Fascinated by the Arabian world of the past, Brazilian realist artist Edilson Élio Barbosa has depicted a number of scenes from bygone days – men trading in souqs, a caravan of camels, and the street life around towns whose skyline is made up solely of wind towers.
Barbosa's works are on display in From The Deserts of Arabia, an exhibition of seven artists on show at Dubai's Marina Mall for Ramadan. It is hosted by art galleries Authentique Art & Design, based in Jumeirah, and Monda Gallery, which has an online retail store as well as a permanent space within Kinokuniya bookstore in The Dubai Mall.
Also in the exhibition is Olivia Boa, a French-Algerian artist, who produces paintings in pairs. She usually picks a distinctive element of the landscape of the UAE – such as Burj Khalifa or Burj Al Arab – and completes one painting in her signature style, using a bright palette of pastel blues, pinks, purples and greens, overlaid with neat squares, to symbolise the pixels of a digital photograph. The second she paints using the same colours, but does so blindfolded so as to create a much more emotional and abstract image – a technique she was inspired to adopt after her third son was born visually impaired.
Lebanese artist Mireille Boustany uses Arabic calligraphy in an abstract form, while Suzi Nassif, also from Lebanon, has produced a series of acrylic paintings, mostly portraits, that are focused on the subject of faith which she describes as a reflection of her own spiritual journey.
Elizabeth Bruce is also showing her canvases. Since moving from Scotland to Dubai in 2012, the artist says she has been inspired by the colours and textures of her new environment.
“The colours of the landscape are warm and contrasting – very different to back home in Scotland. My paintings reflect my personality, inspiration, and passion for the culture and heritage of the UAE.”
Etienne van den Peereboom, the founder of Monda Gallery, says that teaming up with Authentique for this collaborative exhibition has presented the opportunity to bring a wide variety of work to the public.
“The number of galleries in Dubai now is incredible, and this can mean the business is quite difficult for some, so it is important to support each other,” he says.
• From the Deserts of Arabia runs until Tuesday in the Atrium of Dubai Marina Mall. For more details, visit www.authentique-art.com or www.mondagallery.com
aseaman@thenational.ae