful opportunity for students to work closely with a wide range of stunningly beautiful and historically important objects. The students from Zayed University are relishing the chance to apply their design skills to this context,” says Ron Hawker.

Art Camp is supported by students from three prestigious academic institutions based in the UK – the Universities of Oxford, Cambridge and Durham. Students from Oxford and Cambridge will be involved in producing content and activities for Art Camp based on the art on view. Drawing on their varied specialities in the arts, these students will contribute their ideas for new and engaging art-based activities for children. Durham University will support the programme by offering research papers written by gifted students to serve as tools in the creation of both exhibition and activity-related content. “We have been thrilled with the number of very talented students who have applied to be involved with Art Camp this summer,” said Rebecca Jarvest, Collection and Exhibitions Coordinator at The Farjam Collection. “As a Cambridge graduate and former intern at The Farjam Collection I am delighted that we are building an on-going relationship with these institutions.”

“The philosophy for Art Camp is to create, explore, and enjoy”, commented Emilie Faure, Collection and Exhibitions Manager at The Farjam Collection. “Art Camp gives children the chance to be an artist for the summer, and at the same time allows them to discover art in all its varieties. We are delighted to be working alongside esteemed local and international institutions to create a unique summer programme that offers something completely new to children in Dubai this summer”.

The Farjam Collection’s summer Art Camp marks a further step by collector and patron Dr Farhad Farjam to bring world-class art and high quality educational programming to the region. Recipient of the Distinguished Patron of the Arts Award, Dr Farjam is passionate about the importance of education in the arts at all levels, reaching out to a wide audience on a national and international level through The Farjam Collection space at DIFC. The Farjam Collection @ DIFC offers a range of educational programmes, free and open to the public, from its popular First Wednesdays series and School and University Programmes to Art Nights @ Gate Village in collaboration with the DIFC and the latest addition to its programming, Art Camp.

Art Camp Details

What? Worksheets, games and hands-on craft activities around the fascinating world of art

Who? Children ages 6 – 12, organized into two age groups: 6 – 9 years and 9 – 12 years When? Art Camp runs for four weeks, from 18 July to 12 August. Children can participate in any one, two, three or four weeks. Sessions run from Sunday – Thursday from 8am – 2pm.

Where? The Farjam Collection @ DIFC

Fee 500 AED per child per week, including all craft materials and activities

For further information and booking please visit our website or contact rebecca@farjamcollection.com

Notes to editors

The Farjam Collection @ DIFC

The Farjam Collection @ DIFC showcases a rotating series of exhibitions drawn from The Farjam Collection. The foremost ambition of The Farjam Collection @ DIFC is art education. A programme of educational events, free and open to the public, offers audiences the opportunity to learn more about the works on view and the context in which these were produced.

The Farjam Collection is open: Sunday to Thursday, 10 am to 8 pm; Saturday 12 pm to 8 pm. Please visit www.farjamcollection.com for updates on events at The Farjam Collection @ DIFC.

The Farjam Collection @ DIFC is generously supported by the Hafiz Foundation.

The Hafiz Foundation
The Hafiz Foundation was founded in 2008 to support outstanding initiatives within the visual arts, with a special emphasis on the greater Middle East. With the city of Dubai as its base, the Foundation aims to become a centre for production, preservation, and promotion of the arts at large. At the heart of the Foundation’s goals is the development of educational opportunities for young Middle Eastern artists, students, scholars, curators, and art enthusiasts.
As a partner to both local and international cultural initiatives, the Foundation’s recent activities include having supported the founding of the award-winning Middle Eastern arts magazine Bidoun, support for local arts education programs, as well as the organization of a series of exhibitions displaying selected works from the Farjam Collection.

Distinguished Patron of the Arts

Owner of The Farjam Collection and founder of The Farjam Collection @ DIFC Dr Farhad Farjam received the Distinguished Patron of the Arts Award in March 2010 for his outstanding contribution to patronage in the region.

ADWC’s Applied Media Students Exhibit at Ghaf Gallery 2010-05-25T03:45:00.000-07:00

Under the patronage of His Excellency Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research and Chancellor of the Higher Colleges of Technology, and with the generous support of the Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation (ADMAF), Applied Media students at the Higher Colleges of Technology’s Abu Dhabi Women’s College inaugurated their annual exhibition at the Ghaf Gallery, on Sunday.

Desert Rose 2010: The Start, represents the College’s ninth Desert Rose exhibition, featuring works by the College’s Applied Media students. Desert Rose provides an occasion for senior students to showcase their best work to their families, the community, the media industry and prospective employers. The exhibition includes around 100 works the students produced over the previous three years, both as school projects and during work experience. They range from posters brochures and merchandise to documentaries short films, radio and TV commercials.

