sotheby's to host the first uk exhibition of art by established & emerging artists from the united...

7/28/2019 Sotheby's To Host The First UK Exhibition of Art by Established & Emerging Artists from the United Arab Emirates

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For Immediate ReleasePress Release London

LondonLondonLondonLondon | +44 (0)20 7293 6000 | Sarah Rustin | [email protected] Weigman | [email protected]

The First UK Exhibition of Art by Established & Emerging Artists

from the United Arab Emirates

Sothebys London To Host Three Generations, Curated by Abu Dhabi

Music & Arts Foundation, 23rd July 9th August 2013Sothebys Galleries, 34-35 New Bond Street, London W1A 2AA

State of MindbyHamdan Buti Al ShamsiHamdan Buti Al ShamsiHamdan Buti Al ShamsiHamdan Buti Al Shamsi,,,, 2011.Digital mixed media (100 x 95 cm)

Sothebys London is delighted to announce that from 23rdJuly 9th August 2013 it will host in its New Bond Street galleriesthe first-ever group exhibition comprising 12 works by important established and also emerging artists from the United ArabEmirates curated by Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation (ADMAF). Three Generations is held under the patronage ofHis Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Rulers Representative of the Western Region of Abu Dhabi (known inArabic as Al Dhafra)

His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Rulers Representative oHis Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Rulers Representative oHis Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Rulers Representative oHis Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Rulers Representative of the Western Region of Abu Dhabi,f the Western Region of Abu Dhabi,f the Western Region of Abu Dhabi,f the Western Region of Abu Dhabi,said:said:said:said: "The visual arts has the power to transcend borders and boundaries. It ignites the imagination and encourages the pursuitof knowledge. The artists participating in the Three Generations exhibition reflect a spirit of innovation that is rooted in thedesert landscapes of Al Dhafra [the Western Region of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi]. Their creations resonate with the culturalheritage that they, as guardians, have inherited."

H.E. Hoda I. Al Khamis-Kanoo, Founder ofFounder ofFounder ofFounder of AbAbAbAbu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation,u Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation,u Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation,u Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation, said: The exhibition ThreeGenerations provides a window into the cultural currents of the UAE through the eyes of some of its established and emergingcreative minds. It is a reflection of where the UAE has come from, where it is now, and where it is going. I sincerely hope that therange of styles, approaches and mediums used excites and informs all those who visit. I am delighted that together with


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Sothebys with whom we have worked closely in recent years ADMAF is enabling new audiences to explore the developmentand practice of the UAE visual arts sector.

The 12 works to be exhibited, by 12 different artists, highlight the creative practices of three generations of Emirati visualartists. Together, they use a wide range of media in expressing a dynamic cultural identity that is both rooted in the traditionsof the past while firmly focusing on the present and the future. Three Generations presents a snapshot of the breadth anddepth of the creative expression in the United Arab Emirates rather than seeking to mount a comprehensive overview ofEmirati visual arts practice.

Roxane Zand,Roxane Zand,Roxane Zand,Roxane Zand, Sothebys Deputy Chairman, Middle East and Gulf Region, saidSothebys Deputy Chairman, Middle East and Gulf Region, saidSothebys Deputy Chairman, Middle East and Gulf Region, saidSothebys Deputy Chairman, Middle East and Gulf Region, said: Sothebys is delighted to provide aplatform for the first UK show of a selection of works that represents the remarkable talent amongst artists both new andestablished from the UAE. ADMAF has succeeded in creating an exciting programme of events and exhibitions that allows theinternational art world greater access to appreciate the vibrant and dynamic arts scene in the UAE region, and we are thrilledthat this exhibition at Sothebys will enable a UK audience to share the experience and insight that this group of works offers.

