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      How I got my job as… Arts & Events Manager at Dubai’s ICD Brookfield Place

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      Life

      by Sarah Joseph
      2 hours ago

      Welcome to the Emirates Woman weekly series ‘How I got my job as…’ where we speak to some incredible entrepreneurs and businesswomen both based in the UAE and globally to find out about their career paths that led them to where they are now; what their daily routines look like; the advice they’d give to those starting out; and the hurdles they’ve had to overcome.
      This week we chat with Malak Abu-Qaoud, Arts & Events Manager at ICD Brookfield Place in DIFC. Malak’s fresh and innovative perspective has allowed her to curate exhibitions featuring renowned artists, transforming ICD Brookfield Place into a platform that captivates audiences and pushes boundaries.
      By transcending into the innovation, ICD Brookfield worked with Prada, in collaboration with renowned English artist Damien Hirst. Malak presented Prada’s eighth iteration of Prada Mode, a travelling social club that provides members with a unique art experience, combined with music, dining, and conversation.
      Known for her keen eye and constant innovation in the space, Emirates Woman spoke to her to see her journey as an events curator and how it has evolved with time.
      What was your favourite subject at school?
      Art was my favorite followed by theater and English literature.
      What was your first job?
      When I was 9, I was hired by a tech-education platform that taught children school subjects in an interative manner using cartoon characters. I used to narrate some of these characters and at one point I had the opportunity to present the company to Bill Gates. In college, I took on part-time jobs in retail. This helped me build my communication skills and understand how to interact with people from different walks of life.

      What brought you to Dubai?
      My sister moved here a few years before I did, after visiting her I made the decision to move a few months later to be closer to my family. I was living in Montreal prior to Dubai, so I didn’t get to see them as often as I do now.
      What inspired you to enter the arts space and talk us through your role as Arts & Events Manager for ICD Brookfield Place?
      Growing up, I was always inspired by my sisters. They studied Fine Art, and I knew I wanted to end up in the creative field as well. I started my career as an intern at an art consulting and production agency in Montreal where I was eventually hired full-time; during my time there I learned how to work closely with artists, produce exhibitions and create a community. When I moved to Dubai and joined ICD Brookfield Place, I applied a lot of what I learned over the years to my role here. I now run the Arts & Events in the building where my team and I curated public exhibitions and program the cultural placemaking initiatives within ICD Brookfield Place.
      Talk us through some of the exhibitions that take place at ICD Brookfield Place?
      Over the past 3 years, we’ve hosted some fantastic shows at ICD Brookfield place. Each exhibition is different, but overall, we try to shift our focus on regional talent and exhibit shows that are accessible to the public and reflect culturally significant events. Some of our highlights include our partnership with Perrotin Gallery, which showcased the iconic Takashi Murakami for the first time in the UAE. Another is the visionary exhibition entitled: Do Arabs Dream of Electric Sheep? Curated by Adam Haj Yahia who explored alternative narratives of understanding the Arab world. Lastly, Tasmeem, it is our annual community-driven graphic design poster show that focuses on young and creative talent across the region.
      What are the key elements of your role?
      I find that key elements of my role are creating partnerships with galleries and working closely with artists and creatives. This helps foster our existing community while allowing it to grow further. With each show at ICD Brookfield Place, we hope to give artists a platform to showcase and express their work while cultivating a community of creatives across the region.
      Talk us through your daily routine.
      I start each morning with a workout session at 1Rebel, our wellness gym, or at Reform Athletica for Pilates. This is followed by a coffee catch-up with my colleague Yasmine. We run through our upcoming events and brainstorm new ideas. My days are usually packed with back-to-back meetings but sometimes I get some time away from the office to run around the city visiting artists, galleries and creatives.
      What advice do you have for anyone looking to follow in the same footsteps?
      Try different things to find what drives you, work hard, and keep learning. Every experience has always led me to new opportunities one way or another, you just have to keep an open mindset and be patient. Don’t ever take no for an answer!

      What is the best piece of advice you have ever received?
      That you don’t need to be the best at everything. Hone in on your skills and excel in what you’re great at, the best work is always a tribute to good teamwork.
      And what is the worst?
      “Fake it till you make it” I think the intention suggests that by imitating confidence and an optimistic mindset you eventually become those things. However, in my opinion, you need to work hard, keep learning, make mistakes, and slowly you will figure things out. Through these experiences you will find confidence in yourself and in the work you do.
      What’s the biggest challenge you have had to overcome?
      With joining ICD Brookfield Place, my main objective was to create a cultural program for Public Art and Placemaking. The image of the building being a corporate space made it difficult to produce a program that artists felt comfortable being a part of. With time, the industry began to trust me. The success of the program helped build confidence in my abilities as a curator and within myself. Over time, as an Arts and Events team, we have created exciting work that has pushed the boundaries of a corporate setting by encouraging dialogue about real-world issues. Over the past 3 years, we’ve built an engaging and growing community that attends our shows, talks, and events. We’ve become known in the community as a host of an incredible lineup of unprecedented events that really shake the city.

