Small is beautiful: DIAC show hosts big art on little canvases

Early last month, Dubai International Art Centre (DIAC) hosted the second edition of its group art show titled 8”x8” Beauty in Unity. BiU marked a significant milestone in the UAE’s cultural and creative calendar, in the number of artworks shown and the response generated. The exhibition was held for the second consecutive year, without a break, and drew hundreds of art lovers, collectors and industry dignitaries; it also received a World Record award from Talent Record Book, for exhibiting the highest number of small canvases in a single show.

The record-winning show consisted of 692 individual artworks, each sized at merely 20x20 cm; it was a celebration of artistic capacity in miniature form! This year’s edition witnessed the participation of 102 talented artists from diverse nationalities, showcasing styles ranging from realism and abstraction to Arabic calligraphy, digital art, and photography.

The outcome too was commendable — over 150 artworks were sold, underscoring the event’s commercial and creative success. The exhibition was inaugurated by renowned Emirati artist Faisal Abdul Qader, who said that “it’s inspiring to see such powerful creativity captured within such a small canvas. Each piece tells a story — concise yet impactful.” The event was also graced by eminent personalities and supporters of the arts, including Emirati artist Ahmed Rukni, Indian art legend Anjini Prakash Laitu, water colour champion Atul Panase and art doyen Sultana Kazim, each of whose presence lent prestige and encouragement to the participating artists.

DIAC Chairperson Diyali Sen Bhalla spoke about the vision behind the show: “8”x8” Beauty in Unity is more than just an art exhibition — it is a growing cultural movement,” she said. “It provides a unique platform for artists to demonstrate extraordinary talent within compact compositions. These mini masterpieces appeal to a broad spectrum of buyers, making art more accessible while still maintaining their soul and uniqueness.” The response to Season 2 has resonated in a way that DIAC received multiple requests to organise Season 3, on a larger scale. Plans are underway to host the next chapter in November 2025. “It promises an even bigger celebration of creative diversity and global unity through art,” said Diyali Sen Bhalla.

Artists with their certificates.

Season 2 participating artists included Adila Shoaib, Ahmad Al Awadhi Rukni, Alemayehu Goshime, Alia Amin, Amancia Sandra Menezes, Amanda Ovington, Amna Mohammed Ameen, Anastasie Akibode, Anirban Midya, Anjini Prakash Laitu, Anjum Daud, Ankisha Jhawar, Anuj Sarkar, Anum Anwar Ali, Aquila Abdel Rahim, Arezoo Rahmdel, Arti Bhatia, Asiya Hassham Malik, Asma Seyed, Avantika Sharma, Avijit Majumder, Beena Samuel, Bhakti Ghaghda, Bhumika Maniyar, Chandralekha Dubey, Debra S Mascarenhas, Deepa Rajesh, Deepti Sharma, Dheepa David, Diyali Bhalla, Dr. Poonam Chauhan, Dr. Devisree S, Elaheh Baghaiesaien, Elahehsadat Mirafzal, Erum Durrani, Farivash Rajaei Alawadhi, Fathima Shihnaz Ahamed, Gülüm Erzincan, Hanna Alexandra Adoro Tepace, Jagruti Sanjay, Jaimee Felysse Almendares Reyes, Jamila Patanwala, Jenny C Ang, Jyoti Devdhar, Jyoti Sethi, Komal Jhala, Kriscia Bianca Pascual, Kunchay Visweswar, Lara AbouKhaled, Latha Narayanan, Leila Ramezani, Lita Mathews, Mahboobeh Shahnavaz, Mahi Tawfik, Mahi Wasfy, Mahnaz Ghafouri, Mahnaz Rafiq Javid, Mahshid Mirab, Maitha Shahdoor, Malika Rahman, Mary Ann Pascual, Marya Adnan, Mini Suboth, Mona Biswarupa Mohanty, Mrinmay C Sebastian, Muhammad Habib Akram, Nanditha Unnikrishnan, Neema Rajesh, Nithya Rajendiran, Pari Sagar, Pinki Sanyal, Radha Bhatia, Ranjisha Raghavan, Rashmi Parakkal, Reeta Kumari, Renuka Sanjeev, Rubab Zahra, Sahira Banu, Sameena Firdose, Sandeep Soni, Sandhya S. Iyer, Sara Masoumi, Seema Haque, Sibel Yavuz, Sona Minasyan, Soobika Fawad, Stuti Parikh, Sunanda Jain, Sunita Vasanth, Suva Mishra, Swaraj Jawale, Trupti Rele, Ursula Musch, Vandana Sudhir, Varghese Naiju, Varsha Khatri, Vasanthi Kannan, Vinu Aravind, Yamini Maria, Yoshita Ahmed, and Zoharath Suha.

An AI overview of small canvas paintings says that “they offer a great way to experiment with art, add pops of colour, and personalise small spaces.” AI goes on to prod artists to “consider painting abstract designs, landscapes, or even portraits on miniature canvases. You can also create a gallery wall with multiple small pieces, or use them as decorative elements on shelves or tables.”

Diyali Sen Bhalla, DIAC Chairperson.

A list of ideas for small canvas formats is provided: abstract art patterns and designs, which are popular and versatile for small canvases; geometric patterns which can be easily executed on a small scale; Nature-inspired works such as painting flowers, trees, sunsets, or seascapes for a calming and familiar subject; celestial bodies where one can paint stars, moons, planets, or galaxies for unique and visually appealing pieces; miniature portraits which captures a person’s likeness or facial expression on a small canvas; animal paintings of one’s favourite animal or whimsical creatures; quotes and text which combine painting with typography carrying inspirational quotes or short phrases; or miniature landscapes that capture the beauty of Nature on a small scale, like a serene forest scene or a vibrant sunset.

Artist John Lovett says that “once I got started on these small paintings I couldn’t stop. They were such a lot of fun - no pressure to produce a masterpiece, just quick, exciting experiments that revealed numerous options I would have otherwise never have considered.” He found it surprising how much detail and subtlety could be packed into a small space. “Experiments with colour options, texture treatments and composition arrangements could be carried out quickly and effectively,” he says. Talent Record Book celebrates and showcases exceptional talents and remarkable achievements of both individuals and groups from around the world. The platform serves as a hub for talent recognition and inspiration, where individuals and groups alike can share their unique abilities and accomplishments.