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Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, in cooperation with Dubai Municipality, has announced the implementation of three artistic murals inspired by the emirate's nature, values, history and heritage. These murals form part of the inaugural Dubai Calligraphy Biennale held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai. Running until October 31, the biennale features a total of 19 distinctive art exhibitions, over 150 enriching workshops, and more than 25 engaging talks, within 35+ diverse locations throughout Dubai.
The murals curated by Lebanese artist Ahmad Makary are distributed across three public parks in Dubai: Umm Suqeim Park, Nad Al Sheba Park, and Abu Hail Park. They also mark a new chapter in Dubai Culture's efforts to implement the Dubai Public Art strategy that aims to turn the emirate into a globally accessible open art gallery, providing unique artistic experiences, enriching visual culture, fostering innovation, and boosting the emirate's cultural and artistic landscape, all while supporting Dubai's creative economy. The implementation of these murals also comes within the framework of the Authority’s commitments to a creative ecosystem that supports talent and motivates them to present their work to community members.
UAE-based Argentinian Yubran Gosne (aka Sanctum) is presenting his mural titled ‘The Tide’, which consists of a quadriptych of wall surfaces located at the entrance of the bustling Umm Suqeim Park. Inspired by the movement of the sea and its energy, asemic calligraphy crawls up the surfaces over an explosive background of greens, blues and turquoises, emulating spirits seeking to merge with the water’s flow, in immense trance-like harmony; the large white strokes represent the foam of the water touching the sand and the never-ending bond between water and soil.
UAE-based Algerian artist Ahmed Amine Aitouche (aka Sneak Hotep) painted the ‘Amalgamation’ mural in Nad Al Sheba Park, consisting of three angular wall surfaces, visible from one angle as a singular art piece, while still having their separate identities, all united by the artist’s strokes and colours. Sneak Hotep's intention is to illustrate how Dubai serves as a model of balance between tradition and modernity, freedom and discipline. The city's diverse and multicultural approach, he believes, is fundamental to its urban and social development. This amalgamation symbolizes the enduring fusion and coexistence of Dubai's residents throughout its history.
Sneak Hotep also participated with another mural titled ‘Epitome’ (Mithal) in Abu Hail Park. In this work, he passionately pursues perfection in every stroke, circle, and concept. 'Epitome' serves as a silent message for individuals striving to improve themselves daily. It reflects the journey of humanity as individuals, citizens, community members, and a nation, where exemplary qualities are the precious gems that continually shape a better future.
Curator Ahmad Makary commented: "I am very proud of the results that Sanctum and Sneak were able to bring and the emotions that they were able to evoke through their art. The pieces and the way they’re laid out blend seamlessly into the locations bringing a new feeling and perspective to the public viewer. Urban beautification is a concept I’ve always been interested in and I would like to deeply thank Dubai Culture for believing in the project, its prospects and its future possibilities.”
Sanctum said: "I am grateful to have had the opportunity to carry out and share my vision publicly in Dubai with the support of Dubai Culture and its inaugural Dubai Calligraphy Biennale, Dubai Municipality and the project’s curator Ahmad Makary. I hope my art will find a new resonance when displayed over the iconic backdrop of Burj Al Arab and become a part of the city’s fabric.”
Sneak Hotep stated: “I personally have been very impressed by the cultural symbiosis that I could sense in Dubai since I first landed; it made me question the opportunities of learning about other countries and cultures without crossing any border or even leaving the neighbourhood; it feels like having access to the whole world just by walking in its narrow street. I am glad to evolve as an Algerian artist in Dubai, exploring the cultural richness of the city.”
The inaugural edition of Dubai Calligraphy Biennale is supported by Al Rostamani Group (Lead Supporter) and Sandooq Al Watan (Supporter) and is being held in partnership with a variety of entities in the local cultural scene, including: Dubai Design District (d3), the Cultural and Scientific Association, Mohammed bin Rashid Library, Expo City Dubai, DIFC Gate Avenue, Museum of the Future, Sultan Bin Ali Al Owais Cultural Foundation, Juma Al-Majid Center, Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism, Dubai Media Office, Dubai Municipality, Alserkal Avenue, Art Dubai, Women’s Museum, Tashkeel, Art Jameel, Mattar Bin Lahej Gallery, Boccara Gallery, Foundry, Khawla Art Gallery, Firetti Gallery, Efie Gallery, BEDU, AWC Gallery, Hobb Bookstore, Opera Gallery, Mondoir Art Gallery, thejamjar, Medaf, Mirzam, Kalimat, Slay Café, Frame Café, 3IXAM, Huawei, and Level Shoes.