      What’s planned for the future of the space?
      There’s a lot planned for the upcoming season. An artist residency and exhibition in partnership with Tabari Artspace showcasing three talented emerging artists, Talal and Ziad AlNajjar and Miramar Muhd which is on display until October 20th 2023. Followed by two large site-specific artworks in November by Kuwaiti visual artist Monira AlQaderi which focuses on sustainability and the environment.
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Supplied  More

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      Exploring Mondoir: Founder Amir Soleymani on connecting Physical and Digital Art Worlds

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      Established in January 2023 by Amir Soleymani of Mondoir heralds a fresh artistic epoch in the UAE.
      Located in Downtown, Dubai, its aim is to unify the mediums of physical and digital art by fostering a rich culture of expression and creativity. Envisioned to not only nourish a global community of digital artists but also to invigorate the dialogue between creators and their audiences, Mondoir acts as a creative catalyst. Through its distinctive amalgamation of experiences, tools, and systems, it provides artists with a platform to connect and collaborate.
      In a free-wheeling chat with Emirates Man, Amir talks about bridging the gap, incorporating philanthropy and working at an intersection with technology under the realm of art.
      What contributions have Mondoir made to the world of digital art so far?
      We have made significant contributions to the world of digital art through many avenues such as:
      ● Improving Access – Through knowledge transfer by sharing resources such as smart contracts, information on how to use blockchain technology and supporting digital artists by collecting their works.
      ● Improving Discovery – By opening a gallery in Liverpool (Adelia), and hosting NFT Liverpool, we provided a platform for over 1500 digital artworks to be shown and curated by industry leaders such as Paris Hilton, Keith Grossman, Farokh, PAK, all free of charge and open to the public. The event trended on social media for over a month and provided a platform of discovery for several artists from around the world to have opportunities to be hired by brands, collected by collectors and showcased for the world to learn more about.
      ● Participating in the Digital Art Industry – I have curated a collection of over 2500 digital artworks and NFT art. This ‘put my money where my mouth is’ approach elevated the status of hundreds of artists, elevating their status from creator to collected artist and subsequently showcasing their work at the Mondoir and Adelia Galleries for the world to see. Also, my newly launched book, “The Art of Connectivity: Unveiling the Magic of NFTs”, lends further insight into my journey in the space to people worldwide and invites them to participate in one of the fastest-growing art spaces in history.● I also played a critical role in bringing attention and giving fidelity to the space in the early days. There were no PFP projects at that time – it was just digital art. By spending money on artists and purchasing artwork, I drew the art world and also the technology world’s eyes to the scene which grew our audiences and got more people involved. This key moment was pivotal to giving digital artists the fidelity they warranted and set the space up to see growth over the next several years.

      When and where did you get the idea to establish the Mondoir Art Gallery?
      After NFT Liverpool at Adelia Art Gallery in 2022, I knew there was an appetite for participation in the space from several key players. With this in mind, I turned Mondoir into an organization and made Dubai my home base, paying homage to the progressive and innovative culture of advancing emerging technologies in the UAE, and opened the Mondoir Gallery in Downtown Dubai earlier this year.
      How do you incorporate philanthropy and activism into your work?
      NFTs are one of the most innovative mechanisms to use for philanthropy. The nature of blockchain technology enables a more direct connection between participants in goodwill causes because it eliminates intermediaries and reduces the overhead costs of executing these campaigns.
      I think of philanthropy as a critical pillar of my existence. In my book, I talk about the level of detail and attention I pay to each artist as I curate my collection, and have been for the past five years. One of the key elements of this is choosing artists that stand for a narrative or represent something to me – and being able to actively try and elevate the status of female artists or showcase NFT for good campaigns has been part of my participation for years.

      Founder Amir Soleymani
      In what ways have your background and experience shaped you for this role in the art world?
      By nature, I am a collector and a technologist. I have always been drawn to emerging technologies and understanding how they can empower people and creative expressions.
      In my book, I talk at length about my experiences before entering the Web3 and NFT space. These shaped me profoundly both as a collector but also as an entrepreneur. Since diving into the NFT realm, I rely on these experiences to shape how I think about solving problems for the community. I am not a pedestrian. I like to first work backwards from my community and understand their pain points. This means I take time to involve myself at the ground level with what’s going on, actively participating in the scene.
      What is Mondoir Ventures, and how does it operate at the intersection of art and technology?
      At Mondoir, we believe that Web3 and blockchain represent the greatest opportunity for advancing humankind. The trust-less environment, foolproof provenance, and perpetual royalties schemas made possible through smart contracts can impact the operating space that artists, founders, collectors, communities and entrepreneurs know today.