Her Excellency Hoda Al-Khamis Kanoo, Founder of the Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation said “ADMAF is delighted to once again support the ninth annual student exhibition ‘Desert Rose’. We are committed to nurturing the creative and cultural ambitions of the nation’s next generation. By fostering originality and innovation, through initiatives such as ‘Desert Rose,’ we are able to expand the horizons of higher achievements.” During the opening ceremony she also announced that the students taking part in the exhibition won the annual ADMAF Creativity Award “It is also a great honor for me to announce today that we will be presenting our annual Creativity Award to this group of talented students, whose work is a promise of a bright future for the UAE art community. In years to come, I look forward to seeing the same young, dynamic women forge successful careers in the fields of graphic design, video, audio, journalism, multimedia and photography.”

Established in 2004, the ADMAF Creativity Award is offered annually to outstanding creative students with the aim of supporting and promoting young national talent from Abu Dhabi’s Universities.

As part of Desert Rose 2010: The Start, and under the guidance of HCT- Abu Dhabi Women’s College faculty member Cordula Peters, students from the Applied Media program, , displayed a variety of works demonstrating their skills in graphic design, multimedia, audio, photography, and video. The students also handled the designing of all promotional material related to the event, the layout of the exhibition, and installing the works in the gallery.

Christine Luscombe-Whyte, Associate Director at the Abu Dhabi Women;s College, commented: “This annual exhibit always leaves us inspired by our students’ creative achievements. The range and professionalism displayed in these works speaks volumes about the rigor of the College’s Applied Media program and about the students’ dedication throughout their years of study.”

The exhibition will run until 30 May, 2010, at the Ghaf Gallery in Abu Dhabi.

ORIENTALISM – West looking East 2010-05-24T01:44:00.000-07:00

Under the Royal Patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Women Establishment and Wife of His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs, UAE a specialist lecture on Orientalist Art was held last week and by distinguished members of the local art community.

The lecture was presented in conjunction with Dubai Ladies Club, a member of Dubai Women Establishment, and Bonhams, one of the world's oldest and largest auctioneers of fine art, as part of a dedicated sale of Orientalist Art which included 140 masterpieces from renowned European and American artists from the 19th and 20th Centuries. This exhibition and sale showcased some of the most important examples in private hands.

Muna Bin Kalli, Executive Director of Dubai Ladies Club commented, “As one of the foremost patrons of art in the UAE, and a keen supporter of raising regional awareness of the fine arts, Her Highness Sheikha Manal’s patronage and support reflects her personal belief that incorporating educational components at important art events contributes towards advancing the understanding of art and fulfilling the vision of transforming the UAE into a global hub for art practices.

The lecture on Orientalist Art, which was delivered by Bonham’s specialist Taline Aynilian, explored the artistic exchange between East and West that is the foundation for the Orientalist genre. She demonstrated how Orientalist art is a reflection of Western artists’ perceptions of Arab life in the 19th and 20th centuries and these artists conquered many logistical and physical challenges to ensure they could present realistic reflections of the Arabic and Bedouin influence. The lecture also included Edward Said's evaluation and critique of the set of beliefs known as Orientalism, which forms an important background for postcolonial studies. His work highlights the inaccuracies of a wide variety of assumptions as it questions various paradigms of thought which are accepted on individual, academic, and political levels. Other topics discussed ranged from portrayal of women to architectural details such as motifs, textile and ceramic tiles.

Muna Bin Kalli added, “We are pleased to collaborate with Bonham’s which offered members of the local art community with a rare glimpse into the history of Orientalism. Some of the pieces in the collection have rarely, if not ever, been exhibited publically before and will most likely never be seen again after the sale.”

Taline Nicole Aynilian, Senior Specialist added, “It is a real pleasure to bring works of art back to the region from which they came and from where the artists’ works were originally inspired. To have them displayed amidst the land and culture that embodies the Middle East places Orientalism into context.”

The exhibition and sale showcased museum calibre works from paintings to sculpture and glassware. Highlights from the exhibition included artists such as Edwin Lord Weeks, Edme Alexis Dehodencq, Frederick Arthur Bridgman, Jean François Portaels, Ludwig Deutsch, Aldolf Schreyer, Arthur von Ferraris, Rudolf Ernst and Edouard Wilhelm Richter.

“Ambassadors” exhibition inaugurated at Sharjah Art Museum 2010-05-22T11:33:00.000-07:00

Mr Abdullah Al-Owais, Director General of Sharjah Department of Culture and Information, inaugurated the “Ambassadors” exhibition at Sharjah Art Museum, organized by Sharjah Museums Department (SMD) in co-operation with Goethe-Institut (GI) and Robert Bosch Stiftung. Al-Owais toured the exhibition accompanied by senior representatives from Sharjah Museums Department and government officials.

The exhibition held from May 20 to July 31 is part of SMD’s celebration of the International Museums Day under the theme “Museums for Social Harmony”, to spread awareness of the vital role museums play in social development. According to the International Council of Museums (ICOM), museums "are in a position to address the urgent need for safeguarding cultural diversity and bio-diversity as the common heritage of humanity.”

