Art4sight - 2017 Auction Catalogue by Noor Dubai F

ART4SIGHT-2017

Noor Dubai Foundation Noor Dubai Foundation is a UAE based charity focused on the prevention of blindness and visual impairment globally. It was launched as an initiative in 2008 by the Vice president and Prime Minister of the UAE and the ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and was later established as an NGO by Law(18) in October 2010. Over 25 million individuals from all over Africa and Asia have benefited from the free treatment and preventive programs conducted by Noor Dubai Foundation which includes provision of surgeries, eye glasses, and medication. As member of the International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness and the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives foundation, Noor Dubai continues to strive towards fulfilling the Vision 2020 initiative of a world free from preventable forms of blindness.

ART4SIGHT-2017

Art 4 sight “Art 4 Sight” is a charity art event where donated artwork is exhibited and sold in a fundraising auction to support Noor Dubai Foundation’s global and local programs that are focused on the prevention of blindness. This event started with 12 year old Fatoumata from Mali who regained her sight following eye surgery performed by the Noor Dubai Team. The young girl was fascinated by the contrast in colors and amazed the team by painting while still in the recovery phase; this is something that very few do. Art 4 Sight now in its sixth year, has flourished to be a huge success all because one girl saw beauty and went where others were not ready to go. This is what “Art 4 Sight” comes down to: dedicating art to restore the gift of sight to those less fortunate and giving them the opportunity to witness what beauty this world has to offer. With overwhelming support from prominent international artists, local art galleries and internal auction houses, “Art 4 sight ” grows bigger and more successful each year which helps increase awareness of the ongoing plight of those living in the darkness. All the funds raised from the auction will go towards our 2015 mobile eye camps in Pakistan, Morocco, Sri Lanka, Sudan and Nepal.

ART4SIGHT-2017

About Dubai Design District Dubai Design District, (d3), a member of TECOM Group, is a destination dedicated to design. Created to provide a home to the region’s growing number of designers, creatives and artists, d3 has fast become the hub for inspiration and innovation. Located in the heart of Dubai, just minutes away from Dubai Mall the thriving community provides a platform where individuals can unite, collaborate and create.

Dubai Design District

ART4SIGHT-2017

The Design Quarter at d3 is fully operational with over 400 creative partners and retailers. Visitors can discover an authentic shopping and dining experience with unique lifestyle boutiques, fashion ateliers, art galleries, design workshops and home grown restaurants. d3 has also become a popular events space,

attracting international crowds and artists to cultural exhibitions such as Dubai Design Week, Fashion Forward, Sole DXB and Meet d3. The Creative Community, is the second phase of Dubai’s Design District due to open in 2019. The new space has three sections, a large events plaza, design-led work spaces with an industrial look and urban feel and the region’s first design university The Dubai Institute of Design and Innovation (DIDI). Visitors can enjoy a unique experience including design studios, art galleries and public spaces showcasing arts and crafts with unique and innovative retail and dining options. For more information please visit: http:// www.dubaidesigndistrict.com/

ART4SIGHT-2017

The artwork consists of two pieces: The first shows a puppeteer that holds two gendered puppets, which represents the anima (feminine) and the animus (masculine) thinking of a person. The puppeteer is androgynous and represents a blank slate. It is said that a person is born with a neutral way of thinking but due to his or her culture or environment, this way of thinking divides the persona. The second piece symbolizes childhood attachment with a glimpse of hope as the doll is being held with compassion but it can also be seen as losing control of one’s dreams.

* 601

AFSHAN DANESHVAR (Iranian, B. 1972) “Waves” from “Boats” series Fabric on wood 59 cm x 54 cm Executed in 2016

USD $ 1,200 - 2000 AED 4,800 – 8,000

ART4SIGHT-2017

The Boat Series is a tribute to the current worldwide refugee crisis. My tiny origami boat is a fragile little symbol of a refugee’ s dreams. I made thousands of boats and assembled them together. Seen together, the viewer cannot recognize individual boats; they appear as an inchoate mass. Yet each boat is unique, as are the individual refugee boats, which sail across the sea carrying hopes and dreams. The arrangement of the boats creates a secure and impenetrable pattern that represents the resilience of the refugee’s hopes and dreams.

* 602 AISHA ALBLOOSHI (Emirati, B. 1990) “Nostalgia” Ceramic sculptured figure (relieved) in a frame 34 cm x 29 cm (Diptych) Executed in 2017

USD $ 300 – 500 AED 1,200 – 2,000

ART4SIGHT-2017

* 604 AMAL AL GURG

* 603

(Emirati, B. 1985)

ALAA SHARABI (Syrian, B. 1988) “Leave” Mix media on canvas 150 cm x 150 cm Executed in 2017

USD $ 3,000 – 5,000 AED 12,000 – 20,000

ART4SIGHT-2017

In the darkness of the war, when the truth is lost, everyone goes away. The only conceivable truth of a life within war is the departure to the unknown.

“Amalgamate” From the series – Letters of Love Screen print on archive paper 163 cm X 163 cm Edition 5 of 5 Executed in 2017

The Gender Gap is prominent in a society where there are reservations regarding commingling between men and women. This piece explores the endless possibilities of creative outcomes when the gap is filled, taking into consideration respect to traditions and culture.

USD $ 2,000 – 2,100 AED 8,000 – 8,400

ART4SIGHT-2017

This artwork is inspired by the work done by Noor Dubai. Al Qubaisi uses palm branches that contains naturally the shape of an eye. The pieces made up of 4 palm branches that branch out in different directions to reflect on reaching out to different parts of world.

* 605

* 606

AMINA ABASSSI

AZZA AL QUBAISI

(Bahraini, B. 1988)

(Emirati, B. 1978)

“Ascension”

This piece symbolizes the rising of a person from a deep dark place to a lighter and ethereal state.

“Reflection”

Mixed Media on Canvas Acrylic on gold leaf 150 cm x 120 cm Executed in 2017

Palm Branches and stainless steels 3-D art: 120 cm x 120 cm Weight: 6.61387 pounds Executed in 2017

USD $ 5,300 – 5,500 AED 21,200 – 22,000

USD $ 8,000 – 10,000 AED 32,000 – 40,000

ART4SIGHT-2017

The stainless steel calligraphy circle in the center contain words that relate to the feeling of the individuals that gain their eye sight. The words are Alhumdulla (thanks to god), happiness, confidence, Noor (light), colors, hope, optimistic and life. All the words are written in (althuleth) Arabic calligraphy

ART4SIGHT-2017

Abu Munjil et le Hudhud - (Entre connaisseurs, le silence est une parole / Between those who know, silence is like a speech) The phrase “Al samtu bayna alârafyn kalamu” comes from an Arabic poem.

* 607 CHARLES (Belgian, B.1973 ) “Abu Munjil et le Hudhud” From the “Circle” series Thuluth calligraphy and ornamentation (black drawing ink, gold and silver SAKURA poster color on paper) 80 cm X 113 cm This work is unique Executed in 2017

USD $ 1,400 – 1,600 AED 5,600 – 6,400

ART4SIGHT-2017

‘Helena’ is part of a series of artwork otherwise known as Zaraeeb. Comprised of 17 individual artworks and largely made up of zoomed-in fragments of his intricate style, Zaraeeb is a continuation of eL Seed›s internationally renowned work, Perception, produced in the Cairo suburb of Manshiyat Nasr earlier this year.

I have chosen the Hudhud and the Abu Munjil because they are two birds who know. In the Surah An-Naml (the ants), the Hudhud plays an important role with the Prophet Suleiman. In the Egyptian mythology, the man with the head of an Abu Munjil (African sacred ibis) represents the god of Knowledge, Thoth. It seems that they understand each other even if they don’t communicate.

