‘Transience’ by The Creative Cubes examines impermanence at DIAC
- Last updated: June 19, 2025 | 09:40
Muhammad Yusuf, Features Writer
The Creative Cubes Gallery unveiled its latest group exhibition Transience: The Flow of Being, on June 14 at Dubai International Art Centre (DIAC). Curated by Dubai-based artist and curator Swapnil Jawale and to run till June 21, the multidisciplinary exhibition brings together 24 diverse contemporary artists who explore the theme of impermanence, through varied mediums and styles.
The inaugural evening commenced with a welcome by Diyali Sen Bhalla, DIAC Chairperson, followed by the remarks of Swapnil, who introduced the exhibition’s theme. “This exhibition explores the fleeting, yet deeply beautiful nature of life – where every moment is both an ending and a beginning,” he said. “Transience is a reminder that nothing in life is static — we grow, we evolve, we transform. Just like art, our identity flows in between form and formlessness.
“The show honours those invisible threads — of memory, culture, nature, and being — that root us in the present, while drawing from the past and dissolving into what’s next.” The exhibition was officially inaugurated by Chief Guest Khurshid Vakil, Co-founder of Marina Home Interiors. Vakil’s views resonated with the exhibit’s theme, as he emphasised the emotional value of spaces, aesthetics, and the dynamic relationship between art and identity.
The event also welcomed special guests including eminent Emirati artist Ahmad Al Awadhi Rukni, Art Senior Anjini Prakash Laitu, renowned water colourist Atul Panase, Dr. Supriya Kulkarni Sudhalker and Dr. Uday Sudhalker. Participating artists are Aakanksha Kshatriya, Anita Sahai, Asma Mehmood, Ayesha Yusuf Bhatti, Diyali Sen Bhalla, Gesere, Isabelle Alves, Kritika Iyer, Kiran Kumar, Marwa Elbadawi, Murugesh Thaigarajan, Nashwa Nagy, Pari Sagar, Ranjisha Raghavan, Ravindra Parkhi, Rooma Ejaaz, Saliha Hanif, Samishka Jawale, Sandeep Soni, Smithashree Balaji, Sonia Sahni, Srirupa Bose, Swaraj Jawale, Ulyana Okava and Vandana Arora.
Marwa Elbadawi’s work Alignment radiates quiet strength; it is joined to minimalism. Rooted in Islamic metaphysics and the wabi-sabi philosophy, the Japanese aesthetic philosophy that finds beauty in imperfection, impermanence, and incompleteness, her art weaves together silence, material, and memory, embodying a sacred yet grounded presence. Murugesh Thaigarajan is an accomplished artist and educator. His work addresses the loss of humanity in a mechanised world and uses vivid colours to explore identity and emotional connection to Nature. Swapnil Jawale, who is also an artist, showcases a piece from his ongoing series Shivakala: Timeless Creations.
The work seamlessly blends Indian traditions with contemporary symbolic forms. A dedicated advocate of contemporary and traditional art, Swapnil has curated the Indigenous Artistry section at international exhibitions for several years, and continues to mentor and uplift grassroots artists. His vision for Transience brings together global voices, and staying rooted in shared cultural traditions. Ravindra Parkhi’s artwork Jubilant Moments stands out for its sophistication and mature technique. Parkhi is known for his international presence and active participation in residencies and biennales, and a deep understanding of visual storytelling.
Kritika Iyer is a young, emerging talent. Her Malar series reimagines femininity through the metaphor of flowers. The work balances structure and softness, and is rooted in textile traditions and cultural symbolism. With an eye trained in architecture and a heart drawn to storytelling, she bridges structure and spirit, form and feeling. Sonia Sahni is trained in both science and art; her evocative canvases invite viewers into a layered experience of mystery, design, and vibrant expression — a reflection of her background in Ayurveda and space design.
Sandeep Soni is a petroleum engineer by profession and IIT graduate and a hobbyist artist who believes that art is the very essence of life. His surreal, story-driven artworks blend intellect, emotion, fantasy and philosophy. He also explores creative outlets such as music, graphic design and photography, embodying a holistic, artful existence. Isabelle Alves was born in Mauritius and is now based in Dubai. She is a mosaic artist whose pieces echo Nature’s intricacies.
Her work, marked by meticulous craftsmanship fusing glass, stone and other materials, presents a harmonious, organic aesthetic. Ulyana Okava’s emotionally charged works aim to awaken inner consciousness. Drawn from personal growth and spiritual reflection, Ulyana’s art touches on ecological awareness and carries a message of light and healing to the world.
Srirupa Bose’s conceptual installation Imprints explores the integration of experiences across a lifetime. Drawing on the metaphor of tree rings, the piece invites viewers to reflect on the cumulative nature of time, insight, and self-awareness. It encourages a deeper understanding of how individual experiences layer over time to create meaningful transformation. “Transience: The Flow of Being,” said Diyali Sen Bhalla, “is curated by the dynamic duo of The Creative Cubes, Swapnil and Samishka Jawale. The Creative Cubes is more than just an art space - it’s a movement.
They have consistently given a platform to artists in different and interesting exhibitions. This exhibition is a collection of high standard artworks from acclaimed and emerging artists and offers a compelling exploration of technique, emotion and brilliance.” Diyali is also a visual artist, illustrator and fashion designer, who celebrates life through abstracts.
The Creative Cubes was founded by Samishka Jawale and is a UAE-based gallery that champions diverse artistic narratives, from indigenous art to experimental forms. With a strong presence at major events like World Art Dubai, the gallery is committed to creating cross-cultural platforms for artists worldwide. The Creative Cubes nurtures and showcases both established and emerging talent. Since 2025, it has also been expanding its digital footprint, offering global access to curated collections and artist collaborations through its online platform.