Among the works to be exhibited, artists such as Mohammed Al Astad Al Hammadi seizeupon core functional elements that form the fabric of traditional Emirati society. Byreappropriating them as objects of aesthetic appreciation, these elements become bothrepresentational forms and evocative statements entrenched in emotion and memory. Al

Astad has developed a new technique where beaches become a sort of art grave. Themethod, used in his work titled Midnight(pictured left, dated 2012; iron, rust and acrylic oncanvas) employs the forces of nature. Iron is buried with canvas for 2-3 weeks, resulting inabstract works that bear the imprints of rust. Each piece is unique and can never bereplicated. The first Emirati to obtain a Bachelors degree from the American University,Washington DC in Graphic Design (1998), Al Astad has participated in exhibitions on local,regional and international levels for 27 years.

The work of Najat Makki draws upon the influences and experiences of her owncreative journey from the UAE to countries far beyond its borders. Her artistic

practice maintains a focus on rhythm and tone, as is illustrated in her workUntitledof 2011 (mixed media & acrylic on canvas,pictured right). The femalefigure has a strong presence in her artwork; tall and strong like a palm treetouching the sky, yet grounded with roots digging deep into the earth. Her workis replete with these iconic women who represent patience, ambition, optimism,struggle and love. Colours serve to strengthen the density and dynamism, whilestrong lines define their own consistent rhythm. Dr. Makki graduated from theFaculty of Fine Arts in Cairo in 1982, then went on to receive a doctorate inFine Art in 2001 from the same university. In 2008, she received the UAENational Award of Arts, Sciences and Literature. She has participated in manyexhibitions around the Arab world and in 2012, carried out a four-monthresidency in Paris at Cit Internationale des Arts.

An aspect in Mattar Bin Lahejs art is movement; from his large-scale oiland acrylic paintings with unique signature brushstrokes, to his equallypowerful sculptures that capture split-second movement, especially thoseof horses, as can be seen in his stainless steel work Depth & Speed(pictured left). I use the concept of movement in all of my art. Born in1968 in Dubai, Mattar Bin Lahej is among the second generation ofEmirati arts practitioners. A self-taught artist, sculptor and photographer,he has participated in exhibitions in the UAE, Germany, Morocco,Kuwait, Turkey and the USA. As Director of the Cultural Committee of

The Architectural Heritage Society and founder of Marsam Mattar Gallery in Dubai, Lahej has supervised workshops and

exhibitions throughout the UAE, as a curator and an artist.

The works by artists of the youngest generation to be exhibited, including Sumayyah Al Suwaidi, Hamdan Buti Al Shamsi,Shamsa Al Omaira and Dana Al Mazrouei, reflect the psychology of modern society and the almost performative role of the


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individual. They play on the often contradictory and contrasting nature of the public persona and the private person, inaddition to that which is used to divide, protect and conceal.

Sumayyah Al Suwaidi is a digital artist whose passion drives her to manipulate seeminglyunremarkable or mundane photographs into masterpieces of emotion and sensuality. Shemoves the skies, stretches the oceans and elevates humans to the clouds, and in doing sobrings out beauty in the image she enlivens, as is evidenced in her work Feminine Delicacyof 2012 (pictured right). This is one of a series of 10 artworks dedicated to those who

worked hard their entire life to reach a stage where they feelliberated and free to think and doas they please. Those who decided to let go of negativity and hate and to embrace optimism,happiness and love. People who aredriven by passion to succeed and make their own path,takingthat difficult bumpy road to reach their goals and learningsomething new along the way,gaining all that experience andsharing it with others and giving a helping hand and supporttoall those who need it.Hailed as the first female Emirati digital artist, Al Suwaidi started her

journey in 2001 with a series inspired by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan,Founder of the UAE. Her first exhibition was in 2003 and since then, she has participatedin numerous exhibitions in the UAE, France, Germany, China, USA, Morocco and Kuwait.Al Suwaidi is the recipient of several awards, including LOFFICIEL Arab Women Award2010 for best new talent, Emirates Woman Achievers Award 2011 and Emirates Woman

of the Year 2011.