* 608 EL SEED (French, B. 1981) “Perception” Acrylic on canvas 254 cm X 381 cm Painted in 2017

USD $ 12,000 – 20,000 AED 48,000 – 80,000

Zaraeeb is an homage to the people of Manshiyat Nasr. Through this new body of work, eL Seed has hopes to further break down the barriers and clear the clouded judgements made purely from assumptions, fear and misinformation. He hopes that his efforts will open a much-needed dialogue to generate understanding and education for the Zaraeeb community, their culture and their way of life. Each piece of Zaraeeb is named after an individual living in Manshiyat Nasr who greatly touched eL Seed while he was on this emotional journey. Manar, Mario, Abanoub, Uncle Bakheet, Uncle Ibrahim, Aunt Farida and many more Zaraeeb people are now eternalized in each fragment of the exhibition. They opened their homes and their hearts to eL Seed and his team during the making of Perception, exhibiting incredible warmth, trust and hospitality from what is normally a closed and fiercely guarded community.

ART4SIGHT-2017

* 609

HH SHEIKHA LATEEFA BINT MAKTOUM

(Emirati, B.1985)

* 610

“Growth”

“Transition”

Archival print 121 cm x 151 cm Executed in 2017

Archival print 121cm x 151 cm Executed in 2017

USD $ 7,500 – 8,000 AED 30,000 – 32,000

USD $ 5,700 – 8,000 AED 30,000 – 32,000

ART4SIGHT-2017

“I am influenced by my surroundings and by the subtle not so subtle changes that I see happening. When growing up I recognized many changes happening to the horizon line, which has accelerated over the years. As an artist I am intrigued by these changes that I try and capture as time passes, sometimes revisiting the same site multiple times to re-shoot as things develop, and to see the effect this has on the physical location as well as on the people living in the area.” HH Sheikha Lateefa bint Maktoum

ART4SIGHT-2017

The Ever-Changing Island (LAX-DXB)

* 612

* 611

JANET BELLOTTO

ELLE FORD

(Canadian)

(Netherlands)

“The Ever-Changing Island (LAX-DXB)”

“Blue” Pigment 180 cm x 120 cm Painting in 2017

USD $ 500 – 800 AED 2,000 – 3,200

ART4SIGHT-2017

Within a series of works the artist explores two related but different cities that forms re-imagined city-islands shaped by shifting physical, political and cultural parameters. Taking active geological transformation as a creative process, this work is a place imagined from the union of two cities—in this case Los Angeles and Dubai. It is a fusion of water and land that may be similar but worlds apart. They share the characteristics of coastal cities with ports, dependence on tourism, car-centric cultures, while both are magnets for dreams and ambitions.

The work represents lifecycles and the progression of time, represented by changes in material state or through giving an impression of motion within the painting. This piece, Blue, was created with a marine theme in mind but each spectator will experience their own interpretation.

Digital print on backlit paper, lightbox 60 cm X 84 cm Edition 1 of 2 Executed in 2015

USD $ 2,000 – 3,000 AED 8,000 – 12,000

ART4SIGHT-2017

* 613

MAITHA THANI ALZAFFIN (Emirati, B.1996) “Conversation with Ayesha” Acrylic on Canvas ,Brush strokes and Palette knife Technique 150 cm x 100 cm (Diptych) Painted in 2016

USD $ 2,500 – 5,000 AED 10,000 – 20,000

ART4SIGHT-2017

This is a true story of an Emirati girl named Ayesha that was born blind. The artists’ main purpose was to give a voice to the people that are left unheard, to allow the world to listen to what they have to say. The concept of this collaboration was to view Ayesha’s perspective in life without the sense of sight. To converse is to exchange words and emotions; it is a connection between two worlds. As the artist states,“the starting point of this collaboration was to have a conversation with Ayesha to hear her thoughts out loud and to ease the process on her. I have introduced the

idea of my project and the objectives by conversing with her in the language of art; and she was so excited to be part of it as it was a new challenge for her. Ayesha was the one who chose the brush sizes and the paint colors as she wished, in which she had to map out her features and structure by the touch of her fingers and implement what she felt onto the canvas. The Dictated Ayesha Portrait was the second series of the project in which Ayesha dictated me to paint her portraits as per what she can visualize herself in her imagination, by handing me her chosen materials. I was so impressed with the way she was moving her hands showing me how to draw the lines of her face and the outlines of her profile. Ayesha had the full control to tell me when to start and when to stop, and she called off to stop when she felt that she finally completed her portrait. The only difference between the two canvases is a comparison of her sight and what she wishes to see.

ART4SIGHT-2017

* 615

* 614

JUHAYDA AL BITTAR (Syrian, B. 1991) “Angels of war”

Life is rosy in color; it is sunny and gentle. Childhood is the life we dream of, but war steals the light, and creates impotence.

MAJID AL YOUSEF (Saudi, B. 1974) “Horizon”

Acrylic on Canvas 160 cm X 140 cm Painted in 2017

Acrylics on Canvas Signed (lower right) 56 cm x 107 cm Painted in 2017

USD $ 3,000 – 5,000 AED 12,000 – 20,000

USD $ 4,000 – 4,200 AED 16,000 – 16,800

ART4SIGHT-2017

Horizon addresses the intersection between language and abstraction. It goes beyond the traditional letterform to explore new concepts of movement, time and perspective. The letters appear as a fluctuation of delicate forms in a space.

ART4SIGHT-2017

“AND I, WILL I FORGET? I have a fear of forgetting; I have a fear of being forgotten. The faces, the places, and the emotions that belong to them.

* 616 MANAL AL DOWAYAN (Saudi, B. 1973) “The Small Desk” Collection Title: And I, Will I Forget? ‫وانا هل انسى؟‬ Etching on Paper (Etching Print, Ink on Paper) 39 cm x 28 cm Edition: AP Executed in 2017

USD $ 4,000 – 4,200 AED 16,000 – 16,800

ART4SIGHT-2017

I save images, and preserve objects, I fill pages with notes and detailed descriptions. To obscure, to delete, to censor, to erase, and to forget a war is waged on memory! What remains when this war is lost? Images with no stories, dusty objects, misunderstood thoughts. The images will eventually fade, the objects will be lost, and the pages never understood. I have a fear of forgetting. I have a fear of being forgotten. And I, will I forget?”

* 617 SALMA AL MARRI (Emirati) “Sonar Collection” Abstract Acrylic on Canvas 120 cm x 100 cm Painted in 2012

“It is as if I’m feeling my truth and searching for my being… So, I ponder over some stories that crossed my soul. I captured them and put them up on a wall and meditate through these lives.” Salma Al Marri

USD $ 10,000 – 12,000 AED 40,000 – 48,000

ART4SIGHT-2017

* 618 MARK PILKINGTON

This photograph refers to the sublime. The protagonist is in shadow, looking out, land bound, and connected to the earth. His definition is not particularly sharp, and to read his exact intentions is not absolutely clear. There is some form of contemplation taking place, in front of him there are other potential lands and further out of reach is the moon.

This piece challenges you to think about what you see, as there is something in there that is difficult for the naked eye to interpret. It is specifically designed to challenge your mind. You will need to think about what’s in front of you in order to make sense of it. We should never blindly accept what’s in front of us. Don’t let it get the better of you. This is an experiment in visual acuity. Good luck.

