CreaSHions’ ‘Diwali Art Fiesta’ at DIAC was a visual delight
Guests look busy adoring the paintings. Kamal Kassim/Gulf Today
Raghib Hassan, Staff Reporter
The best and the brightest artists from Dubai, Sharjah and other parts of the Emirates ascended at Dubai International Art Centre (DIAC), to celebrate “Diwali Art Fiesta,” on Friday evening. A three-day colourful event hosted by CreaSHions in partnership with Dubai International Art Centre was a visual treat for attendees. The event served as a reminder that festival of light is only few weeks away and Dubai is all geared up to celebrate it.
Those who had never been to India could get a glimpse of how India looks like during Diwali festival. Walking into the campus of DIAC, guests were transported into a very different world — a world filled with hope, happiness and light. More than 200 colourful diyas (earthen lamp) were used to make a giant diya at the campus of DIAC to mark the beginning of Diwali. The colourful walls of DIAC looked as if it will start talking.
Artworks adoring the wall had names of artists like Safa Peshiman, Diyali Bhalla, Sumita Dewan, Anjum Daud, Anjini Prakash Laitu, Alla Gangaprasad, Sultana Kazim, Atul Panasee, Dr. Poonam Chauhan, Lijo Varghese, Chris Barley, Smita Lahiri, Aysha Ferry, Tumpa Roy Banerjee, Soobika Fawad, Disha Jaya Aswani, Nandini Sapre. Invited guests and participants were in awe of works gracing the walls of DIAC. Visitors and guests scrambled to take pictures of the colourful event.
The colourful event was graced by eminent Emirati artist Ahmad Rukni, Sultana Kazim, Sijin Gopinathan, Atul Panase, Anjini Prakash Laitu, Bijendra Singh, Consul, Consulate General of India and many others. As a part of Diwali tradition, guests and senior artists lit the lamp to begin the programme. Shilpi Dutta and her partner Shoma of CreaSHions made sure the event becomes memorable. Veteran artist Sultana Kazim said, “It is an honour to be here. We should chase darkness with light.
Get rid of bad moments of life and bring sunshine into your life.” Bijendra Singh shared his feelings, “We are to here to celebrate Diwali though art. We saw wonderful works by participating artist. I appreciate their hard work and creativity.” While, Sharjah-based octogenarian Indian painter Anjini wished all artist and appreciated them for their dedication. Anjini is an inspiration for many.
His passion for his craft is infectious. Despite his age, he never misses any event and is passionate about his work too. Master of watercolour and a very prominent name in the field of art circuit in Dubai, Atul said, “I am happy to see all artists and performers. Glad to be here. We have special day today.” Kathak dance performance made the evening even memorable, while Atul’s interactive art session also kept the audience occupied. Looked excited and contented with the reception, Shilpi Dutta of CreaSHions talking to Gulf Today said, “We combined exhibition with Indian festival Diwali. Main highlight of this function was big diya.
Small diyas were hand painted by our participating artists. We wanted to create biggest diya but unfortunately weather did not permit us.” Shilpi added, “We also had small Diwali exhibition where all the products were created by our artists. Some were hand painted, some were outsourced. We wanted to celebrate Indian festivals through art exhibition. We opted this time Diwali because it brings us hope and optimism. Everything here is colourful.” Praising her galaxy of artists, she said, “We all are grateful to eminent artists who made this event possible. They always support CreaSHions.” She added, “This is our fifth event. Our each event is unique.
We don’t do the regular art event. We basically promote our Indian festival through art. We started with Ganesh Mahotsav, then we had 10-days Holy festival. I had given all my artists a theme and they all came with their own signature creations. Now, Diwali. Hope we continue doing such exciting events in future.” Talking about the birth of CreaSHions, she said, “CreaSHions only started after Covid-19 pandemic.
I had noticed that many emerging artists were looking for a platform to exhibit their work. Therefore, me and partner Shoma came up with the idea. In fact, we were dreaming about this since 2016. Now we are happy to see our dream turning into a reality.” “We started with small exhibition. We also make sustainable products. We also have online boutique. Then we started as an art curator. Once we started as a curator, emerging artists got a platform. It is not that we only accommodate reputed artists, we also have lots of emerging artists. They were delighted to see their artwork on our platform.” Shoma has been living in Dubai since 2005.
Talking about Dubai art scene she said, “Dubai art scene is booming now. “ Recalling her own experience, she said, “I had left art almost 20 years ago, but during Covid-19 pandemic I picked up brush and paint again. I was very happy. Even many of my friends picked up canvas and brush again.” “Immediately after pandemic when we hosted our first event, we were surprised to see response.
We saw so many young artists participating in the event. We already had eminent artist around us, but was happy to see emerging artists coming forward for our event.” “All of them were very excited to see their work on display. They personally thanked me for the opportunity we had created for them.”
