‘LAND OF DREAMS’ – by Funun Arts

(Saju Nair - Dubai) After a long period of the pandemic-affected world, the art market in UAE has started regaining momentum. The strategies designed and executed by the government to counter the rising uncertainties that arose due to the pandemic have helped the community push towards a speedy recovery. Now, UAE has resumed businesses and social gatherings are gradually gaining popularity and rest be assured, that there are lots of innovative ideas coming up in the following months. As per the latest update, around 78% of the population in UAE has received the first jab of the vaccine while around 68% have already taken the second dose as well. A total of 16.3 million vaccines has been administered to date and the administration here is proceeding forward with clear strategies to vaccinate the entire population of The United Arab Emirates in order to create a safe environment.

This great land is rich in art and culture and moreover, the presence of 200 plus nationalities who consider UAE as their second home has increased the diversity in this nation. Consequently, a crowd of enthusiasts from different parts of the world can be seen in any art gathering that takes place in The United Arab Emirates. One of the leading art galleries in The United Arab Emirates has partnered with one of the prominent chains in the hospitality sector to give life to a mesmerizing art exhibition by collaborating with 26 artists of 12 different nationalities displaying more than 70 magnificent artworks. The founders of Funun Arts, Ms. Shiba Khan, and Ms. Farah Khan joined hands with the management of Grand Mercure Hotel located near the Dubai International Airport. Located in the middle of the city, Grand Mercure offers a stunning and luxurious experience for its visitors right from the entrance adorned with high ceilings and dazzling chandeliers.

"Human beings, their ideas, innovations, dreams, and connections, are the capital of the future. Because where great minds go today, great things will happen tomorrow." The curator of the event Ms. Shiba Khan reiterates the inspiring words of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of The United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai. The art exhibition titled 'Land of Dreams' was inaugurated at the Grand Hall Art Gallery of the Grand Mercure Hotel, Dubai. The curators of this show have indeed studied the venue and utilized the entire open area for installing the magnificent artworks created by exceptionally talented artists.

15th July 2021, the day the exhibition titled 'UAE - Land of Dreams' was opened to the public was also the birthday of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of the Emirate of Dubai. The successful journey from a mere desert to the world's most Hi-tech modern city was taken over by the founders of UAE and it was HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum's dream to establish Dubai as the most trusted and secure city in the world. Today, Dubai has achieved the dream of becoming one of the safest and technologically advanced regions in the world without compromising the rich heritage and cultural significance of the land. Art is an important aspect of growth and when the beauty of art and the complexity of structures are brought together, a truly wondrous creation is formed. Skyscrapers and monumental structures are what make Dubai unique, it is the perfect blend between art and geometry and hence, simply gazing at the landscape of Dubai is just as pleasing as gazing at a masterpiece.

The exhibition titled 'Land of Dreams' was inaugurated by Mr. Yasser AlGergawi, Director of Programs & Partnerships in The Ministry of Tolerance & Coexistence - Chairman of Dubai National Theater and Mr. Khalil Abdul Wahid, Director of Fine Arts Department, Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, in the presence of Mr. Faisal Abdulqader - Eminent Emirati artist, Mr. Ahmed Al Awadhi - Eminent Emirati artist and Entrepreneur, Mr. Peter Gressmann - Art critic, Art dealer, Curator and founder of artforumuae, Mr. Anjini Prakash Laitu - Veteran Indian Artist and other invited guests, visitors, and artists.

Special guest Ms. Sultana Kazim, renowned artist, fashion designer, and Representative and Co-coordinator of Museum of Americas couldn't attend the show due to personal reasons, however, Ms. Sultana conveyed her best wishes to the curators and all the artists.

"I congratulate Shiba Khan and Farah Khan for their work in the field of art and culture. We can see a variety of works and the expressive way of artists through their paintings. Each artwork narrates a story which is well explained by artists and felt by the viewer." Mr. Yasser AlGergawi, Director of Programs & Partnerships in The Ministry of Tolerance & Coexistence - Chairman of Dubai National Theater.

