One of the artworks with a text by Indian poet Ghalib sparkles in the display.

Muhammad Yusuf, Features Writer

PaintBrush Art Community, founded by Sonal Purohit and Dr. Romit Purohit in 2019 with the purpose of providing a platform to artists and artisans to demonstrate their aesthetic skills and liaise with similar minds, is back with another art event.  It is titled ‘Ayah’, and is dedicated to the Holy Month of Ramadan.

To run till April 24 at the Bahi Ajman Palace Hotel, Ajman, the opening ceremony was held on March 18 there, under the patronage of Ajman Tourism Department. The exhibition showcases the artworks of 37 international artists from seven nationalities, the youngest being an eight year old girl. The inaugural event began with a live painting session, where the artists carried out ‘live art’ – or went live - for viewers, for an hour.

People and in-house guests were treated to multiple art themes done in a variety of styles. The artists showed their versatility, by drawing on the given theme. This was followed by an opening ceremony attended by eminent guests and media. The inauguration was done by the Director General of Ajman Tourism, Mahmood Khaleel Alhashmi.

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The artworks were lavishly displayed – and are still on display - in the large lobby of the hotel. Since each artwork tells a story, guests were naturally amazed by the unlimited creativity of art, as witnessed by them. Right from traditional art to modern abstract, the paintings have been done in different styles and mediums, but with one common theme: Ramadan and Islamic culture. After the ribbon was cut and the event inaugurated and guests had their fill of the display, the proceedings moved to the first floor of the Bahi, for the honouring of artists and distribution of certificates of appreciation.

 Sonal Purohit is Co-Founder, PaintBrush Art Community.

The ceremony was held in the ballroom and commenced with the rendition of the UAE national anthem, followed by a welcome note by the Co-Founder of PaintBrush Art Community, Sonal Purohit. Actor, photographer and founder of House of Creativity, India, Luv S. Sinha, who was in attendance, announced a collaboration between his House and PaintBrush, to provide a wider exposure to artists.

“The House of Creativity,” Luv said, “is a home of multiple art forms, housing everything from pieces inspired by Nature to photographs that capture and immortalise fleeting moments … A love for the arts is the roof above this reflective, lively house.”   The artists were then felicitated by certificates signed by Al Hashmi. Crowd favourite Dr. Romit Purohit drew the usual cheers as he took over the mic and announced details of future projects that would benefit the Community artists. Host Prabita Rajesh kept the rhythm flowing and ensured a glitch free time, keeping her composure even with last minute and on stage shuffling of protocol.

PaintBrush Art Community is known for its big fat art events and ‘Ayah’ is its biggest and fattest yet. Sparkling wit from the host, clockwork appearances by the awardees and comradely networking by the audience, ensured there was not a wasted moment. “The venue, as you see,” said Sonal, while energetically making round trips between the floor and the stage, “is lit with art and creativity. There is not a dull corner! Smiles seem to be contagious – don’t you think they are being passed from one heart to another? I can sum up by saying that it is a huge and splendid tribute to the most beloved time of the year, the Month of Holy Ramadan.”

 A composition shows an Emirati woman in traditional dress.

The event was graced by, besides Luv S. Sinha, popular philanthropist and social activist Ruby Sajan from the Danube Group, who has been supporting artists and promoting art; eminent Emirati artist Ahmed Al Awadhi, popularly known as Rukni who took serious interest in the offerings and closely interrogated the artworks; legendary artist Anjini Prakash Laitu and Saju Nair, who are also patrons of PaintBrush Art Community.

The exhibition was opened in the presence of personalities like philanthropist and artist Kusum Dutta and officials of Ajman Tourism Department. Media houses also supported the cause. “Iftikhar Hamdani, General Manager, Bahi Ajman Palace Hotel, has ensured the finest food and hospitality to every single guest at the event,” Sonal said. “He has ensured that the best table has been kept.”  

PaintBrush Art community currently enjoys the confidence of over 330 local artists who have placed their trust in it, with more than 13,000 social media followers. “Its popularity increases with every event that is held,” Sonal said. “The PaintBrush Art Community thrives on the love, support and trust of its artists and is determined to provide the finest, biggest and best experiences in art for them. We are spreading the message of the Holy Month through art and art aficionados and the only curious are invited to spend a few moments with the exhibition.” 

Participating artists are as follows: Alia Amin Abdul Karim, Ishrat Ara Keyani, Mubashra Madni, Sara Javaid, Soobika Fawad and Mussarat Yasmin Abid (Pakistan); Amira Azmy Abd Al Bashandy (Egypt); Anil Kamble, Anjum Daud, Bini Menon, Dr. Poonam Chauhan, Dr. Sangeeta Parashar, Jasnoor Kaur, Jaspreet Kaur, Jyoti Singla, Kalopsia Wiz, Mahi Ramchandani, Maria Komal Abie, Prabita Rajesh, Rashmi Parakkal, Reena Dhiman, Renita Pinto, Saba Asim, Sabah Anees, Saima Hasan, Sana Bano Moin Ahmed, Shanaya Purohit, Shereen Abraham, Sonal Purohit, Sugat Priyadarshi and Tumpa Banerjee (all from India); Edcel Cabalan and Nelia Fabia (Philippines); Koutar Sabbahi (Morocco); Labiba Ferhet (Algeria); Soosan Ebrahimi Esfahani (Iran) and Walaa Mohamed (Egypt).