      I founded Mondoir Ventures this year to deliver experiences, develop tools and deploy systems to solve real-world problems and contribute to advancing Web3 adoption worldwide. Art is the language of creativity. Creativity is the catalyst of innovation. Innovation comes to life through technology.

      A warrior’s soul by Roya Ghassemi
      Can you elaborate on your dedication to supporting emerging artists and charity events in the digital art space?
      I do this in a few ways. First, my team is developing products that specifically address the issue of discovery for artists. One of the most significant barriers to success is that many of the world’s artists find it challenging to be discovered or face obstacles imposed by institutions such as galleries and auction houses, i.e. getting a collector to notice them can be impossible. We want to solve this with novel tools that provide them with the upside of being part of a community of like-minded individuals whilst a well-designed product makes it easy for collectors to find them.

      In addition, we have many initiatives to launch in the coming months to support artists and help further eliminate the barriers many face. We are working on novel ways to promote artists and causes through our gallery which operates out of one of the most prestigious locations in the Middle East.
      How does your unique vision impact the communities you engage with through this gallery?
      One of our key visions is to provide people with a hub to enter the Web3 and digital art space. The gallery is a physical space where knowledge transfer and a familiar introduction to one of the fastest-growing technology sectors occurs. It provides a platform for us and our partners to host events that provide people with tools and experiences to get them involved, learn how to engage with the space or learn about the opportunities it has provided for other artists.  It also gives us a mechanism to provide value for our community in innovative ways. For example, artists that use a directory. art is going to be featured in an upcoming exhibition at Mondoir Gallery, providing them with an amazing opportunity to be discovered by the public and collectors alike. Providing value streams for artists and participants in the art world is what we’re all about.

      Our community is ever-growing. We see technology as a catalyst for collaboration and are still uncovering how we can work with people we never dreamed of. One example is our partnership with.ART domains, who will give our users a free “.art” domain name for a year on our premier product, directory. art. This unique collaboration with a domain registry has allowed us to offer additional utility to people using directory. art, in addition to the platform’s features, by letting them create a website for their art profile on their own .art domain.

      Mondoir Art gallery
      What are some examples of social justice causes that you advocate for?
      Over the past few years, I have actively advocated for many causes, including the Stop Asian Hate campaign during COVID-19, the Choose Love initiative, supporting refugees and people fleeing crisis, and the ps752 collection, which raised funds to support the families of the victims of flight PS752, tragically shot down in Iran.

      I also support emerging female artists, and I have done this by actively curating female artists for my collection. Most notably, I wanted to put female artists on the map by purchasing Paris Hilton and Blake Katheryn’s Genesis piece, which was the largest purchase of an NFT created by female artists at the time.
      How do you aim to promote knowledge and introduce digital art to new communities through his gallery?
      The most significant opportunity with Mondoir Gallery is to bring digital art to visitors. We are hosting numerous exhibitions to get the public to attend and experience the art for themselves. We have brought state-of-the-art displays to life by showcasing different styles of digital art that create an immersive experience for the gallery’s visitors.

      Another way we use our gallery for good and knowledge transfer is through partnerships with local institutions to provide educational workshops and internships and offer our subject matter expertise to complement existing educational initiatives. Expanding the youth’s awareness of the different and ever-expanding outlets of creative expression possible with blockchain technology today will pay dividends tomorrow. The youth are the future, and the UAE has a rich history of being at the forefront of advancing the world’s most cutting-edge technologies – digital art will be no different.
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Supplied by Mondoir  More

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      7 of Sheikha Latifa’s most impactful quotes about Dubai

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      Life

      by Sarah Joseph
      3 hours ago

      As Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority and member of the Dubai Council celebrates her birthday this month, we look at the most meaningful quotes she has shared with the UAE.
      Besides being a role model to many, she constantly aspires to build an environment that’s conducive to empowering women and uplifting Dubai’s creative arts scene.
      To mark this special occasion, Emirates Woman digs through the archives to bring to light some of Sheikha Latifa’s most profound quotes about Dubai, women empowerment, collaboration and more.
      On moving towards a creative economy

      This month Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, attended the first ever graduation ceremony of the Dubai Institute of Design and Innovation (DIDI) which was held at Dubai’s Museum of the Future.
      As graduates completed the region’s first integrated bachelor’s degree in Design, Sheikha Latifa said “The graduation of the first Bachelors of Design class from DIDI represents another milestone in our progress toward a new vibrant creative economy.”
      “DIDI, the first multidisciplinary design programme in the Middle East of its kind, is one of the many pioneering programmes that encapsulate Dubai’s forward-looking spirit. For us to achieve our ambition for Dubai’s creative economy, we need to make sure the infrastructure and the right programmes and institutions are in place for future and current creatives to develop, grow and flourish,” she highlighted at the ceremony.
      On Dubai becoming a growing hub for knowledge enthusiasts

