When James De Valera took over the DJ job at No 5 Lounge & Bar at The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), he brought with him more than a bag full of records.
After co-organising the regular DIFC Art Nights, where the galleries host evening openings and guests are entertained with music and food, De Valera decided to extend to the outdoor terrace at the hotel. And the idea for Art After Dark was born.
It began as the official after-party for Art Nights, where an artist would display his or her work on the terrace and take part in a live performance. Now, it happens every Sunday evening and De Valera, who is also known as Break DJ Lobito, provides a kind of artistic curation for the schedule of events.
“I’ve never been the kind of DJ that plays to the crowd or goes down the commercial road, so I have quite a bit of artistic integrity about what I do,” he explains. “I felt that The Ritz-Carlton has always supported art and culture so it was a good match.”
Every week, a new artist, chosen by De Valera, will use the terrace as a gallery space for a solo exhibition and will also perform a live piece.
The focus is on street art and aerosol artists, who De Valera feels are often misrepresented.
“What’s interesting about aerosol and street art is that galleries often bunch artists together without letting their individual talent show,” he explains. “We want to show the whole history and culture of street art and celebrate its temporary nature by having the show go up and down in one day.”
An artist – who prefers we refer to him only as Melancholy – was painting live when we went down to check out the event.
“It is good for me,” he says. “Especially as this is my first solo show. When I found that out, it was overwhelming and I took a lot of time to prepare.”
Melancholy, who has a fine art degree from the Philippines, moved into street art and aerosols when he discovered the hip-hop culture.
“I was into a Surrealist style, so I still use that but now I work it in with calligraphy and letters,” he explains. “I’m definitely happy to show my work. I think this event is a great idea for people like me.”
• Art After Dark is held every Sunday at No 5 Lounge & Bar at The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai International Financial Centre. Call 04 372 2323
aseaman@thenational.ae
Follow us @LifeNationalUAE
Follow us on Facebook for discussions, entertainment, reviews, wellness and news.
