Amman - Under the Patronage of Her Royal Highness Princess Alia al Faisal, Al Mahmoudia Vehicle Trading Company - the dealer for Jaguar Cars - launched an exhibition today under the theme "A Leap of Art", which is both a celebration of the art scene in Jordan, and an act of charitable giving. The exhibition will be open to the general public between April 3rd and April 6th from 2:00 pm to 9:00 pm at Zara Centre, Amman's luxury shopping destination located in Wadi Saqra.
Six up and coming Jordanian artists will be participating in the exhibition including Ala' Younis, Mohammed Shaqdih, Hanan Khalil, Nadia Abu Aitah, Samah Hijawi and Faridon Abida. The six artists will use their unique and creative talents to re-create six sculptures of one of the automotive world's most renowned brands that represents power, beauty, and elegance - the Leaping Jaguar. The sculptures will be sold to private collectors and the proceeds from the event will be donated to the Promise Welfare Society, a Jordanian development organization that provides financial assistance to needy families, assists in creating jobs and educational opportunities, and provides health services.
Samir K. Rifai, General Manager of Al-Mahmoudia Vehicle Trading Co., stated, "This unique initiative comes as part of our support to the local community through an event that will inspire and delight in equal measure. The goal of our event is two-fold - to increase the exposure of some of Jordan's very talented artists, and to give back to the community by providing financial assistance to needy families all across the Kingdom, through the Promise Welfare Society."
Mrs. Nadia Al Tabbaa, Vice-President of Promise Welfare Society, said, "We are working alongside Al Mahmoudia on this unprecedented initiative because we strongly believe in supporting Jordan's talented artists, and at the same time serving the people of Jordan who need it the most. We look forward to seeing other companies follow in the footsteps of Al Mahmoudia by supporting the underprivileged in cooperation with charitable societies."
The six artists each had their own reasons for taking part in the exhibition, with Ala' Younis explaining her reason for participating by stating "I believe that art is not just limited to culture, but rather it goes beyond to include other humane and social aspects. I hope this exhibition will be the starting point for more new and creative initiatives implemented by individuals and other big companies who want to give back to their society."
Samah Hijjawi added, "My participation in this event goes hand in hand with my interest in uniting the visual arts scene with the private sector. In many countries around the world, renowned corporations like Jaguar work with artists because it enhances their image and is part of their corporate responsibility. In Jordan, this is a young idea therefore I am curious to see if this project will open doors for future partnerships that focus on developing the arts".
Hanan Khalil believes that the exhibition will give the artists the exposure they have been looking for. "Artists usually participate in solo and group exhibitions, but the problem with this is that we are limited to certain groups of people. With the Jaguar exhibition, we are able to expand our horizons, enhance our public exposure, and at the same time support our community. With each unique talent that every artist possesses, we will be able to give the sculptures an innovative look that reflects our style and vision. "
For Khalil and Younis, the Jaguar event is a first time opportunity to paint sculptures in their own unique style. As for Faridon Abida, it is the first time he works freehand without the use of equipment that he tends to use for graphic design or photography. He highlighted that this exhibition is important to him because it is his first chance to give back to Jordan's poor and needy through his art.
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Press Release 2008