      At the inauguration of the Big Bad Wolf Books exhibition held between April 14 to 24, 2022, Sheikha Latifa toured the event and shared her positive feedback. With over 190 nationalities present across all fields including scientific, literary and humanitarian, this exhibition was launched to promote the concept of exchanging information.
      During the event, she said, “A strong culture of reading enables members of society to make significant contributions to the development of the Arab region and the advancement of their countries, in addition to driving creativity and innovation in various fields.”
      On collaboration
      With a major focus on enhancing the emirate’s cultural ecosystem, Sheikha Latifa has always laid emphasis on exploring different forms of collaboration.
      “Collaboration is integral to building a thriving creative and cultural sector,” she said during the World Conference on Creative Economy 2021 (WCCE) last year.
      She highlighted how Dubai Culture actively focuses on sustainable initiatives that make it a game-changer in the region. Through new collaborations, Dubai Culture is becoming a leading centre for blending artistic, educational and technological activities in the city.
      On the thriving artistic scene

      As global and regional talent continues to be at the helm of Dubai’s burgeoning art scene, Sheikha Latifa shared how Dubai Culture continues to nurture and grow this sector on a daily basis.
      “Everything I do within the Culture and Arts Authority is geared towards supporting the industry, is geared towards taking our creatives to a global stage, where they can be recognised internationally,” she told CNN in a previous interview.
      “A thriving cultural scene is actually a sign of a very stable country, a thriving country, a stable government.”
      On turning a vision into reality
      Dubai culture officially launched on March 8, 2008, under the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
      Showcasing the growth of the initiative, Sheikha Latifa launched ‘Dubai’s Culture & Heritage’ project on Google Arts & Culture, which she outlined was thanks to the innovation and foresight of her father.
      “Thanks to the vision and guidance of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai now holds a distinguished position on the global creative map,” she said. “We are proud that the city has truly become a global centre for arts, culture and creativity, a place where we empower and enable our home-grown talents, and welcome creatives from all over the world, offering them a home where they can thrive on a professional and personal level.”
      On praising the future generations
      As the Dubai arts and culture scene continues to flourish and grow, there’s a continuous stream of emerging talent and it’s something Her Highness is championing with the Global Grad Show, of which Dubai Culture is a strategic partner.
      With the launch of the event last year, Sheikha Latifa said: “Through the efforts of the thousands of brilliant young minds who engage with the program every year, a better future is being shaped, and enabling their growth means creating a more prosperous society for everyone. From Dubai we can all contribute to a better future.”
      On female empowerment

      Sheikha Latifa is consistently empowering women here in the UAE and across the globe, and it’s something she continues to highlight. Back in 2020 at the Global Forum Dubai, Her Highness emphasised the importance of supporting women.
      “It’s important to support women in whatever they want to do,” she said. “I believe the support of the government is crucial in driving women forward. I see women continuing to go from strength to strength.”
      As she continues to foster her role at Dubai Culture & Arts Authority, she’s constantly vouching for women to achieve great things and to receive more opportunities in the country to flourish.
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
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      Eco-artist Natalia Kapchuk on championing creativity and the causes close to her heart

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      What does the first 30 minutes of your day look like, your morning routine?
      The first 30 minutes of my mornings are dedicated to self-care and setting a positive tone for the rest of my day. I usually start by drinking a glass of lemon water to hydrate my body and flush out any toxins from my system. Then I do a quick yoga routine to stretch my muscles and calm my mind. I find that starting the day with physical activity helps me feel energized and focused. After yoga, I have a healthy breakfast, usually consisting of oats and fresh fruits, or if I’m on the go, a quick smoothie will suffice. I make sure to fuel my body with nutritious food to keep me going throughout the day. And as an eco-artist, I’m also conscious of my impact on the environment, so I try to eat seasonaland locally sourced products, I avoid single-use plastic as much as possible.
      Tell us more about the concept behind The Lost Planet series.
      I’ve always been passionate about using my art to raise awareness about environmental issues and the impact that human activity has on our planet. The inspiration for my series The Lost Planet came from my growing concern about the degradation of our environment and the loss of biodiversity. I wanted to create a visual representation of the beauty of our planet and its collision with the impact that human activities are placing on it. I believe that art has the power to evoke emotions and stimulate change, and I wanted to use this power to raise awareness about the urgent need for us to protect our planet.
      What eco-friendly techniques or materials have you employed in the process of creating pieces for The Lost Planet series?
      I take great care in selecting my materials, blending natural elements like sand, volcanic stone, ash, crystals, fermented moss, dry flowers, tree bark, and more with industrial materials such as resin, resi-crete, paint, metal leaf, and fiberglass alternatives, expressing the interconnectedness of our world. The result in my opinion is a mesmerizing combination of textures, colours, and contrasts. In my piece Plastic Network (2019), for example, I invite observers to reexamine their actions and their impact on the world. This installation was created using single-use plastics, and The Lost Planet series as a whole, highlights the urgent need for change and is a love letter to my adoration of nature and discovery. For all who are able to attend, I welcome you to witness my latest exhibition, The Lost Planet at the architectural marvel that is the ME Dubai Hotel, designed by the late Zaha Hadid. This iconic structure will serve as a fitting backdrop to display my artworks and create a one-of-a-kind experience. The private view of the exhibition will take place on February 28, while public viewing will be open from March 1 to 28, 2023. I am confident that the combination of this stunning venue and the powerful messages instilled within my art will leave a lasting impression.
      What do your artworks represent and what are you hoping for it to achieve?
      My artworks represent my deep-rooted concern for the environment and my desire to raise awareness about environmental issues through my creative prowess. I know that I may often sound like a bit of a broken record, but I am a firm believer that art has the power to evoke emotions and stimulate thoughts, making it a powerful tool for creating change. My mixed media artworks highlight the pressing environmental challenges such as climate change, deforestation, plastic pollution, and wildlife extinction – the list goes on sadly, that the world is facing today. I use a blend of materials, such as recycled objects, natural fibres, and re-claimed woods and elements to reflect the harm we are causing to the planet and the need to restore it to its natural state. Through my art, I hope to inspire individuals to act toward a more sustainable future. I believe that by raising awareness and encouraging people to question their daily habits and consumption patterns, we can create a ripple effect that leads to larger-scale change. Moreover, a portion of the proceeds from the sale of my artworks goes towards environmental organizations and initiativesdear to my heart working towards a greener future. I aim to use my art not just as a means of spreading awareness but also as a sourceof funding for environmental causes that I am passionate about.