* 619 MYNEANDYOURS (Artist from London)

(British, B. 1951) “Snellen (An experiment in visual acuity)” “kay’noo’nah”

Digital photograph 73 cm x 103 cm Executed in 2016

1 colour screen print on BLK rives 280gsm fine art paper, deckled edge, signed, numbered 39 cm x 71 cm Edition 18 of 25 Executed in 2016

USD $ 1,200 – 2,000 AED 4,800 – 8,000

USD $ 600 – 800 AED 2,400 – 3,200

ART4SIGHT-2017

Music box is a design for an instrument that connects the written word with sound. The percussive action of a typewriter affects a music box, and as a letter is typed, sounds are created.

This piece is talking about life symbols. The globe represents our existence, flowers symbolize hope and love and water which is energy. There is a little girl at the background staring at those objects with curiosity, trying to identify the meaning of the objects.

* 620 NOOR BAHJAT (Syrian, B. 1991) “Curiosity” Acrylic and charcoal on canvas 100 cm x 80 cm (Diptych) Painted in 2014

USD $ 2,500 – 5,000 AED 10,000 – 20,000

ART4SIGHT-2017

* 621 NOUSH ANAND “Musicbox” Digital Print on Canvas 80 cm x 140 cm Edition Open Edition Executed in 2015

USD $ 250 – 500 AED 1,000 – 2,000

ART4SIGHT-2017

* 623

* 622

SALAMA NASIB

RUBEN SANCHEZ (Spanish, B. 1981) “Family Portrait’” Acrylic on canvas 220 cm x 130 cm Painted in 2014

USD $ 3,700 – 5,000 AED 14,800 – 20,000

ART4SIGHT-2017

(Emirati) “I created a surreal vision of the classic family portraits, where the characters are represented by animals in this case. The human interactions are compared with animal behaviors, highlighting the natural instincts. This references an earlier work that used black backgrounds, which is an exercise of neo-cubism.” Ruben Sanchez

“Reflections Series – Sharing” Screenprint on Splendogen paper, digital print 102 cm x 74cm Edition Print Proof Executed in 2016

USD $ 1,000 – 1,200 AED 4,000 – 4,800

“Reflection series was created to portray some of the vital rituals that were taught to us and are essentially practiced during the holy month of Ramadan. These rituals include the devotion in praying and worshipping, the vital practice of giving and charity, and finally the aspect of gathering and sharing food as portrayed in this piece here. Despite being small and quiet common practices, these rituals turn my Ramadan into a rich month of self-discipline and a dedication towards making the rest of my existence in this life a meaningful one. These rituals are portrayed through simple line illustrations, placed on prayer mats as an emphasis on the holy month. The rest of the patterns are inspired from traditional motives found on regular prayer mats, with a playful attempt in modernizing and simplifying those patterns” Salama Nasib

ART4SIGHT-2017

* 624 HH SHEIKHA WAFA HASHER AL MAKTOUM (Emirati)

“The circle has always been an interesting shape for me. This project started off as symbols and iconography since 2012 with inspiration taken from my surroundings here in the UAE. The circle represents the notions of wholeness perfection and eternity, timelessness and infinity.”

“Complex Camel” Markers and Water Colors Digital Print on paper 60 cm x 85 cm (Diptych) Edition: 1/3 Executed in 2016

USD $ 8,000 – 12,000 AED 32,000 – 48,000

ART4SIGHT-2017

“Complex Falcon”

HH Sheikha Wafa Hasher Al Maktoum

Digital Print on paper 60 cm x 85 cm (Diptych) Edition: 1/3 Executed in 2016

ART4SIGHT-2017

* 625 NOOR SHAMMA

(Emirati, B. 1985)

* 626

“1-Damascus 12, Syria”

“2- Tangier, Morocco”

Graphite on Bristol Board (250gsm) 21 cm x 27 cm This work is unique Executed in 2016

Graphite on Bristol Board (250gsm) 21 cm x 30 cm This work is unique Executed in 2016

USD $ 2,500 – 3,500 AED 10,000 – 14,000

USD $ 1,500 – 2,500 AED 6,000 – 10,000

ART4SIGHT-2017

What is it about doors? Are they a way in or a way out? A protection or a barrier? New chance? Opportunity? Security? Danger? Threat? Hope? Relief? They say, if only these walls could talk. But I say, if only these doors could talk.

ART4SIGHT-2017

“This artwork is from my new body of work, a style I called ‘Calligraforms.’ These new works reflect a transformation of the organic forms of letters into monumental constructive geometric shapes and volumes. It’s a reflection of my fascination with the graphic values of letter forms over the written text since I started to practice calligraphy at age 10. My letters embody abstract and geometric shapes generated by internal and external attributes of their structure and unseen until now.”

* 627 WISSAM SHAWKAT (Iraq B.1974)

* 628 NASIR NASRALLAH (Emirati, B. 1984)

“Symphony 3” Acrylic on handmade paper 51cm X 92 cm Executed in 2015

USD $ 4,000 – 5,000 AED 16,000 – 20,000

ART4SIGHT-2017

“Still Life 2015” Acrylic On Canvas 100 cm x 100 cm Painted in 2015

Here I recall my first days at the Emirates Fine Art Society when I started to take drawing classes with artist Mohammed Kazem and together with other students in the early 2000s. I stopped doing that for years, then one day I felt nostalgic for those days and made this painting.” Nasir Nasrallah

USD $ 1,200 – 1,500 AED 4,800 – 6,000

ART4SIGHT-2017

The work explores how we define landscapes in fictive and dystopic ways by looking at the relationship between the constant ‘underneath’ and surface changes. It is based on the transformation and manipulation of photographic images. Like landscapes that have vertical as well as horizontal stratigraphy, the work has kaleidoscopic, multi-layered and fragmented surface. The images are no longer static but fractured and ephemeral, like the natural dynamic structure of landscapes and changing realities projected on them.

The stitched line is used to assist, not to dictate and is vital to the concept. The threads allows the viewer to transcend purely formalistic concerns to investigate potential metaphors associated with stitching and the labour intensive methods of women’s domestic arts.

* 629

* 630

BANU COLAK

PATRICIA MILLNS

(Turkish b. 1978) “An Oasis” C Print 7 cm x 22 cm Edition 1 of 2 Executed in 2016

USD $ 500 – 800 AED 2,000 – 3,200

Love defined in the simplicity of the words of Rumi is found within a turning circle.

ART4SIGHT-2017

“Out of circle of time into circle of love” Hand stitched paper in acrylic Signed (lower left) 44 cm x 44 cm Executed in 2017

USD $ 2,000 – 3,000 AED 8,000 – 12,000

ART4SIGHT-2017

The work is about a unit that has many multi side rhythms that comes together with lines and space and colors and projects calmness and stability...

* 631

NAJAT MAKKI (Emirati, B. 1956)

* 632

“1- Rhythm” Crystal Caviar 51. 5 X 18 X 8 cm Weight 3.6 kg Edition 2 of 2 Executed in 2017

USD $ 10,000 – 12,000 AED 40,000 – 48,000

ART4SIGHT-2017

“2- Rhythm” The work is about a woman who has a message in many layers while projecting a unique artistic characteristics in a harmonious colorful rhythm about the vitality of life. Produced from caviar crystals.

‫ميكي ميدي‬ 100 X 100 cm Executed in 2017

USD $ 5,000 – 8,000 AED 20,000 – 32,000

ART4SIGHT-2017

Zeinab Al Hashemi creates composite images using satellite shots of Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Landscapes intermingle in kaleidoscopic abstractions to reveal the complex structures underlying these cities. The hypnotic, yet highly ordered patterns follow strict guidelines of geometry, echoing constructions in Islamic art and architecture.

* 634 * 633 EMAN KHAMIS (Emirati B. 1986) “Journeys” Watercolor wash and ink 60 cm x 80 cm Executed in 2017

USD $ 1,000 – 1,200 AED 4,000 – 4,800

ART4SIGHT-2017

Life is a collection of paths we take. It shapes us and makes us who we are.

