Under the Patronage of HH Sheikha Hind Bint Maktoum Bin Jumaa Al Maktoum
Exhibition marks opening of Empty Quarter Gallery at DIFC Gate Village
Dubai - Under the Patronage of HH Sheikha Hind Bint Maktoum Bin Jumaa Al Maktoum, wife of HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai; HH Sheikh Saeed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum today inaugurated 'Behind the Veil' an exclusive showing of photographs and rare film footage of the Al Maktoum family's wedding, which took place in 1971.
The unique exhibition marked the official opening of the Empty Quarter Gallery at the DIFC Gate Village. Supported by the Dubai International Financial Centre and the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, the event was attended by HE Dr. Omar Bin Sulaiman, Governor of the Dubai International Financial Centre and Abdulla bin Sougat, CEO of the DIFC Lifestyle Group.
'Behind the Veil' is an exhibition of photographs taken by Dame Eve Arnold, who documented the royal wedding of The Maktoum Family in Dubai in 1971. Film footage and photographs show extensive preparations for the marriage.
Speaking on the significance of the event, Abdulla bin Sougat said: "The opening of The Empty Quarter Gallery with the 'Behind the Veil' exhibition is unique as it is the first time in 40 years that both the film and the images of the historic wedding are seen as a collection.
"The opening of yet another major gallery with a historically unique exhibition at the DIFC Gate Village is a confirmation of the growing profile of the DIFC District as the heart of art in the region," bin Sougat added.
Saeed Al Nabouda, Chief Projects Officer, Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, said: "It is the prime endeavour of the Authority to preserve and showcase the heritage and culture of Dubai, the UAE and the wider Arab World."
"Behind the Veil is part of our heritage. It celebrates and pays tribute to the culture of our nation. The wedding is a defining moment in our history and the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority is pleased to support the showcasing of its exclusive content to the world through the rare showing," Al Nabouda added.
The exhibition 'Behind the Veil: Photographs of Dame Eve Arnold' documents the wedding of the Al Maktoum family in Dubai back in 1971. It offers a fascinating glimpse into the elaborate preparations for the royal wedding. The Empty Quarter gained unprecedented access to the 16mm film masters.
Curated by David Barenholtz, the exhibition includes portraits of the royal family and scenes of the preparations for the feasts, dancing and celebrations as well as behind-the-scenes events.
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About DIFC
The Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) is an onshore hub for global finance. It bridges the time gap between the financial centres of Hong Kong and London and services a region with the largest untapped emerging market for financial services. In just four years, over 750 firms have registered at DIFC. They operate in an open environment complemented with world-class regulations and standards. DIFC offers its member institutions incentives such as 100 per cent foreign ownership, zero tax on income and profits and no restrictions on foreign exchange. In addition their business benefits from modern infrastructure, operational support and business continuity facilities of uncompromisingly high standards.
The artist: Dame Eve Arnold
Dame Eve Arnold, the artist is honoured to premiere her work from the Trucial States at The Empty Quarter Gallery. Dame Eve Arnold is acknowledged as one of the world's most distinguished photographers and has had the long and distinguished career of an immensely talented artist. Her extensive body of work spans everything from portraiture to social commentary, and has elevated photography into the realm of Art. Arnold is especially noted for her photographs of women. Her first book, titled "The Unretouched Woman" (1976), features photographs of women from around the world. Eve Arnold has had her photographs exhibited in major galleries and museums and has been published by every leading journal and newspaper around the world. She has a sympathetic eye and understanding in her photographic documentation of the lives of women from all over the world. Arnold photographs with grace and appreciation for the traditions and cultures of different societies paired with a curiosity and desire to understand. Eve Arnold is the very first woman member of Magnum Photography; a photographic cooperative of great diversity and distinction owned by its photographer members that chronicle the world and interpret its peoples, events, issues and personalities.
The film: "Behind the Veil" by Eve Arnold, (UK, 1969, 50 min).
In 1969, Eve Arnold got privileged access to film wedding preparations for the marriage of Sheikh Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum, as told by his bride's handmaid, Nora. Arnold has an ethnographer's eye, and the scenes she records are timeless. The 50-minute film shot in glorious colours naturally flows through the events leading up to the Royal wedding. The result is one of rare beauty.
This programme is an exclusive Photography exhibition under the patronage of HH Sheikha Hind bin Maktoum bin Jumaa Al Maktoum, which includes a private viewing of the film "Behind the Veil" and the supporting photographs.
For more information on this press release, please contact:
Kiera Purdue
StickyGinger PR
Tel: +971 50 34 33 275
Lucy Freeman
StickyGinger PR
Tel: +971 50 95 32 344
For further information on the gallery and photography, please contact:
Elie Domit
Creative Director
The Empty Quarter
Fine Art Photography Gallery
DIFC
Gate Village Building 02
P.O. Box 506697
Tel: ++971 50 55 33 879
www.theemptyquarter.com
DIFC Media enquiries:
Amira Abdulla
Director- Regional Public Relations
Dubai International Financial Centre
Tel: +971 4 362 2433
E-mail: amira.abdulla@difc.ae
Shaima Al Zarouni
Assistant PR Manager
Dubai International Financial Centre
Tel: +971 4 362 2432
E-mail: shaima.alzarouni@difc.ae
Iman Ahmad
Regional Media Relations Manager
Dubai International Financial Centre
Tel: +971 50 2058021
E-mail: iman.ahmad@difc.ae
© Press Release 2009