      Where do you draw inspiration from?
      I draw inspiration from the world around us, as I am particularly drawn to the beauty and majesty of nature, and the delicate balance between all living things. Through my work, I aim to capture the essence of the natural world and convey the message that we must all work together to protect it. Whether by the vibrant colours of a sunset, the intricacies of Earth’s flora, or the vastness of the heavens, the world around us is full of inspiration for those who seek it.
      Where do you source your materials from and how challenging was it to refine this process?
      A vast majority of my designs utilize sustainable and eco-friendly materials that I source through a variety of channels. These items include recycled plastics, reclaimed wood, other discarded materials, and more. I find immense love for upcycling and repurposing these materials, giving them new life through my art. I can admit that the process of refining my materialscan be challenging at times, but it is also incredibly rewarding. I say this because selecting materials that are safe for the environment and do not contribute to the ongoing problem of plastic pollution is important to me. This often requires me to spend time researching the materials and their sources, as well as experimenting with different techniques to create the desired effect. I also have to be mindful of the limitations of the materials and how they will hold up over time, especially since I want my art to last for generations. Despite the challenges, I believe that the work I am doing is important and has the potential to make a real impact on the world. It’s a journey that I am proud to be on and I am excited to see where it will take me next.
      What have you learnt in the brand-building process and what advice would you give to those wanting to carve out their own pioneering career path?
      Hmm. Great question. What I have learned throughout my career is that branding is crucial in building a successful career in the art world, or any realm for that matter. A strong and unique brand helps to differentiate you from others and establishes your credibility while setting you apart as an expert in your field. In my journey, I have learned that it’s vital to have a clear understanding of your artistic vision and to stay true to it. This will help you to develop a consistent and recognizable style that is easily identifiable with your brand. It’s also important to actively promote your work, through social media, exhibitions, and collaborations with other artists. This can help to build your network and increase exposure to your work. One of the most important things I have learned is to never stop learning and growing. This means constantly experimenting with new techniques and materials and staying up to date with the latest developments in the art world. It’s important to be open to new ideas and perspectives and to be willing to take risks and push the boundaries of your artistic practice. My advice is to be passionate and persistent. Building a successful career in the art world takes time and hard work. Focus on your art, and never be afraid to take chances or to make mistakes. Surround yourself with supportive people who believe in your vision and never stop striving to improve your craft.
      How have you found social media has supported your brand growth and your advocacy?
      I have found social media to be a valuable tool in supporting my brand growth and advocacy. It allows me to showcase my work, reach a wider audience, and most importantly raiseawareness about environmental issues. Social media has helped me establish a strong online presence and expand my reach through hashtags and tagging relevant individuals and organizations. Through consistent engagement and a commitment to my message, I have been able to make a real impact and reach new audiences. Throughout your career in the art space so far, are there any difficulties you’ve faced? As a female contemporary artist in the art space, I have faced several challenges throughout my career. One of the biggest difficulties has been navigating the competitive and often maledominated art world. As a woman, I have faced obstacles in terms of recognition and representation. Another challenge I have faced is balancing the business side of my art with the creative side. Running a successful art career involves a lot of administrative and financial work, and it can be difficult to find the time and energy to focus on both my art and the behind-the-scenes tasks required to run a business. That’s why I have surrounded myself with a strong team to make this process easier. I have also faced the challenge of staying true to my artistic vision while still appealing to a wider audience. It can be tempting to compromise my style or message to fit into what is currently popular or in demand, but it’s important to stay true to what I believe in and what sets my work apart.
      How did you develop your signature mixed-media assemblage technique?
      I developed my signature mixed-media style through a combination of experimentation, exploration, and intuition. My approach to art is rooted in a deep appreciation for the environment and a commitment to sustainable practices. This led me to experiment with using a range of materials and techniques to create unique and thought-provoking pieces that explore the relationship between humans and nature. I started incorporating different materials, such as recycled and found objects, into my work to create a more layered and textured visual experience. Over time, I honed my technique, becoming more confident in my ability to seamlessly integrate different materials and techniques into a cohesive whole. Through trial and error, I discovered the power of combining different textures and materials to create a multi-dimensional visual experience that engages the viewer on multiple levels. This led to the development of my signature mixed-media assemblage technique, which has become a defining characteristic of my work.
      This is The Style Issue – what does style mean to you?
      Personal style to me is about making informed and responsible decisions in how we present ourselves to the world. It is also about making conscious choices and taking a stand against the fast-paced and often unsustainable fashion industry, recognizing the impact our fashion choices place on the environment. Style transcends mere physical appearance and becomes a symbol of one’s individuality, showcasing who they are and what they stand for.
      March’s – The Style Issue – Download Now
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
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      Dubai’s Hyde Hotel brings an exclusive exhibition for all art lovers this season