ZEINAB AL HASHEMI (Emirati, b. 1986) “Highest Point” Satellite Arial Shots – Digital Scenography 98 cm x 144 cm Edition 1 of 5 Executed in 2015 USD $ 2,000 – 2,500 AED 8,000 – 10,000

Al Hashemi is part of a new generation of artists presenting documentary photography in a post-internet framework by relying on new sources for appropriation. These artists not only bring novel subjects into focus, but they also present a multitude of innovative options for photographic execution. The work allows viewers a perspective on developments in the history of photography, using techniques which would have been painstakingly difficult to produce before the advent of digital technology. Like the 18th century theater of illusion from which the series takes its name, Phantasmagoria blends the real and the dreamlike in a complex collision. The artist challenges her constantly shifting landscape, paradoxically questioning through the medium of photography not what is, but rather what could be.

ART4SIGHT-2017

* 636

* 635 KHALID MEZAINA (Emirati, B. 1985) “Studies For A Sikka Story”

Life is a collection of paths we take. It shapes us and makes us who we are.

TAJALSIR HASSAN (Sudanese) “Honak Ani - ‫”هناك أنت‬

Illustration print 59 cm x 42 cm This work is unique Executed in 2017

Acrylic on canvas ( Jointly pained with Dr Najat Makki ) 84 cm x 95 cm Painted in 2015

USD $ 800 – 1,200 AED 3,200 – 4,800

USD $ 10,000 – 12,000 AED 40,000 – 48,000

ART4SIGHT-2017

It is one of a series paintings made to celebrate the poetry of the Emarati “Salha Ghabish” through painting and lettering as medium and technique of visual expression. “Honaka Anti”; literally means “there you are”, but metaphorically praising the presence or contribution of women today. Najat layered the under painting with thick horizontal strokes and I complimented and completed the top half of the painting using calligraphic strokes inspired by some of the words of Ghabish poetry. The total painting is a lyrical abstract motivated by the beauty and sincerity of poetry.

TAJALSIR HASSAN

ART4SIGHT-2017

Maitha Beljafla and Fatma Al Falasi are the founders of Braille Dubai, a line of jewelry based on braille, a system of writing used by blind individuals. The brand offers distinctive pieces of jewelry that include necklaces, bracelets, and rings. Each piece is unique as it has plenty of meaningful words engraved in braille on it, as Love, Hope, Joy or even Dubai.

* 637 DEBJANI BHARDWAJ (India) “Row, Row, Row Your Boat” Handcut paper, colour pencils, pen & ink 152 cm x 128 cm Executed in 2017

USD $ 3,000 – 3,500 AED 12,000 – 14,000

ART4SIGHT-2017

* 638 & * 639 The human body is a vessel, carrying thoughts, organs, emotions, blood, memories. What is visible to the naked eye represents only a fraction of what exists beyond our perception. Row Row Row Your Boat depicts the ocean contained within the body with beautiful things like marine plants (aquatic creatures) and dangerous elements ( sharks and jelly fish). Debjani Bhardwaj

MAITHA BELJAFLA & FATMA AL FALASI (Emirati)

Damas Jewellery in its aim to support local talents has partnered with the two Emirati designers and included the brand to its collections.

“Braille Dubai” by Damas Jewellery 18K gold with diamonds Executed in 2017 (Donated by Damas Jewellery) USD $ 1,500 – 2,500 AED 6,000 – 10,000

ART4SIGHT-2017

BIOGRAPHIES Afshan Daneshvar :

Tashkeel’ exhibition. Al Gurg is a full-time mother of three

experimenting different mediums. Voices, sounds and

Afshan Daneshvar (b. 1972) is a Dubai-based Iranian

who is passionate to unleash the voice of creativity and

music play an important role in her portrait practice.

visual artist. She has worked in various fields of design.

reflection to those who are inspired to express themselves

CharLes shares her monthly musings online via a

Mentored in Persian calligraphy by her father, she has

uniquely.

blog. She searches for answers in western and oriental literature. CharLes documents the exhibitions which

used it in her designs and artistic practice since 2004.

Maitha AlZaffin:

world in order to dedicate himself to a full time studio

exhibition was in 2008 at the Roger Smith Hotel in New

Maitha AlZaffin is a 20 year-old multidisciplinary Emirati

practice supplemented by Arabic typography and

York. She has also participated in the DNC Slideshow

Artist who gained superior high school diploma in Dubai

freelance design work.

exhibition in Colorado. In 2008 she showed in the

National School, in 2014. She is currently studying to

Community Darkrooms with “Educating Artists Online”

achieve her Bachelor Degree in Fine Arts the College

In recent years, Majid AlYousef has participated in

showing in New York. In 2009 she exhibited alongside

of Fine Arts and Design, University of Sharjah. She

a number of group exhibitions including the Sharjah

other Emirati artists at Emirates Palace in Emirati

gained an intelligent forward-thinking mind by merging

Calligraphy Biennial 12 and 14, and multiple exhibitions

Expressions. In September 2009 Lateefa exhibited her

between conceptual sophistication and technical artistry.

curated by the Dubai Centre of Arabic Calligraphy. His

work in Arc Biennale Brisbane, Australia as well as

Her motivation is raising awareness in forms of creative

artwork have appeared in several fine art books, with

Venice, Italy. In 2010 and 2012 Lateefa exhibited in

expression that exist outside accepted cultural norms,

clients including the Museum of Islamic Art in Doha

the Bastakiyah Art Fair, as well as Art Dubai in 2011,

known as outsider art. Her specialty is collaborating with

and the Media Office of HH Mohammed bin Rashed Al

2012. She also showed at the Expo 2010 UAE Pavilion

individuals with special needs, which comes from her

Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE,

main inspiration and motivation, Mohammad who is her

and many other leading brands and institutions.

brother that has been diagnosed with autism.

Her meditative work is based on repetition, inspired

Amina Al Abbasi :

by siah mashgh in Persian. In siah mashgh words and

Amina Al Abbasi is a Bahraini artist who works around

letters are repeated regardless of meaning for the sake of

subjects of cultural arts and portrays them in a modern

To kill art boredom, she cultivates anti-perfectionism,

perfection. In her recent works since 2015, she explores

way. Amina is a self-taught artist who strives to keep

animal unpredictability, and humor.

working with paper. There is an intensity and minimalist

cultural subjects alive in our present and future, and

in Shanghai Better City Better Life. In 2011 Lateefa was

approach to her work. She seeks to replicate the meaning

to find that common ground of beauty when it’s not too

El Seed:

one of 3 artists from the region selected to exhibit in the

behind siah masgh.

obvious.

eL Seed’s intricate calligraphic compositions call not

UAE pavilion at the Venice Biennial also in 2011 she was

only on the words and their meaning but also on their

capture her attention.

Manal Al Dowayan :

an exhibiting artist part of Emirati Expressions curated

Juhayda Bittar:

Embracing diverse media, Manal AlDowayan’s work

Born in 1991 in Damascus, Juhayda completed a BA from

encompasses black and white photography, sculpture, video, sound, neon and large-scale participatory

Aisha Al Blooshi:

Azza Al Qubaisi :

movement, which ultimately lures the viewer into a

by Stephen Shore at Manarat-al-Saadiyat AD. Lateefa’s

Aisha Nawab is an artist based in Abu Dhabi, United

Azza Al Qubaisi is an Emirati jewelry artist, sculpture

different state of mind. A Ted Fellow since 2015, he works

artwork is included in private collections nationally and

the Faculty of Fine Arts Damascus in 2013, and an MA in “Byzantine painting’s impact on contemporary Syrian

installations. Her artistic practice revolves around

painting” from Damascus University as well. She had

themes of active forgetting, archives, and collective

her first Solo Exhibition at Art House in Damascus Syria,

memory, with a large focus on the state of Saudi women

and has participated in many group exhibitions in other

and their representation.