"It is an honor to be here as a chief guest and see the beautiful artwork, artists from diverse nationalities coming up together to showcase one theme with a different perspective." - Mr. Khalil Abdul Wahid, Director of Fine Arts Department, Dubai Culture and Arts Authority.

Mr. Tyrone Lodder, General Manager of Grand Mercure Hotel says "Art has added colors to the beauty of the hotel. We are so happy to collaborate with Funun Arts and showcase these beautiful artworks in this venue." He also expresses his love and appreciation for Funun arts and its associated artists while he welcomes the gathering to one of the finest properties in Dubai.

In one of my reports that was published a couple of years back, I was fortunate to write about an inspiring artist who enlightens the art community. Today during the exhibition, this artist was honored with the 'Life Time Achievement Award' by Funun Arts. His contribution to the art industry was also acknowledged by the authorities as he is one of the proud recipients of the world's first 10-year cultural visa issued by The United Arab Emirates. I also take pride in reiterating the words I wrote a few years back about the artist who embodies art. 'Anjini Prakash Laitu, a veteran artist with decades-long of experience, has created his own identity in art with the ability to play fearlessly with colors and to give life to his stunning creations. He unfolded his everlasting passion for art by rendering his imaginations on Fabric & Porcelain which attracted and impressed a large mass of enthusiastic minds, the appreciation which he so dearly received gave him the courage to push forward and express his emotions and views on a larger canvas with a simple yet meaningful mission, to spread joy and bliss through colors. Mr. Anjini Laitu, who treats The United Arab Emirates as his second home, has been a regular participant in most of the art gatherings as an artist or as a motivator in addition to his presence in various art exhibitions in India - his first home." We at TV2 tender our gratitude to Mr. Anjini Prakash Laitu for being such a wonderful soul and a perfect ambassador for art.

"UAE is a land of dreams and inspiring tales. It is a land where fantasy is converted to reality every day. It is a land with lots of opportunities for the youth, for entrepreneurs, and for art as well. It is like a home away from home for all the expats living here and it is high time to pay tribute to this great nation. Since art is the best way to express, we came up with this theme. We are really thankful to the management of this property for giving us this space to organize our event which is also the first of its kind on this property. We are amazed by the facilities provided by the hotel management and support staff that has helped us give life to this mesmerizing evening. My paintings 'Emotions' which are part of the exhibition show my attachment to this place. Bold colors and textures used represent the strength and the tolerance of this multicultural nation." Says Ms. Shiba Khan, Founder of Funun Arts.

"We have always tried to explore new areas within the emirate with a mission to reach out to hidden artists from different parts of the emirates. Our sincere gratitude to all those artists who are associated with us and it is their trust that motivates us to organize more of such art gatherings. When we decided to partner with Grand Mercure, we made it clear that the creations from the artists would enhance the beauty of the property and that is exactly what we see now. Being a photographer, I have also displayed some of my captures that show the growth of this city." Says Ms. Farah Khan, Creative Designer of Funun Arts.

The magnificent artworks of Aarushi Malik, Ahmed Al Awadhi, Amal Mirajkar, Amr Wadea, Anjini Prakash Laitu, Christopher MacNeil, Dina Albarqi, Farah Khan, Gehan Fawzi, Ghayathi Belhasa, Ishrat Keyani, Maryam Bin Bishr, Mukta, Noor Haidri Nazar, Pari Sagar, Rafa Tom, Rima Moukahal, Rose Jaranya, Sabah Anees, Shabnoor Quraishi, Shiba Khan, Somya Rastogi and Vanashri Ransubhe ornamented the venue with a splash of colors and creativity. The event also featured the artworks of special guests and renowned artists, Ms. Petra Kaltenbach, Ms. Samar Kamel, and Ms. Batool Jafri who are also the curators behind the continued success of the biggest art fair in the region 'Word Art Dubai'.

IlTelevisionario2 is proud to be an invitee to this Exhibition curated by Funun Arts and I, Saju Nair along with the founder of TV2, Ms. Alessandra Giorda congratulate the curator and the participating artists for all their hard work in putting up this wonderful event. The exhibition will continue till 30th September 2021 @ Grand Mercure Hotel, Dubai Airport Road and a visit is sure to give you a sense of deep satisfaction and positivity.

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