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      Lifestyle

      by Sarah Joseph
      2 hours ago

      With the perfect forecast for sought-after creativity in the UAE, Hyde Hotel will transform its penthouse into a hidden gem.
      Trailblazing artist Sophie Tea is all set to showcase her carefully curated whimsical art pieces themed Hydden Gem. To add to the emirate’s bourgeoning art industry, this hotel is always championing talented individuals to ensure the space is a welcoming haven for travellers from around the world.

      As a key disrupter in the artistic world, Tea has disrupted the traditional art experience by creating a niche for herself on social media. After garnering a cult fan base, she has focused on topics highlighting women’s empowerment that exude positivity and energy. With her signature splats and energetic drips, these noteworthy art pieces will be open for the public to see.
      “We are so excited for Hyde Dubai’s penthouse to be the next canvas for Sophie Tea’s art. We’ve always believed that there should be space for art everywhere so that more people can appreciate and be inspired by it,” said the General Manager of Hyde Hotel Dubai, Luke James.
      To further embrace Tea’s artistic spirit, guests can indulge in a host of love-inspired activations including a sophisticated high tea at Cleo, promising an expansive menu of delectable delights. To complement this experience, visitors can enjoy the al-fresco terrace set against the city’s iconic skyline featuring the world’s tallest building and Dubai Canal.
      The penthouse takeover is presented by Gone Rogue, a collective focused on bringing art to as many spaces and affecting as many lives as possible. To book this experience and visit this iconic art display until December 12, 2022, visit sbe.com
      – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
      Images: Supplied More

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      The founder of Leila Heller Gallery discusses the key to investing in art pieces

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      Lifestyle

      by Sarah Joseph
      30 mins ago

      Leila Heller has gained worldwide recognition as a pioneer in promoting creative dialogue in this part of the world and globally.
      After opening its first international location in Dubai’s Alserkal Avenue, this one-of-a-kind art gallery leaves a lasting impression on contemporary art and culture here in the Middle East.
      To understand more about the process of art curation, Emirates Woman spoke to Leila Heller, founder of the gallery about her approach to art.
      Talk us through your approach to curating an art collection.
      Collecting is definitely an art in itself and one has to be focused on the oeuvre and progression of artists they are collect- ing. There should be a theme or connection between the artists in one way or another. Personally, as a woman, I collect many female artists or art that has women as the subject. Some examples include Shirin Neshat, Marilyn Minter, Soraya Sharghi, Francesca Pasquali, Nan Swid, Mia Fonssagrives Solow, Rachel Lee Hovnanian, Ran Hwang, Mouna Rebeiz, Reza Derakshani, Gulay Semercioglu, Rob Wynn, Melis Buyruk, Hadieh Shafie, Aref Montazeri, and Ana D’Castro. I love abstraction but also texture and my collection have largely become based on materiality and what the work is made of. I also have a theme of modernist artists and contemporary masters such as Damien Hirst, Keith Haring, Andy Warhol, Fernand Leger, Andre Lhote, Claudia Bravo, Marcos Grigorian, Manoucher Yektai, Farideh Lashai, Henry Moore, Gleize, Renoir, Matisse, and more.