Arab Emirates. She graduated from Zayed University

and product designer. She is most often referred as the

primarily with subjects that seem contradictory, his art

internationally. Lateefa has been the honorary patron of

with a Bachelor degree in Visual Art, 2015. Aisha’s

UAE’s first Emirati jewelry artist and known for her

reflects on the reality of mankind and the world we live

START since January 2008.

artworks are known for their sense of nostalgia and

public art engagements all year round. Al Qubaisi is

in today. eL Seed installed his work in public spaces,

antiquity, and mostly conjuring childhood memories.

a multi-discipline artist who enjoys exploration and

galleries and institutions on every continent.

Elle Ford:

The expressive figurines and dolls signify most of her

experimenting with materials and techniques focusing

From the streets of Paris and New York, to the Favelas

Elle Ford was born in Holland, and has a background

artworks that she makes in order to capture a moment or

on local and natural materials.

of Rio Di Janeiro and the slums of Cape Town, his

in interior design. She has spent over 20 years living in

contemporary approach aims to bring people, cultures

extremes of climate and culture from the deserts of the

and generations together.

Middle-East to the arctic of Far Eastern Russia, including

to express some symbols and analogies. She believed that dolls could represent humans and they have the ability to

Born in Abu Dhabi and educated in London, Al Qubaisi

deliver many emotions. Thus, she used them to reveal her

holds an MA in Cultural and Creative Industries and a

observations, self-complexes, and inner thoughts.

BA in Silver Smithing, Jewelry Design and Allied Crafts.

At the age of sixteen, eL Seed chose his pseudonym while

and Dubai. This has provided her with so many ideas

She participated in various group exhibitions such as

Exhibited locally and internationally in group and solo

he was studying one of Corneille’s plays in his literature

and inspirations to use to further develop her creative

“Emirates Memory Festival” in Liwa Art Hub 2014,

shows, she represented the UAE in “A 1001 Steps Festival”

class. Like Corneille’s The Cid, eL Seed, “lives in service

identity.

Rochester Contemporary Art Center in New York 2014,

in Helsinki, Finland 2004 and the first artist to exhibit in

of art and hopes to foster peace, without prejudice for

Elle is a Fine Artist with a First Class honours degree from

“To Be A Cartoonish” in Manarat Al Sadiyaat 2015,

DIFC in 2005. Al Qubaisi exhibited in “Language of the

anyone he meets, driven only by art and by a message.”

a top UK University and since 2012 has been a practicing

Formula 1 2016, “EmArti45 Spirit Of The Union” in Le

Desert” in Abu Dhabi, ‘Three Generations’ by ADMAF at

With each of his projects, he supports humanist values,

commercial artist. She has always had a passion for

Royal Meridian in Abu Dhabi 2016, “Mind The Gap” in

Sotheby’s London and UAE National Day exhibition at

sowing the “seeds” of tolerance, poetry, and peace. As a

many forms of creative art, including painting, sculpture,

Tashkeel 2017 and “Women In Art” Dubai Design District

Expo Milan 2015.

true soldier in the service of humanity, eL Seed spreads a

photography, fashion, interior design and architecture.

message for everyone.

Her work has been selected to be exhibited at The Royal

Al Qubaisi was published in several books and

In 2017, eL Seed won the UNESCO Sharjah Prize for

West of England Academy, and has been showcased

Alaa Sharabi:

publications. Her wearable art from her Life series and

Arab Culture. He was named a Global Thinker in 2016

and sold in the UK and The Netherlands to private and

Born on 1988 in Damascus, Alaa completed her BA from

Bareeq Al Oudh series are published in “500 Earrings:

by Foreign Policy for his project ‘Perception’ in Cairo. In

corporate clients.

Faculty of Fine Arts Damascus in 2010 and her Master’s

New Directions in Contemporary Jewelry: 2007” by

2015, the international organization on Ted recognized

Since moving to Dubai in 2014, Elle’s work has been

Degree in “Color Effect OnPrintmaking Art InThe

Lark Books. Awarded locally and internationally, she is

him as one of the year’s “Ted Fellows” for advocating

selected

Twentieth Century (Selected Examples)” near Damascus.

the winner of the British Council YCE Award, Emirates

peaceful

Alaa had her first solo exhibition at Tajalliyat Art Gallery

Women Award in Business and Social Contributions

Expression and social progress through his work. He also

in Beirut, Lebanon and has participated in many group

categories.

has collaborated with Louis Vuitton on their famous ‘

2017.

periods in Oman, Sakhalin Island, UK, USA, Kazakhstan

Foulard d’artiste’.

exhibitions in many countries including Damascus, Italy, Albania, Canada, and Singapore. Alaa’s work combines

CharLes:

the analytic mind to the accumulated feeling in his

CharLes is known as the dilettante, embodying a strategy

Lateefa Bint Maktoum:

memory. Lines are used to build the distorted human

of the impostor artist.

Born in Dubai, UAE in 1985, Lateefa Bint Maktoum

the lines become so complicated and mixed up that those

The art world does not necessarily consider CharLes as

Bachelor’s degree in Visual Arts. She has been exhibiting

creatures are unclear and full of emotion. In most of the

an artist, per se. However, CharLes

her work since 2004 beginning by creating public

times lines accompany the technique which is a main

asserts herself as such and has organized her own art

artworks in addition to creating artwork for charitable

creative element of Alaa’s artwork, and we can say that

events and exhibitions since 2010. CharLes tends to blur

causes such as Medecins Sans Frontiers, Madrasati

the technique represents Alaa’s tendency towards order

the lines. She writes under a masculine pseudonym, signs

Palestine, ART4Sight for Noor Dubai Foundation.

and discipline while her lines are a reflection of her

her artwork

2006 Lateefa won first prize in the Ibdaa Media Student

unconsciousness. Her experiments on using different

with a zoomorphic character, a sort of female minotaur

Awards in the digital photography category, and in

materials led her to link between the two worlds:

who feeds on the Other, which denotes her fetish material.

2010 was awarded the Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al

Maktoum Patrons of the Arts awards. In 2012 she was

painting and printmaking.

countries including Lebanon, Albania, Italy, and Canada. A deeper analysis of the figures in her paintings shows

She has documented social groups like the oil men and

that they represent masked creatures and false identities

women of Saudi Arabia in her project, If I Forget You

created by those figures who delude each other but when

Don’t Forget Me, and has addressed the impact of mass

left alone their masks fade away showing the truth

media on propagating intentional erasing of identities

underneath; some are desperate and void from the inside

in her project Crash, highlighting the unnamed Saudi

while others create their own worlds where elements’

teachers dying in car crashes across Saudi Arabia. Her

roles are set by them, but some disappear in the mask

participatory projects have attracted hundreds of women

and become clowns in the parade of their lives. Juhayda

to use art as a new platform to address social injustice

lives with the characters she creates. Her characters are

like Tree of Guardians, Esmi-My Name, and Suspended

made up from people she met but with the fact that their

Together.

individualities are lost in the process leaving their main characteristics unchanged. Symbols sometimes appear

In 2014 she was a recipient of a research Fellowship from

in Juhayda’s work and there is an obvious tendency

NYU AD and was invited in early 2015 to the Robert

towards expressionism especially when she addresses the

Rauschenberg Residency in Captiva, Florida. Manal

evil within her characters.

has shown her work in Prospect 3 New Orleans - The American Biennale (2014/15), in collateral shows at the

Majid AlYousef:

Venice Biennale (2009/11), and at Museums around the

Majid AlYousef is a contemporary artist and calligrapher

world like Gawngju Museum in South Korea, Louisiana

based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. He has been

Museum of Modern Art in Denmark, The Victoria and

Foundation and Dubai International Art Centre. Over the

practicing Arabic calligraphy for more than 30 years

Albert Museum in UK, and Mathaf Museum of Modern

last six years Elle has also curated the summer, autumn,

and acquired mastery in the challenging thuluth script.

