Only One Earth event hosted by Funun Arts spoke up for planet
Nishtiman Ghadheri did this work with sawdust.
Muhammad Yusuf, Features Writer
The second edition of Only One Earth, an event held to celebrate World Environment Day and World Ocean Day 2023, organised by Funun Arts and Novotel Sharjah Expo Centre (June 2) at Novotel, included an art exhibition, youth panel talk, and a live painting event – “a thoughtful blend of art, education and expression,” Shiba Khan, Co-Founder of Funun Arts, pointed out.
Twenty six artists from different nationalities showcased their artwork which were expressions of their views on nature and sustainability. The specialty of the event was the representation of the youth in all aspects. The panel talk and the live painting happening were also informed by the participation of young minds. The event was hosted by Khan Ayaan Abdulla, founder and director of Youth Creative Minds Hub. He expressed his views on sustainable solutions that can create a better future for the young generation – which included him.
Mohammed Al Aidroos, Director of Expert Mark Group, inaugurated the event. He exhorted the audience to be more sensitive on how their environment spoke to them and take steps to protect it in every possible way. The highlight of the show was the work of very young artists who showed their keen interest in the cause of sustainability by creating masterpieces. It was a reflection of how little ones are connected to nature and how well they imbibe the energy that surrounds them.
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Wali Mehtab Khan (4), Maryam Sarfraz Khan (5), and Azaan Mehtab Khan (6), showcased artworks on nature, gardens, and the ocean, respectively. Their work spoke eloquently about their understanding of the cause. Funun Arts distributed mementos made of construction waste during the programme - an apt example of recycling that exemplified the ways in which art and sustainability can be linked together.
The inauguration was followed by the opening of the art exhibition, which progressed into the Youth Panel Talk. Students who participated expressed their views on topics such as climate change, conservation of oceans, the no plastic concept as well as on how technology and the environment can be connected effectively, to produce less damage. The panelists were Frida Shouman, Aisha Nassor, Sienna Peters, Janoah N. Sual, Richia Janey Novilunio, Talha Naqvi, Alishba Khan, Yomna Ghanem, Zeinab Shueib, Hafsa Nougha, Mira Singh, Mohammad Mustafa, Madhav Krishna and Raghav Krishna. Established artists also shared their views on sustainability. The artworks which were created around the concept of sustainability and were composed with recycled materials. The beauty of nature and the purpose and deeper aspects of life were quite adequately represented by the colours of the art.
Participating artists were Ahmed Al Awadhi, Alina Kiseleva, Anjini Prakash Laitu, Arezoo Rahmdel, Bhavi Singhal, Dr. Devisree, Eiman AlQubati, Farah Khan, Gunjan Nirav Bhatt, Mahfuzur Rahman, Marina Taroni, Maryam Sarfraz Khan, Mohammed Azaan Mehtab Khan, Mohammed Wali Mehtab Khan, Sultana Kazim, Mussarat Yasmin, Neha Dua, Nishtiman Ghadheri, Nitu Rajpal, Pari Sagar, Saba Asim, Saida Banu, Sherrin Sebin Pulickal, Shiba Khan, Vasilisa Eliseeva and Yumna Irfan.
Samar Khalid Murad, Principal of the International School of Creative Science, Rose McCauley, Vice Principal of North American International School, Dubai, Juhi Yasmeen Khan, advisory member of Gulf Sustainable Awards, artist and philanthropist Kusum Datta, Asma Al Janahi, Emirati Influencer, Robin Solomon, General Manager, Novotel, legendary artist and businessman Ahmed Al Awadhi, veteran artist Anjani Prakash Laitu and Peter Gressman, founder of Art Forum, also were present.
“We are at the second edition of Only One Earth and are extremely grateful to the like-minded artists, scholars, and philanthropists who have joined us in taking this mission forward,” said Shiba Khan. “Funun Arts has been fortunate to work in this amazing land of UAE and we believe in giving back to the country and the people who have been an essential part of our growth. We are glad that our initiative is influencing different generations. Instilling the thoughts of sustainable living in young minds is our hope for a better future. We are proud that our generation is now being led by the wisdom of experience as well as the creative initiatives of the next gen.”
“We are artists first and our language is art,” said Farah Khan, Co- Founder of Funun Arts. “People might be surprised to see how powerful a tool art is to propagate the message of sustainability. The proof can been seen in the form of the artworks …” “We are supporting the UAE Year of Sustainability and Only One Earth is very special because it brings people from different walks of life on one platform with the message We Can Change Climate Change,” said Robin Solomon, Novotel General Manager.
Funun Arts is a community of art galleries, visual artists, designers, photographers and creative brains. It is a platform and bridge for emerging artists, cultural practitioners, creative entrepreneurs, homegrown initiatives, art collectors and enthusiasts, architects and interior designers. Artists are given an opportunity to exhibit their talent in affordable spaces. Funun Arts exhibits both locally in the UAE and internationally, collaborating with galleries and participating in international art fairs. Over six hundred multinational artists are part of its art community. Novotel Sharjah Expo Centre is the first-established Novotel hotel in the city. A four star hotel offering a clear view of Al Khan lagoon, it is located next to Sharjah Expo Centre. Novotel is plastic free and has created an art gallery on its mezzanine floor, joining forces with its art partners, Funun Arts.