      What advice would you impart to those starting their art collection?
      My biggest advice to art collectors is to love the work you buy. It has to be love at first sight. Then you do your research. Is it in a museum collection, part of biennales or curated shows? This shows the probability of the artist’s success going forward. But first and foremost, it must start with a passion and gut feeling.
      What is the most recent piece the gallery has added to its art collection?
      One of the most re- cent works I have added to my collection is Efe Alatin and Melis Buyruk, two Turkish artists who I have added personally to my collection but also to the gallery’s roster of artists.
      NFTs have rewritten the rules of the game. How has this impacted the art world?
      They became a craze but like many other trends, they have stabilised. Nonetheless, they have now been written into the canon of art history and definitely speak to this new age of technology. How do you suggest collectors take care of their pieces? In order to keep works of art in perfect condition for years to come, the best is to make sure they are not exposed to extreme temperatures of heat or cold as that can damage paintings, works on paper, and sculptures. Additionally, any work on paper should be behind a museum glass so that any sunlight does not discolour the paper and any bronze or metal sculptures should not be exposed to extreme humidity as they may rust. When cleaning art a feather duster is a good idea to gently remove dust from sculptures and paintings. No chemical cleaners or solutions should be used to clean any artwork at home.
      What value can working with an art consultant have on the curation process?
      This is a tricky question as there are different types. I know many extremely professional art advisors who are very educated in the field of art and have great experience working in museums, galleries, or other respectable art venues. Then there are others who call themselves art consultants without true knowledge of the art world, art history, or the art market, but use their connections to sell art. There are very honest and straightforward art advisors who have a fee structure they discuss with the client in advance and try their best on behalf of their client to negotiate down the price. However, there are many art consultants who get fees from both sides which aren’t done professionally. It is misleading in every way and prejudicial as they are paid from both sides. An art consultant can impose their own views on their client, so a client has to be aware and do their own due diligence and research to make sure it is a beneficial purchase. Some- times art consultants can be biased in their recommendations due to financial gain. How- ever, I do work with many art consultants who are extremely knowledgeable and helpful to both the buyer and the seller. If one would like to hire one, they should make sure to do their research to find a reputable person.

      What is your approach to art curation for an event?
      As I have worked in several museums, I have been trained as a curator. This experience has been a big help to me in curating my own shows in the gallery or curating shows in other venues and locations. I will come up with a concept or idea, and every artist I choose has a connection to the theme. A well-curated exhibition is a delight to view and a badly curated exhibition can be a detriment to the exhibition and the artist it features. Every show in my gallery, unless I have a guest curator, is curated by myself and I take great joy in doing so. The placement is all hand-chosen by me and I try to always find the synergy between each work included. When I work with a collector, I also often curate the works in their home, placing the works to create a dialogue between them and ensuring everything flows. Lighting and framing are big components of a well-curated exhibition. Works need to have room to breathe and show themselves in all of their glory to create a cohesive presence.
      November’s – The Collectors Issue – Download Now
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      Andy Warhol’s ‘vibrant and iconic works’ to be showcased in Saudi Arabia

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      Lifestyle

      by Olivia Morris
      2 hours ago

      Some of the most iconic artworks by legendary artist Andy Warhol are to be showcased in Saudi Arabia at the beginning of 2023.
      Arts AlUla is set to present a new exhibition, ‘FAME: Andy Warhol’, starting February 17, 2023.
      Some of Warhol’s most profound pieces will be on display in a specially curated exhibition for Maraya, the stunning and unique mirrored building located in the desert canyon of the Ashar Valley in AlUla.
      Paintings and prints by Warhol, who is known to have a personal fascination with fame and celebrity, that are set to be showcased will include Hollywood stars, sporting legends and musicians such as Elizabeth Taylor, Muhammad Ali and Dolly Parton among others.

      Nora Aldabal, Executive Director, Arts and Creative Industries for Arts AlUla has described the exhibition as a “homage to a heritage built by diverse cultural perspectives”.
      “We aim to drive a new era of cultural exchange, including exhibitions that feature the most important regional and international artists from the mid 20th century to the present day,” she added.
      Meanwhile, Patrick Moore, director of The Andy Warhol Museums shared his excitement at having Warhol’s |vibrant and iconic works to this monumental landscape”.
      “FAME is intended to be an introduction to the aspect of Warhol that I believe is most fascinating to many young people, including Saudi youth, as Andy Warhol’s journey, which started as a child staring at the movie screen and collecting publicity stills, is becoming more common through the rise of social media,” he added.
      FAME: Andy Warhol will be on display at Maraya from February 17 until May 16, 2023. For more information visit experiencealula.com. 
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      An exclusive interview with Studio Lenca

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      Emirates Man

      by Dan Robinson
      8 seconds ago

      Founded on the process of personal memories and underpinned by social activism and different forms of Praxi.
      Studio Lenca paintings tell an autobiographical story that navigates borders and identities. Most recently, the studio has started building momentum with the art scene and collectors in the Middle East. Having already showcased in cities such as Seoul, London, and Edinburgh.
      We speak to Jose Campos of Studio Lenca ahead of his next upcoming exhibition at Foundry Gallery, Downtown Dubai.