The “Ambassadors” exhibition explores the concept of museums as mirrors of a given society’s culture. Curators from SMD’s 18 museums have composed, for the first time, a group show following a workshop that evaluated the complex and different interpretations of social harmony as represented in the objects chosen by each curator.

“This year’s social harmony theme is important both for humanity as a whole as well as for highlighting the value of our diverse cultures. The basis of social harmony lies in cultural dialogue, mutual respect and the celebration of our differences, which is reiterated through the Ambassadors exhibition,” said Manal Ataya, Director General of SMD.

Susanne Sporrer, Director of Goethe-Institut Gulf-Region, said: “This exhibition reflects the fruitful cooperation between the Robert Bosch Foundation, the Goethe-Institut and the Sharjah Museums Department. The idea to produce new relations between the rich and diverse museums of Sharjah and Germany has created a groundbreaking intercultural project. Since the German cultural institute Goethe-Institut Gulf Region is dedicated to encourage the exchange and the understanding between the cultures I am looking forward to intensifying this cooperation in future. I am very glad that the Goethe-Institut could participate in this process and congratulate SMD’s to realize this event that highlights the humanitarian and cultural bonding.”

A panel discussion entitled “Social Harmony from a Curators’ Perspective” was held alongside the exhibition. Participants included the curators from each museum. The four-step workshop offered an overview of the concept of social harmony with a time-space journey highlighted through the Holy Quran, which underscores the need for social harmony, peace, love and mercy.

The Sharjah Museums Department, established in 2006 by His Highness Dr. Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, aims to promote the emirate’s rich legacy of arts, heritage and culture. For more information on the Sharjah Museums Department, please visit www.sharjahmuseums.ae.

OrangeJar Free Line Arts 2010-05-21T04:57:00.000-07:00
Hi there! As part of projects for family fun, we're going to publish OrangeJar line arts here for free. You can download them and get dirty painting.

Kids love coloring! And for adults, why not join the fun? Coloring is therapeutic, it will help you relieve the stress from the office as you spend quality time with your kids.

For this week, we have a deer and an eagle. This is the first installment, but in the future, if you want to look for more free OrangeJar line arts, just click the tags "OJ Line Arts".

Have tons of fun!!!

Visions 2010-05-20T13:48:00.000-07:00

There is a new vision in town! Come check this out - Visions by Abdulla Al Jassem at the Gallery 76 located at the Dubai International Art Center (DIAC). The exhibit will be on until June 2.

IF: Equipment 2010-05-17T12:43:00.000-07:00

For Muna, her hands are the only equipment she will ever need.

IF: Fearless 2010-05-14T03:14:00.000-07:00

When I read the IF word of the week, the first thought that popped into mind was how fearless kids can be. They would run head on to big dogs, they'd climb windows without fear of falling, they'd laugh with glee as their father toss them in the air.

IF: Cocoon 2010-05-07T03:41:00.000-07:00

Afraid of all the shadows in the forest, she wrapped herself in her sleeping bag and fell asleep.

Barcelona Art on show in Abu Dhabi 2010-04-19T11:37:00.000-07:00

Barcelona Art, a four day exhibition of paintings and ceramics, is currently being staged at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre.

The exhibition features the work of prizing winning and international Spanish artists such as Joan Panisallo, Natalia Ferre, Maria Antonia Soler, Jose Llinares, Blanca Benitez Montane, Conxi Puig, Isabel Pons Tello, Torner De Semir, Lluis Barbadillo, Guillermo Marti, Javier Rey, Imma Merino, Miguel Mateu, Montise Arnal, Jordi Santacana and Christian Buissa.

Barcelona Art is held under the patronage of His Excellency Sheikh Ahmed Bin Hamdan Al Nahyan and His Excellency Mr Gonzalo de Benito Secades with the collaboration of The Ministry of Culture, Youth and Community Development and the Universitat Ramon Llull, Barcelona. The exhibition is being staged in ADNEC, Conference Room B and is organised by Aero Expo & Consulting and exhibition.

About Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company (ADNEC)
Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company (ADNEC) is a strategic international venue development and management company. ADNEC’s venue portfolio includes one of the most modern exhibition centre’s in the world - the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, and the UK capital’s largest exhibition and conference venue, ExCeL London.

ADNEC is creating unique business districts to serve Abu Dhabi’s rapid expansion and emergence on the global stage.

Development projects surrounding the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre include Capital Centre (a mixed-use development of 23 residential, commercial and mixed-use towers adjacent to the exhibition centre), Capital Gate (an iconic 35 storey gravity defying feature tower, featuring the 5-star hotel - ‘Hyatt at Capital Centre’) and a 2.4km Marina zone.

In addition, ADNEC is expanding within the region, with The Al Ain Convention Centre, a residential and business micro city around a state-of-the-art convention centre.

For more information visit www.adnec.ae; www.alaincc.ae; www.capitalcentre.ae; www.capitalgate.ae; www.excel-london.co.uk.

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