This year’s edition of Dress the Mannequin promises another display of inspiration and creativity from some of the leading artists in the UAE.
Conceptualised by Sumayyah Al Suwaidi, an Emirati artist and fashion designer who is also the founder of Abu Dhabi Fashion Days, it has UAE artists dressing and designing mannequins that are the size of a small doll.
“Each mannequin reflects its creator,” says Al Suwaidi. “I don’t have a favourite, but I am proud to say that many of the most popular names in the art scene are part of the exhibition this year.”
Emirati artists such as Abdulrahim Salem, Mohammed Al Qassab, Mattar bin Lahej, Jalal Luqman, Reyan Hanafi, Azza Al Qubaisi, Amna Al Blooshi and Khalil Abdulwahid are just some of the participants, and the results are extremely varied.
Luqman’s creation resembles a tree in winter, with spindly branches and roots and an ominous black crow perched amid the leaves.
Hanafi, a fashion designer and architect from Abu Dhabi, has used classic loops and folds to create a ballerina-style dress for her mannequin.
Al Blooshi’s edgy creation includes a model of a brain, which she has partly concealed by placing it behind a mannequin in a lace dress.
The mannequins, 20 in total, will be on display in The Galleria on Al Maryah Island for a silent auction, with proceeds going towards families in Syria.
“The main priority is to raise money,” says Al Suwaidi. “But we also want to give UAE talents a platform where they can be as creative as possible.”
• Dress the Mannequin is on Wednesday, June 10, at The Galleria on Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi, at 7pm. Bids start at Dh500. Visit www.levelvevents.com for more details
aseaman@thenational.ae
