A close-up view of the artworks.

Muhammad Yusuf, Features Writer

Le Meridien Dubai Hotel & Conference Centre celebrates its 45th anniversary in September 2024. On the occasion of its Sapphire anniversary and to celebrate it, Noora The Divine Spark collaborated with the hotel by hosting a group art exhibition titled – guess? - ‘Celebration’. The theme of the exhibition was blue, keeping in mind the sapphire anniversary, and artworks were displayed in the lobby of the hotel (July 18). The event was inaugurated by eminent UAE artist Faisal Abdulqader, who was chief guest. Abdulqader’s speech was noted for its comprehensive view on what makes good art and the art environment of the Emirates. The guest of honour was Eshanka Wahi, a holistic Wellness coach and a culinary nutritionist, and a 40 under 40 award winner.

Wahi said that an art exhibition was a deeply enriching experience, since it offered a delightful departure from usual professional lives. “The artworks showcased in Le Meridien Dubai Hotel & Conference Centre are epitomes of excellent artistry and perfection. Artists from different parts of the world have come together and neither culture nor language is a barrier for them, as their art is universal,” said Bhairavi Mistry, curator, Noora The Divine Spark.

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Each artist brought different perspectives to the theme of the exhibition. They included Emirati artist Reem Alfalasi, who, in her work showing the interplay of blue and white tones, created a sense of modernity. Rendered stylishly, bold blue letters spelt out a message of power and precision. Alya Alsayegh, also an Emirati artist who works in landscape, still life and semi-abstract paintings using acrylic and oil, loves using bright, vibrant colours in most of her artworks, to radiate positivity. Maryam Mansoor has been interested in painting since her childhood. She is a professional “horse artist” whose equine subjects show different aspects of their being. In the rich history of human symbolism, the horse stands as a symbol of power, freedom, and spiritual transcendence.

Natalia Schäfer is from Germany. “When we lose one blessing, another is often most unexpectedly given in its place,” she said, quoting C.S. Lewis. Her intuitively painted artwork was an invitation to appreciate the moment, in gratitude. Hailing from Russia, artist Polina Akyeva uses resin and mixed media in her works. “I use different techniques and materials such as mirrors, natural stones, gold, texture paste, crushed glass and epoxy,” she said. “I am not focused on one technique; I always discover something new.”

  Curator Bhairavi Mistry.

The art of Xiuxiu Ma from China represents the beauty of women and traditional style costumes and culture of the country, through multiple colours and techniques. Artist Liang Wang says that “I love lines, tones and all artistic elements. Picasso’s paintings have inspired me a lot and I hope my artworks continue to draw the world through colours, lines and shapes.” Palestinian artist Dina Albarqi presented a dreamy scene of an ash tree’s silvery beauty, as seen in darkness. Zimbabwean Esther Bodzo’s “The Moon’s Call” portrayed a serene night scene where Maasai hunters gather under a colourful sky, illuminated by the moon. They are surrounded by a soft glow, and seek guidance from the moonlight to track their prey.

An Indian residing in Dubai, Mona Biswarupa painted Ragini the bride, in red. Sonu Sultania said the process behind her colourful ink paintings is very therapeutic, blending meditation with artistic ideas. Kiran Kumar captured the serene beauty of Dubai’s waterfront on a breathtaking evening. The scene features a traditional abra gliding across the water, silhouetted against a sky that is ablaze. Gomathi Shiva’s “Beaches of Oman” depicted a coastline that did not fail to impress.The painting shows kids at their favourite pastime – playing football. In Ria Shankar’s work, a man and a woman are locked in a gaze, their eyes reflecting a profound connection that transcends time and space. They embody the essence of a universal pair, representing the eternal bond that exists between souls.

Suhail Badar showed a kufic abstract with tones of blue and green, set out in a bright hue. Lipika Das’s artwork portrayed individuals from diverse nations, backgrounds and ethnicities, emphasising the significance of the interconnection, on which depends contemporary business and social success. Sumedha Goel has a keen eye for abstract shapes and fearlessly embraces vivid colours and bold lines, projecting the vibrant energy that pulsates through urban environments. Sabah Anees said that she had worked with fluid colours to capture a dreamlike scene, brought to life in an array of blue shades.

Chandralekha Dubey’s “Azure Harmony” captured the tranquil essence of a mandala, where intricate patterns bloom in serene shades of blue. Each design and circle weave together the harmony of calm balance. Uma Ravichandran’s Gond art is an authentic form of Indian folk art. She depicted nature in vibrant colours and patterns, which is a feature of tribal art. Her “Tree of Life” depicted the goodness of life. The tree, with its swirling branches, indicates the individual strength which supports others. Avigyan Bhattacharya showed the capability that allows the ascension of one’s beauty, by virtue of its iridescence.

Art pieces following the show were sold, finding their forever homes in Qatar, Spain and India. “A special thanks to General Manager Fadeel Wehbe and the marketing team of Tijana Lazarov and Mary Yeboah,” said Mistry. Le Meridien Dubai Hotel & Conference Centre opened doors in 1979 and was among the first five-star hotels in Dubai.