Art conversations at Dubai Ladies Club off to a solid start

Last week, Funoon, the art & culture division of Dubai Ladies Club, which is a member of Dubai Women Establishment, hosted its second ‘Art Conversation’ session with respected Emirati artist, Ebtisam Abdulaziz. The open discussion was well attended by young emerging artists, students, members of the media, as well as distinguished members of the local and international art community. Admission to the event was free for men and women. 

The interactive session offered art students a platform for the exchange of ideas and expertise related to the art, culture and education. Abdulaziz provided invaluable insights into her work and shares the motivations, inspirations and discipline involved in achieving her artistic goals.

The discussion, which began with an overview of Abdulaziz’s art, quickly developed into a a through debate about the concepts and meanings in her work. Attending guests which included eminent members of the local art community including Paolomaria, artist and Khalil Abdul Wahid, Fine Arts Coordinator, Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, participated in a healthy discussion on their varying interpretations of Abdulaziz’s messages. The talk also touched on some of the challenges faced by Arab female artists in the region when they launch their art career. 

Sarah Ayoub Agha, Funoon Supervisor at Dubai Ladies Club said, “We are delighted with the response we have received at our first two Art Conversation gatherings. Everybody enjoyed learning from the range of professionals who have made very successful careers for themselves in the arts. It speaks directly to our mission of preparing students and amateur artists for professional careers. With guest lectures examining art from a historic, pop culture, curatorial and directly artistic perspective, there was something for everyone.”

‘Art Conversations’ is a monthly series of open discussions on Art facilitated by leading luminary art experts from the local and international art scene. The series are being organised by Funoon, the art & culture division of Dubai Ladies Club, to provide a platform for the exchange of ideas and expertise related to the art, culture and education. The topics will focus on assisting emerging artists to further develop and improve their creative and conceptual thinking, art critique, art appreciation and Aesthetics.

These monthly Tuesday evening lecture series will continue through the year a variety of guest speakers from a the art field as they explore and expand the boundaries of creative visual practice today. All lectures will take place at Dubai Ladies Club on the first Tuesday of the month.  Admission to these events will be free for all interested men and women. 

Tuesday, 5 July, 2011

Paolomaria – Installation Artist 

Born in 1963, in Italy, Paolomaria is a self-taught artist who studied architecture interior design. He spent over a decade working in his family-owned textile company responsible for design.

In 2006 he consequently left all his previous activities to dedicate himself completely to the work of art. In January 2007 he moved to Denmark, where he worked at the Gæsteatelier Hollufgård in Odense, followed by his move to the UAE in 2007, where he has collaborated with Mondo Arte and Tashkeel. Paolomaria will share his journey into art, the obstacles and highs. He will also discuss his relationship with his work. With sincerity and a morbid sense of humour he will dig into his own ‘memories’ and fantasies, shedding light on the themes of installations.  

Tuesday, 2 August, 2011

Sheikh Sultan Al Qassimi - Art collector and Founder of Barjeel Art Foundation 

Sultan Sooud Al Qassemi has played an integral role in establishing various platforms to recognize and promote art from diverse corners of the Arab world. As an art collector, his private collection of contemporary Arab artwork can be seen in rotating public exhibitions. Al Qassimi will discuss the varied aspects of an art collector's social responsibility and the evolution of collecting in the UAE over the past thirty years.  

Tuesday, 6 September, 2011

Roberto Lopardo - Professor of Photography, American University in Dubai 

Roberto Lopardo is the former Dean of Visual Communication and professor of photography at the American University in Dubai. Currently, he is employed as a full-time artist and his latest artistic endeavours centre around the MAPS [mediated photographic studies] Project. Lopardo will introduce the book ‘Seven Days in the Art World’ - that provides a thorough overview of what it means to work, play and suffer in the art world – in relation to his own experiences making and marketing artworks in New York and Dubai. Thereby providing to the audience with a real world scenario of what may await a future budding Emirates based artist. 

Tuesday, 4 October, 2011

Sumayyah Al Suwaidi – Digital Artist 

In 2001, Sumayyah Al Suwaidi became the first female digital artist from the UAE, quickly building a reputation for her innate ability to transform seemingly normal and boring photographs into masterpieces of emotions and sensuality. Al Suwaidi will talk about the ideas and motivations behind her individual studio practice as well as shed light on the rise of a new art medium - digital media. The session will take a non-technical look at issues surrounding digital media through the lens of digital art. 

Tuesday, 1 November, 2011

Ramin Salsali – Art Collector 

Iranian Art Collector, Ramin Salsali’s private collection consists of over 400 pieces in a variety of mediums with a focus on Iranian, Emirati & Arab artists. He was recognized at Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Patrons of the Arts award in 2010 and 2011. In September 2011, Salsali will open the first private museum in Dubai to display his private collection as well as host other collectors from the region. Salsali will speak about his new initiative which is set to become the first non-profit support and advisory centre for all collectors in the region. 

‘Conversations’ will be one of several new art initiatives launched by Funoon – the art division of Dubai Ladies Club. The newly reinvented art division was established to guide and solidify the role that arts and other cultural resources play in defining and enhancing the social fabric and quality of life of people living in the UAE. Funoon with work local, regional  and international foundations to enhance the UAE’s  reputation as a cultural destination through programs that educate and expose the public to a rich and diverse range of cultural expressions through a variety of initiatives.