The UAE witnessed a unique collaboration that upheld the value of tolerance like never before when artists of determination flew down from Canada to work in collaboration with 'special' artists in Dubai on the largest Year of Tolerance canvas made by people of determination. A total of 30 people, including a couple of artists from Calgary (Canada) painted the canvas with the UAE's Year of Tolerance logo sitting right in the middle of the mall, in just three hours. The artists then sat together to open the Ramadan fast together, which was also the first ever Ramadan experience for the Canadian artists of determination.
The event was part of a bigger programme that Mawaheb from Beautiful People, a Dubai art studio for the determined ones, is hosting for the artists of determination from Canada's Indefinite Arts Centre. The art studio is hosting an exhibition called Connection that highlights the joint works by UAE-based and Canadian artists until May 30 on its premises in Bur Dubai.
Aiming to highlight the power of art in connecting people, the exhibition will feature works that create learning opportunities for both the UAE and Canadian communities. As part of developing the international artist community of determined ones and to boost cultural exchange, the Canadian artists and their family members are being hosted by Mawaheb artists in their homes.
The team of 30 artists were guided by Mawaheb art teachers Gulshan Kavarana and Alan Mongey to work and support each other as a team and bring out the tolerance canvas.
Before beginning work on the 1.5x1.5 metre canvas, the artists discussed what they understood by the word 'tolerance'.
Kavarana said: "We got some really profound words from them such as acceptance, unity, peaceful co-existence, inclusion, Mawaheb, UAE, love, peace, non-judgemental etc. We then asked the artists to paint each of the words but giving it a symbol. Since the logo is black and white, we used very light pastel colours and after we had filled up the white space, we filled in the lettering in black. Over the pastels, we poured white paint so the background would stand out. Once the painting was finished, we wrote the words that we had discussed earlier on some of the leaves of the logo. The painting was the true testimony that really brought out the spirit of UAE's Year of Tolerance and made us realise that together we can create something beautiful."
Speaking about the initiative, Karly Mortimer, director at Indefinite arts centre, Canada, said: "The painting was completed within three hours, after which we all sat down for a traditional Iftar organised by the Sahara Centre. This is the first time ever that our artists Roby King and Yunsun Lee, their families and staff ever experienced what an Iftar is like and we really were fascinated. This initiative is aimed to bring together the international community of artists of determination and we are thrilled to meet a similar art community here."
Wemmy De Maaker, founder and managing director at Mawaheb, said: "With 'Connection', we are highlighting the power of art in breaking down all boundaries and celebrating the talents of the determined ones. Through the power of collaboration, we are highlighting that artistic language has no barriers - it highlights the similarities of people and helps them connect with the community and inspire them. Connection is an ideal fit to the Year of Tolerance celebrated by the UAE this year, reiterating the message that art is for all."