Hamdan Buti Al Shamsi (whose work State of Mind of 2011 is detailed on the first page) is a self-taught photographer,graphic designer and writer. Regarding his approach to art, Al Shamsi quotes John Updike, What art offers is space - acertain breathing room for the spirit.Al Shamsi has participated in a number of group exhibitions around the UAE includingAbu Dhabi and Dubai. He was recently commissioned to create site-specific digital artworks for the Qattara Arts Centre inAl Ain. Speaking about the influences on his work, Al Shamsi said: Whoever is used to a whole loaf of bread, is not satisfied bya bite (proverb). This is my interpretation. I believe that a person who aims high and who has great ambition to accomplish greatthings in life is someone who wont settle for less, who has a strong will and the determination to be innovative no ordinary

person.

About ADMAFAbout ADMAFAbout ADMAFAbout ADMAFThe Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation seeks to nurture the arts, education, culture and creativity for the benefit ofsociety and the advancement of Abu Dhabis cultural vision. Established in 1996 by Her Excellency Hoda Al Khamis-Kanoo, ADMAF Founder, the Foundation is a not-for-profit organisation under the presidency and patronage of HisExcellency Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of Culture, Youth & Community Development.

Each year, ADMAF inspires and engages over 40,000 children, young people and adults in meaningful and memorableexperiences across a wide range of art forms. Through year-round programmes in arts education and community arts, itnurtures the creativity of the UAE, often in partnership with leading national and international institutions. ADMAF alsopresents the internationally acclaimed Abu Dhabi Festival, which in 2013 staged 129 arts events in 44 venues across the 7Emirates to mark the 10th anniversary edition. In addition, ADMAF supports independent artistic expression through itsGrants Scheme and nurtures UAE visual arts practitioners through its professional development initiative, The Nationals

Gallery, which seeks to encourage, advise, promote and create opportunities for established and emerging artists across thecountry.

For more information please visit http://www.admaf.org/en

Full list of artists featured in Three GenerationsFull list of artists featured in Three GenerationsFull list of artists featured in Three GenerationsFull list of artists featured in Three GenerationsMohamMohamMohamMohammmmmed Aled Aled Aled Al AAAAstadstadstadstad,,,, Midnight2012, iron, rust and acrylic on canvas (120 x 100cm)

Ebtisam AbdulazizEbtisam AbdulazizEbtisam AbdulazizEbtisam Abdulaziz, Autobiography 072003-2007 (Edition 2/3), video installation. Image courtesy of the artist and The Third Line, Dubai.

Maitha DemithanMaitha DemithanMaitha DemithanMaitha Demithan,,,, Rashid Bin Saeed2011, scanography (170 x 170cm)


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Mattar Bin LahejMattar Bin LahejMattar Bin LahejMattar Bin Lahej,,,, Depth & Speed2011, stainless steel (80 x 110 x 470cm)

Jalal LuqmanJalal LuqmanJalal LuqmanJalal Luqman,,,, The Hint of a Smile2008, mixed media (200 x 109 x 17cm)

Najat MakkiNajat MakkiNajat MakkiNajat Makki, , , , Untitled2011, mixed media & acrylic on canvas (50 x 50cm)

Dana Al MazrouDana Al MazrouDana Al MazrouDana Al Mazroueieieiei ,,,, Reflection2012, acrylic 3D and acrylic paint (120 x 56cm)

Shamsa Al OmairaShamsa Al OmairaShamsa Al OmairaShamsa Al Omaira,,,, Diffused2012, graphite and acrylic on wood (91 x 112cm)

Azza Al QubaisiAzza Al QubaisiAzza Al QubaisiAzza Al Qubaisi, , , , Signature Chair 12011, from the series Objects With Functionality, palm fronds (60 x 50 x 120cm)

Hamdan Buti Al ShamsiHamdan Buti Al ShamsiHamdan Buti Al ShamsiHamdan Buti Al Shamsi,,,, State of Mind2011, digital mixed media (100 x 95 cm)

Karima AlKarima AlKarima AlKarima Al ShomalyShomalyShomalyShomaly,,,, 'Emirati Burqa'2012, acrylic on canvas (120 x 120 cm)

Sumayyah Al SuwaidiSumayyah Al SuwaidiSumayyah Al SuwaidiSumayyah Al Suwaidi,,,, Feminine Delicacy2012, digital art (200 x 100cm)

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