      You have lived in many places; can you tell us about your early life?

      I was born in El Salvador, and like 300,000 people had to flee the country during its violent civil war in the 1980s. I traveled by land illegally to the US with my mother. When we eventually reached California, we found ourselves in a hostile environment trying to survive without the legal right to work or live there. My mum worked as a cleaner, and I was lucky enough to be admitted to a free public Arts school where I specialized in Dance. This completely opened up my world, and I could see where the arts could take me.
      I moved to London in my early twenties, which was a transformative experience. I moved to study for a master’s at London Contemporary Dance School. It was incredible to be amidst such a vibrant community of artists at that time. This encouraged me to paint and work across a range of art forms. I went on to study for a second master’s at Goldsmiths and worked as an art teacher until recently.
      How has this shaped you as an artist?
      My last teaching role was working with teens who had escaped conflict and traveled to the UK alone from places like Syria and Afghanistan. This was a truly transformative experience. I could see myself in them. Hearing their stories and seeing the resilience and strength they possessed still motivates me. At the age of 16, they had experienced a whole lifetime of trauma. They made beautiful paintings in my studio, and we discussed our shared experiences of being from a home that wouldn’t let us stay. I want my work to challenge the discourse around migration and amplify the voices of displaced people. These young people still motivate me.
      What inspires you to create and when did you realize this was an outlet you want to explore?
      Making artwork is something that I need to do. Sometimes I’ll see a colour, watch a film or hear a song and it will give me an idea for a painting. I needed to rush to the studio and get started at that moment! I can’t ever remember feeling any different!
      Jose Campos, Studio Lenca – Photo credit: Marc Hibbert
      Can you tell us about your latest collection ‘The Dreamers’?
      The Dreamers is a new series of work I produced for Foundry Downtown. The exhibition presents a new experimental series of paintings that explore my lived experience of displacement. ‘The Dreamers’ is a colloquial term given to a policy from the Obama administration that allowed children arriving in the US illegally the right to stay. Donald Trump then canceled this policy. I wanted to explore universal themes of displacement and a sense of surreal disorientation when you feel stateless.
      What has inspired you to showcase your collection in the UAE?
      I’ve spent a lot of time in UAE recently as I have many friends there. It’s such an exciting place as it feels very realistically diverse. During a recent residency, I explored the souqs of Bur Dubai and Deira. Through observations, a visual language of displacement and migration resonated with me. Suitcase stalls, visa agencies, and ticket offices jostled alongside home comfort food and barbershops. I lived in a neighborhood called ‘La Mission in San Francisco, where my mother and I would find our community. It feels similar to parts of Dubai. I find these environments very poignant- people are creating their own spaces, and there’s a sense of beauty and resilience, which I find fascinating.
      Many of the materials and visual symbols within the work are collected from these environments.
      How do you feel the art world differs in this region?
      The UAE offers so many possibilities for artists. The art world here is really finding its feet. There’s a whole ecosystem of creatives emerging. One thing I enjoy in the UAE is the sense of criticality. People are academically engaging in my artwork here. I enjoy the difficult conversations that are being held around colonialism and identity afforded in a place with such a global outlook. Institutions such as Jameel Arts Centre and NYU Abu Dhabi have fostered this.
      As a creative, what would you say the biggest challenges are you’ve had to overcome?
      Every painting for me is a huge challenge. I have to grapple or fight with the canvas until I’m happy to release it to the world. I have the responsibility of my story, my heritage, and my country on my shoulders. I always want to make sure I’m communicating that in an honest way. My work is about connecting with people and telling stories. It’s important that I do that with integrity and clarity.

      Which is the most memorable piece of art you have created so far?
      It was incredible to visit my recent solo exhibition at Tang Contemporary in Seoul. I had never seen so many of my works displayed together in such a beautiful space.
      My mother visited the show, and it was such a special moment for her to see my work in such a high-profile environment after everything we’ve been through together. It was emotional and something I will never forget.
      The UAE encourages and cultivates an environment in which to thrive in business – how have you experienced this as an artist?
      I love the optimism in the UAE, and everything seems possible. As an artist, it’s exciting to be in an environment where everyone strives for excellence. It’s a place that encourages everyone to be successful. It’s also impossible to feel creatively blocked here with such a heady combination of culture and energy.
      What’s next for Studio Lenca?
      The next few months are going to be exciting! After my solo exhibition at Foundry in Dubai, I have solo shows in London, Berlin, and Beirut. I also have a residency in Miami and will be showing as part of the Untitled Art Fair with an exciting project at Art Basel – that’s all I can say so far!
      The exhibition opens 12th September at Foundry Gallery, Dubai.For more information visit Studio Lenca
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