DUBAI: The group exhibition entitled ?Looking is not Seeing: Portraits Exhibition? was inaugurated on Sunday by H.H Sheikh Majid Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority at the Art Centre in Dubai Ladies Club, under the theme "Looking is not Seeing: Portraits Exhibition".

This event which is organised by Funoon - the art division of Dubai Ladies Club, a member of Dubai Women Establishment, will run until Tuesday, 30th April, 2013; and is open from 9:00am until 9:00pm. Men and Women are welcome to visit the gallery.

The group show features the works of 25 well known and established local and regional artists including Noor Al Suwaidi (UAE) and Najla Abdullah (KSA) and many more.

The show also features the latest work by Mohammed Hindash, Fine Arts 3rd place winner of The Sheikha Manal Young Artist Award 2010. Working in a variety of art mediums, each artist will explore the art of portraiture.

H.H Sheikh Majid Bin Mohammed commended the quality of artworks featured in the exhibition. He was especially pleased with the various mediums and styles represented in the show, by which each artist had captured the essence of an individual ? beyond the surface and on a deeper level. He also commented that the high-standard of works on show were a testament to the continuous and unwavering efforts of Sheikha Manal Bint Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Women Establishment and wife of H.H Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs, UAE; to raise the importance and prevalence of art and culture in the community, through the launch of various art initiatives, such as The Sheikha Manal Young Artist Award.

The opening ceremony was attended by VIP guests, distinguished members of the local and international art community and representatives from the media.

On the occasion, Muna Bin Kalli, Executive Director of Dubai Ladies Club, said, "We are pleased to present this show on the art of Portraiture. The portraits featured in the show are especially captivating, as they serve as a mirror of life in contemporary times. Moreover, we are honoured to welcome Sheikh Majid Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum to inaugurate this exhibition and also show his support to Funoon, as we continue to fulfill the vision of Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum to help build a flourishing arts community within our country, that not only comprises of unique world-class artists but also helps nurture and the next generation of emerging artists."The dynamic Portraiture show explores the art of portrayal. While producing works under a unified theme, the participating artists have all shown this with different examples such as reflecting on personal identity, the power of community, culture, memory and how they have influenced or been influenced. All have picked up on very different mediums and depictions of the same. Each of them employs a painstaking technique; their meticulous actions result in a contemplative, almost meditative, engagement with process that adds a psychological depth to their work.

The exhibition is open daily from 9am - 9pm at The Art Centre in Dubai Ladies Club and will run through Tuesday, 30th April 2013. Men and women are welcome to visit the gallery.

Funoon is the art division of Dubai Ladies Club, which launched in early 2011. 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 will work with 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.

Copyright Emirates News Agency (WAM) 2013.