Arab Art in Qatar. Her art works are part of public

winter and spring exhibitions at a private gallery in

His work can be identified by a unique marriage of

collection at the British Museum, LA County Museum,

Holland.

intricate craftsmanship and experimental composition

Louisiana Museum, and Mathaf.

for

exhibition

Tashkeel,

Sharjah

Art

that frequently blurs lines between Islamic art and

graduated from Zayed University in 2007 with a

shapes and complex imaginary creatures and sometimes

establishment of Tashkeel. Lateefa’s first international

Janet Bellotto:

Abstraction, Cubism, and the stylized Arabic alphabet.

Manal holds a Master’s Degree in Systems Analysis and

Janet Bellotto is an artist and educator from Toronto,

Abstractism has significantly influenced AlYousef’s

Design and currently lives in London while completing

who splits her time teaching in Dubai as Professor

practice, and it is possible to pick out the blocks of

her MA in Contemporary Art Practice in Public Spheres

and Associate Dean of the College of Arts and Creative

colors and rational architectural simplicity of the 19th

at the Royal College of Art.

Enterprises at Zayed University. A curator, writer and

century movement within both his works on paper and

Associate Editor of Tribe—a magazine of photography

typography designs.

Salma Al Marri: Salma Al Marri is an Emirati artist who studied fine arts

and new media from the Arab world, she was also the Artistic Director for the 20th International Symposium

AlYousef, who is both Saudi and Iraqi, was born in

in Cairo, Egypt 1985. A member of the Emirates Fine

on Electronic Art in Dubai. Her art practice encompasses

1974 and grew up in Basra where there was no formal

Arts Society and Union of Arab Plastic Artist, she has

sculpture, installation, photographic processes, video,

calligraphy instruction available to him. At the precocious

displayed her creations in many individual and group

and performance, which she also uses to engage in

age of eight he expressed interest in committing himself

exhibitions in the UAE, USA, France, Japan, Germany,

projects that promote cultural exchange. Inspired by

to the medium, and using books and the guidance of

Greece, Egypt, Tunisia, Qatar, Kuwait, Morocco, Yemen,

narratives and locations (from cities to deserts), water—

several old masters, built up his skill entirely due to his

and Romania.

the ocean and seas—is a constant theme in her work that

own disciplined study. Ultimately, his family relocated

considers a variety of materials and processes while

to Saudi Arabia and he pursued a Bachelors degree in

Al Marri is a full-time Artist and held several positions

examining the ever-changing world that she travels. Her

Fine Arts from Iraq and a Masters degree in Interactive

at the UAE Ministry of Education, including Senior

Design and Game Development from the Savannah

Director of Art Education, where she has led many art

Le Salon de CharLes is a unifying art form. CharLes

awarded the CEO outstanding contribution to the arts by

Amal Al Gurg:

invites the Other to reveal a story over dinner. The

ITP. Her first gallery show was Perceptions at the Third

Amal Al Gurg is an Emirati freelance graphic designer

discussion topics are varied, mostly unrelated to art:

Line gallery in 2006 in Dubai. In 2007 Lateefa started

who enjoys design and calligraphy. She has exhibited

the audience is limited and largely art novices. CharLes

curating exhibitions. The first exhibition that she curated,

and sold two of her pieces as part of the Silent Auction

creates a Dialogue in an intimate universe. In exchange,

entitled Minus Reality, was shown at Art Attack gallery

of artwork in 2010. Amal has recently exhibited and sold

CharLes generates a portrait - a subjective interpretation

and showcased the work of 30 UAE-based artists. This

work has been exhibited in a range of collective, group,

Amalgamate as part of the ‘Mind the Gap’ exhibition

of the encounter. In addition to Le Salon de CharLes, for

show sparked the idea of the need for a studio for artists

and solo exhibitions internationally, including Basel,

College of Art and Design in the USA.

training workshops and programs and at other local

in March of 2017, and Prayer as part of the ‘Made in

seven years, CharLes realizes portraits on commission

& designers living & working in the Gulf, leading to the

Beijing, Cairo, Dubai, Istanbul, Toronto, New York,

Following a successful career serving as design director

organizations. She produced several researches and

Mexico City, and Venice.

to a number of leading firms, AlYousef left the corporate

studies on art curriculums and plastic arts. She is a

ART4SIGHT-2017

regular writer of columns about art in local, regional

Noush Anand:

She lives in the United Arab Emirates and holds a BSc

Nasir, making art is about experimenting with and

Eman Khamis:

in my childhood, but also in all subsequent calligraphic

and international organizations, including the United

Noush’s area of research, and her multidisciplinary work,

in Design Management from the American University

synthesizing materials, be they physical objects, ideas or

Eman (b. 1986, Dubai) is an up and coming artist and

works including those exhibited today. It was that type

Nations and UNESCO.

seeks to explore questions of belonging, intersections of

of Sharjah and has an Executive Masters in Marketing,

theorems. His work is a highly personal response to his

fashion designer. With over 7 years of experience in graphic

of magic which guided my professional concentration

technology, culture, myth and fairytale. She combines

Management, Communications and Media with first

environment, and his interactions with the people and

design and a lifetime’s enthusiasm for fashion illustration

on classic & innovative lettering, graphic design and

Her work combines painting and relief, by the usage of

her personal practice of mural painting, installation and

class honors: mention très bien, from the Paris-Sorbonne

places he comes across. Nowadays, Nasir is studying the

and pattern design, Eman is dedicated to developing her

painting over more than thirty five years.

acrylic colors in a special technique

video, with commissions between Mumbai, Montreal/

University Abu Dhabi.

mailing systems and how to apply it in his own work.

artistic skills. She has worked in multinational marketing

very specific to her art work. Third dimensional effects

Toronto and Dubai, where she has resided intermittently

are the result of different textures that accentuate colors

since 1984.

in Visual Art from Zayed University. She has exhibited

and shades. The result is a unified façade that combines the abstract and expressionist style. Her inspirations are

Ruben Sanchez :

at local and international venues, including Tashkeel

drawn from the depth of her spirit, emotion, and history,

Born and raised in Madrid, adopted by Barcelona in the

and Emirates Palace, as well as at The Meridian

creating a unique space of her artistic identity.

early 2000’s with short periods in NYC and currently

International Centre in Washington DC, and The

back in Spain after 3 years in Dubai (stay that started

Kunstquartier Bethanien in Berlin. Nasib has established

The artist relies on a technique of her own, and that is

with a one-year art residency with Tashkeel), Sanchez

herself as a successful emerging Emirati artist specialized

by achieving different textures with a variety of intricate

is a self-taught artist with a strong, graphic style that

detail. What differentiates this technique than others

companies and both the government and private sectors Banu Colak:

in the UAE. A collaborative project that she has worked

Banu Colak (b.1978, Ankara/Turkey) received a PhD in

on has won the 2014 Emirates Skywards Future Artists

Fine Arts from Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey.

