Noora the divine spark’s ‘Canvas of Courage’ wars against breast cancer

In honour of Pinktober, Renaissance Business Bay Hotel, Dubai, hosted ‘Canvas of Courage’ a group art exhibition that celebrated creativity, compassion, and community in support of Breast Cancer Awareness (Oct. 16 – Oct. 31). The hotel’s lobby was transformed into a gallery of hope, as it showcased an extraordinary collection of artworks by both local and international artists, alongside moving pieces from breast cancer warriors, whose journeys reflect profound resilience and grace.

Each artwork told a powerful story of courage, healing, and about the unbreakable human spirit. Pink October 2025 refers to Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which occurred globally throughout October 2025 to raise awareness, promote early detection, and support those affected by breast cancer. Events included health campaigns, seminars, fundraising activities, and informational initiatives from organisations like the World Health Organization (WHO), Ministry of Health and Prevention - UAE, and Al Jalila Foundation, Dubai.

The exhibition celebrated the courage, resilience and beauty of every woman who has faced breast cancer with determination and hope. It was organised in collaboration with Noora the divine spark art gallery. All the artworks were carefully curated by Bhairavi Mistry, gallery founder. “Each artwork here,” she said, “tells a story of survival, love, and the unbreakable spirit of women who continue to inspire us. Through colours and creativity, we honour their journey and remind the world that hope always triumphs.”

Compositions in various genres.

Ji Jarder from the Philippines, who recently died due to breast cancer, represented a woman of fierce and beauty through her artwork ‘La Rosa’. She said art had helped her a lot during her journey. Isabelle Alves da Silva Neves from Mauritius had created an artwork for her friend, a cancer sufferer. ‘The Fight - Tara’s Journey’ was a mosaic of resistance and optimism, each word in the title reflecting strength amid a suffocating battle with cancer.

The artwork revealed raw beauty and dignity, even in the enveloping darkness. It told of a mother’s fierce fight to see her children grow, embodying unwavering courage. Fragmented pieces symbolised pain and challenge, together forming a powerful paean to survival. Prachi Kulkarni from India, a breast cancer survivor, showed a ceramic sculpture titled ‘Toffee and Blue’. It represented resilience, like her journey. The work was raw on the exterior, but its insides glazed in a swirl of blues, whites and maroons, mingling in quiet harmony. The artwork of Emirati artist Ghia Haddad paid rich compliments to the women who have fought the good fight, despite pain and trauma. Noora Ali AlMurbati’s ‘Stolen Memory’ said that when we forget the beauty of life in our memories, both get stolen.

Hamda Alremeithi’s ‘Ship of the Desert’ honoured the camel’s enduring spirit, and its character as a faithful companion across the sands. The camel symbolises patience, resilience and survival. It also personifies the deep bonds between the desert and Emirati heritage. Tunisian artist Moones Ben Romdhane captured movement frozen in time, through a symphony of form and texture. Flowing ribbons in turquoise and purple evoked rhythm, energy, and emotion. Karolina Sowa from Poland painted the Carrera. It was once the fastest car to come out of Germany. Carrera RS 2.7 was not only fast — it was a statement of speed. The word Carrera means “race” in Spanish and was a fitting name for one of Porsche’s most powerful creations. Sowa’s artwork was done in the iconic livery of the car — Speed Yellow.

Artists and art supporters.

Danish artist Henriette Tranberg presented the word Love in Arabic. Love in Arabic can be expressed in more than 50 ways and her artwork, Mahabbah, is one of the ways to do so. Sahar Riaz from Pakistan said art is an expression of happiness and dance was one form of art to express happiness. She tried to capture the grace, rhythm, and storytelling of dance through lavish colours. “My painting captures the grace, dignity, and cultural richness of village traditions,” she said. Pakistani Artist Faiza Shaikh said through her artwork ‘Destiny’ that it is not the stars that hold our destiny, but ourselves. Indian artist Chandralekha Dubey’s artwork ‘Maaya: The Illusion’ unfolded like a quiet reflection of the mind, where thoughts ripple and merge into meaningful patterns. Each dot created a melodious rhythm of thoughts, emotions, and shifting perspectives. Jaya Phulwani’s ‘Dance of Surrender’ portrayed the spiritual relationship between the soul and the divine. Inspired by the whirling dervish, her mandala reflected harmony, devotion, and the beauty found in trance.

The flowers in Prasadini Deshpande artwork told stories of love and strength, showing that even in tough times, there is grace and beauty. Dhrisya M S’s artwork ‘Reflected Silence’ was about the quiet conversations we have with ourselves, between who we are and who we wish to be. The two mirrored forms in her artwork represented an inner balance, where emotion and thought meet. The blend of coral blue and orange showed the contrasts of calm and chaos, warmth and distance, joy and reflection. In line with the hotel’s commitment to social responsibility, a portion of the show’s proceeds was donated to the Al Jalila Foundation, contributing to life-changing medical research and treatment initiatives in the UAE. “Canvas of Courage is more than an exhibition; it is a heartfelt tribute to strength, perseverance and unity,” said Andrea Strim, General Manager of Renaissance Business Bay Hotel, Dubai. “Through art, we aim to illuminate the power of hope and creativity while supporting the remarkable work of the Al Jalila Foundation.”