Award, which has been placed on Emirates Skywards

She then moved to London and completed a short

Gold membership cards

program in Art Theory at Central Saint Martin’s, London,

Over those years, fascinated by the richness beauty of the letterforms, I found myself indulged in a new areas of “abstract painting- calligraphy” inspired by the contextual meanings from; Koranic verses, poetry, sayings of wisdom, prayers, and other linguistic texts. It was ever so hard for me to escape from such fascinating magical texts. Texts that I visualized - and aimed

UK. Banu Colak is an Assistant Professor of Visual Arts

Zeinab Al Hashemi:

in printmaking. She has been part of the inaugural batch

in the College of Arts and Creative Enterprises at Zayed

Born and based in Dubai, Zeinab Al Hashemi is a

resonates through all of his projects: murals, sculptures,

of the Salama Emerging Artist Fellowship, provided by

University, Abu Dhabi. She has been included in many

conceptual artist and designer specializing in site-

are the sole use ofone1 medium which is acrylic paint;

public installations, graphic design or video. Coming

the Salama bint Hamdan Al Nahyan Foundation and

solo and group exhibitions. Her work is in many private

specific installation, and spatial art. Her process forges

whereas the observer of the art piece would think that the

from the cultural worlds of graffiti and skateboarding,

in collaboration with Rhode Island School of Design.

and public collections in the Middle East. She currently

a connection between an honored tradition and a

Sanchez started learning by himself graphic design and

In addition, Nasib has been the guest artist of “Past

works and lives in the UK and UAE. Banu Colak uses

distinguished contemporary pieces relying on technical

illustration. This took him to the art direction of different

Forward: Exhibitions from the UAE,” hosted in East

various media, including photography, video and

and creative knowledge collected through experience.

MBA from Birla Institute of Technology Ranchi, India

Mark Pilkington:

skateboard companies and design studios but broke up

Lansing (Michigan) in USA, as the fifth destination of

installation to explore our relationship with the physical

Alhashemi executes visionary art through raw and

and started her career as a financial analyst. She moved

Mark Pilkington was born in the UK in 1951. He

with the computer in the mid 2000’s and went back to the

the touring exhibition. Nasib also worked as a Studio

space we inhabit. She studies how we engage with urban

overlooked materials in connection between the patterns

to becoming a full time practicing artist while being

studied Fine Art before completing a Master’s degree

analogic work, where he changed the screen for wood,

Coordinator at Tashkeel where she stayed abreast of the

and rural architecture and how they are perceived

in nature and the everyday life. Alhashemi interactive art

based in Dubai, UAE (2007). She recently studied MA in

in Photography at the Royal College of Art, London,

saws, brushes, murals, spray cans, street elements or

latest Emirati art trends while managing seven studios,

through space, body and memory.

reflects her personal journey to explore the world around

Fine Art at the Open College of the Arts, University for the

in 1977. Mark taught photography at a number of UK

canvases. This rupture wasn’t definitive since they still

organizing artistic and collaborative workshops, and

her, and the universal symbols that shapes our reality.

Creative Arts, UK (2016).

colleges before moving to the United Arab Emirates in

see each other from time to time. If you dissect his work

co-curating upcoming exhibitions. Nasib is currently

1997. He is currently a full-time Professor at the College

you will find graffiti and graphic design from his old

completing her MA in Print at the Royal College of Art

of Architecture, Art & Design, the American University

days, and elements of cubism, human connections, some

in London, UK.

artist has used mixed media to achieve this result.

of Sharjah, where he teaches practical and history of photography

courses.

Mark has exhibited widely in the UK, notably at the Photographers Gallery and the National Portrait Gallery, in London, and at the Format International Photography Festival in Derby. He has made work in collaboration with Helen Chadwick that is in the permanent collection of the Tate Gallery London. Mark has exhibited extensively in the UAE, and has had two solo shows at Tashkeel, Dubai, as well as exhibiting in the Sharjah Biennial 6 and 7. His work has also been shown at a number of international fairs, including the Turin Art Fair, Beirut Art Fair and at Art Dubai. Myneandyours “I am an artist – whatever that means. When I’m asked what kind, I find it difficult to answer. If I was a musician, I would find myself in the section of the record store somewhere between classical and metal – the section that isn’t quite identifiable in a few words. You’d have to ask for it behind the counter – it’s on the system somewhere.” Noor Bahjat: Born in Damascus, Syria in 1991, Noor Bahjat now lives and works in the United Arab Emirates. Her first solo show was with Ayyam Gallery in Dubai in August 2015 and following this has taken part in several group exhibitions and two solo shows in Dubai and Manila.

Salama Nasib: Salama Nasib holds a Bachelor’s degree

Patricia has a degree in Fine Art and MA in Art and Design History. She is studio based in the Middle East

tribal art, and Mediterranean lifestyle among many

for over 35 years, researching specifically in woman’s

other things. All this mixture, including his continuous

Wissam Shawkat:

explorations with volume in the past years will take us to

Wissam Shawkat is a conceptually motivated artist with

a natural evolution that is making of Sanchez’ work what

mastery in Arabic calligraphy. Born in 1974 in Basra,

it is nowadays

Iraq, he was first introduced to Arabic calligraphy at the age of 10 by his primary school teacher Muhammad

Sheikha Wafa Hasher Al Maktoum:

Patricia Millns:

Ridha Suhail.

studies relating to the cultural significance of adornment, dress , and olfactory heritage. Millns is an advisor on art and design projects and mentorship of emerging artists, an elected Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts UK, FRSA, and an elected member of IAPA UNESCO, and the Emirates Fine Art Society,

Sheikha Wafa Bint Hasher Al Maktoum is a multimedia artist and photographer. She is the founder and director

Shawkat is largely self-taught in the rigorous medium,

UAE. She also sits on the advisory board of American

of FN Designs, A Magazine of Random (AMOR), and a

attaining mastery through book research, visits to

University of Dubai. She has represented the UK in Cairo,

UAE- based clothing brand called EiGHT.

various masters, and museum and library collections

Alexandria, and Sharjah Biennials and the UK in United

throughout the region. He has received numerous

Nations in New York.

She holds a degree in Business Administration and has

prizes for his calligraphy and has participated as both

Her work is in public collections in Europe include British

a Bachelor’s degree in Arts and Design. FN Designs is

an artist and committee member at multiple editions

Museum, British Council, Royal Commonwealth Society ,

a multi-disciplined art and design gallery and studio

of the Sharjah Calligraphy Biennial and the Dubai

Sainsbury Collection and the Bulgari Collection while in

space based in Dubai. Molded by curiosity, creativity,

International

the USA in UNESCO and UNIFEM, New York.

Calligraphy

Exhibition.

and aspirations to which are the heart of its diverse body

to present in my calligraphic works as ones having simultaneous flows: the abstract graphic calligraphic flow, and the visualized colorful rhythmic flow. Debjani Bhardwaj: Originally from Kolkata, India , Debjani completed her

Her first solo exhibition “Spindle, Shuttle, Needle” (2011) By deconstructing and reconstructing her chosen medium

, was hosted by Tashkeel Gallery, Dubai at Tashkeel

she gives viewers a different perspective on the landscape

House, Al Fahidi District. Her second solo exhibition

they are situated in, documenting the process of change

“Seeing the Invisible” (2014) was hosted by the French

through her perception and the state from “What is’ to

Embassy in The Sultanate of Oman, at The Centre Franco

“What could be.” She is not only interested in what the

Omanais, Muscat.

history holds, but also the story she tells.

She has participated in more than 50 group shows internationally notably “Butterflies in my Stomach” , XVA

Khalid Mezaina:

Gallery Dubai (2014), “Nectar in a Sieve” Gallery Sarah,

Khalid Mezaina entered the art world via graphic design

Muscat (2015), “Games People Play“, First Triannual

and project coordination for some of the UAE’s important

Print Show, Museum of CAA, Hang Zhou, China,( 2015)

art institutions, including the Sharjah Art Foundation

and “Booked“, Art Centrix Gallery, New Delhi (2016).

and Tashkeel, Dubai. This proximity and integration

Debjani has illustrated two childrens’ books “World Tales

into the arts community inspired him to pursue his own

” a book of folk tales written by the students of Dubai

practice. His work is drawn from the fabric of Emirati

International Academy (2009 ) and “A Magic Place”

culture – observing elements such as his focus on particular architecture or subcultures and communities, creating a series of projects that offer cultural remarks. His work is also important documentation amid the

Her work is also displayed in Middle East National

unremitting progress of the UAE. His artworks are

published by Orient Longman, a book of short stories used by Middle School children in India (2008). She currently lives and works in Muscat, The Sultanate of Oman. Damas Jewellery:

of work. As the founder of FN Designs, she is looking to

“Letters of Love,” his 2011 solo exhibition at Reed Space

Museums of UAE, Kuwait, Oman and Jordan and DIFC

develop her personal desire for art and design and create

in New York, introduced a global audience to a series of

primarily illustration based, yet extend into the realms of

Collection, Dubai, Salsali Private Museum and the Al

a more design-centric social community within Dubai,

contemporary compositions. With “Monumental 11/11,” a

printmaking, surface design, installations and low brow

2015 exhibition at Tashkeel (an influential creative hub

Said and Al Sabah Collections.

through innovative and collaborative events.

publishing.

She is found in the private collections of HRH The Prince

Khalid’s art has been featured in regional and

of Wales, the Royal families of UAE, Jordan, Kuwait,

international exhibitions. He has also participated

Oman and many leading collectors internationally.

in projects, and residencies, as well as facilitating

Najat Makki:Born in 1956 in Dubai, Najat Makki has

workshops for children and adults both in the UAE and

gained worldwide success and recognition within the

abroad. Khalid is currently studying at the Rhode Island

UAE and outside the Arab world as being one of the

School of Design (RISD), pursuing an MFA in Textiles,

foremost female Emirati contemporary painters. She

global

graduating in 2018.

Garrard,

and gallery in Dubai), Shawkat visually announced his She developed a creative mind and an artistic eye at

break with traditional calligraphy and his commitment

an early age. In most of her work, she explores her

to instead use the letters as a foundation for works of

surroundings, her home and her city and the people

dynamic abstraction. His style, which is referred to as

within. Her reality is constantly redefined.

‘Calligraform.’ focuses on the precise forms of the letters, but also the abstract shapes generated by examining the

Noor Shamma:

geometric spaces inside and outside of their structures.

decided to pursue the arts at a young age and in 1977

Curiosity, emotion, and desire drive the work of Noor

Damas is the leading luxury jewellery and watch retailer in the Middle East. Since its inception in 1907, the brand has been setting the standards in their trade by providing unmatched quality, luxury and glamour with an air of Middle Eastern mystique. The company has grown from a UAE-based retailer into a global brand name, with a large portfolio of renowned luxury

brands

Roberto

including

Coin,

Graff

Mikimoto,

Diamonds,

Forevermark,

Parmigiani Fluerier, Perrelet and Magerit, among many

Graduating with honors from the Faculty of Fine Arts,

Shamma. Noor consciously remains ‘unclassifiable’ as

Shawkat is based in Dubai, where he is engaged full time

became the first Emirati female to gain a government

Tajalsir Hassan:

others. Damas’ popular in-house brands include SAMA

University of Damascus, Bahjat works from detailed

an artist so that she can express herself through many

as an artist, designer, and Arabic typographer. His work

funded scholarship to study art abroad. Makki went on

My life experience and specialization as a graphic designer

by Damas, Damas Classics, Farfasha, OneSixEight,

sketches and self-portraits in a painterly, expressionist

different mediums. Noor’s current work explores the

is regularly featured in books on Arabic calligraphy

to the College of Fine Arts in Cairo where she obtained

and a calligrapher has been destined to be consistent due

Farasha, Gehna, Hayati, Legacy, Fulla and many more.

style, and with a primarily figurative subject matter.

relationship between art, identity, and emotion through

and typography, included in museum exhibitions, and

her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Relief Sculpture

to my early encounter with the (reed pen) which is the

Skillfully transitioning between warm and cool palettes,

a plethora of imagery, texture, and expressive styles.

acquired by private collectors.

and Metal and in 2001 received her PhD in Philosophy

main calligraphy tool for Arabic. This happened when I

Headquartered in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, the

Bahjat creates deeply atmospheric canvases infused

As the originator of the popular and ongoing Postcard

of Art. Makki is a member in the Emirates Plastic Arts

was only five years old attended the (Khalwa) which is the

company today operates around 300 outlets distributed

with reoccurring, symbolic objects exploring the human

Initiative sweeping through the nation and beyond,

Nasir Nasrallah:

Society, GSCC Art Friends Society, Al-Jidar Association,

Sudan traditional education place.

across 11 countries. The company has earned many

form with attention to mundane moments in life. The

Noor also finds time to teach children art in her spare

Nasir Nasrallah (b.1984) started his art journey in the

Dubai Cultural Council. Najat Makki won many awards

Portrayed figures are expressionless variations of herself,

time. Noor is Head of Communications and Public

early 2000s with Emirates Fine Arts Society while he

in the Sharjah Biennale, the GCC Biennale and Al

The reed pen, or the magic tool - as I like to refer - has not

2000, 2004 and 2007 for jewellery design and Business

her thoughts, and observation of others.

Affairs at the Paris-Sorbonne University in Abu Dhabi.

was studying Telecommunication Engineering. For

Mahhaba Biennale in Syria.

only been used in my first drawing of the Arabic letters

Excellence Award 2014 and 2016.

ART4SIGHT-2017

awards including the prestigious De Beers Award

ART4SIGHT-2017

Christie’s Dubai is pleased to join forces with the Art 4 Sight team again this year, marking our 6th event together. In our continuous efforts under our corporate social responsibility (CSR) body, Christie’s is dedicated to empowering local charities and fostering artistic talent as a gateway into greater awareness of the universality of humankind. Christie’s Dubai has sold hundreds of thousands of works while supporting charitable initiatives in Dubai as well as across the Arab world. With our help, we have participated with initiatives such as World Food Programme, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Royal Bridges, Al Roya Foundation, Edge of Arabia, Magic of Persia, Bidoun, Appeal, among others. It is with these continued efforts that we hope to bridge the sustained commitment of our communities and unite under shared objectives to work towards a better environment and aid those affected by diseases and disasters worldwide. At Art 4 Sight we are fortunate to contribute to such a wonderful program and we commend Noor Dubai Foundation’s efforts for fostering a greater awareness of preventative blindness measures. We hope you will appreciate the time and efforts put by the amazing team at Art 4 Sight into gathering these unique works of art. We also would like to thank all the artists who have donated these works. We wish for your generosity to meet the great ideas that Art 4 Sight has to complete their amazing projects across the world in healing blindness.

NASROLLAH AFJEHE (IRANIAN, B. 1933) Peacock Acrylic and ink on canvas 78⅝ x 78⅝ in. (200 x 200 cm.) Painted in 2017 £45,000–55,000 $59,000–71,000

MIDDLE EASTERN AND CONTEMPORARY ART

London, King street, 25 October 2017 VIEWING

21 - 25 October 2017 8 King Street London SW1Y 6QT CONTACT

Hala Khayat hkhayat@christies.com +971 (50) 553 7661 Other fees apply in addition to the hammer price. See Section D of our Conditions of Sale at the back of the Auction Catalogue

ART4SIGHT-2017

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ART4SIGHT-2017