Arts, culture 'essential to intellectual development'
DUBAI, April 4, 2016
The access to the arts, culture and music is essential to a person’s intellectual development and is vital for the dynamism of a city, according to an expert.
Speaking ahead of an open session talk, Dr Eric Matser, clinical neuropsychologist from German Neuroscience Centre in Dubai, said: "Art is the cardiovascular system of this city. It is the life force and that makes the city vibrant. Top class art creates the real soul of Dubai."
The talk titled 'What makes an artist an artist? What is artistic talent?' the programme will offer a series of collaborative workshops and talks, presented by Microsoft, the fair's digital art partner, built around the theme 'Breaking CUltural Boundaries through Art,' available to both children and adults from April 6 to 9 at the Dubai World Trade Centre.
“Every nation should have a talent center in which talent from all walks of life should learn, work and live together. Being situated in one location makes it highly accessible. That means that top football players should live in the same center with top musicians, top dancers and top scholars. As in cross-pollination, talent learns from talent," said Dr Matser.
Dr Matser is one of a collection of speakers, comprising international artists, thought leaders and academics, who are set to lead discussions on cultural boundaries, talent development and art collecting through a series of highly interactive and hands on creative workshops and free and informal talks.
Microsoft will bring in Ashraf Ghori, an award-winning artist and filmmaker, chief executive officer of Dubai-based digital design agency Xpanse CGI and Senior Digital Art Consultant for Bayyinah TV to deliver talks about the transition to digital art, digital painting techniques and how to break out of the comfort zone.
Neel Patkar, events manager at thejamjar, the Dubai-based art studio creating the workshops, believes the workshops will bring a unique opportunity for visitors to unleash their creativity through the use of mixed media in age-specific groups led by artists.
Each ‘hands on’ experience will be preceded by a presentation of well-known art works, explained in their historical and cultural context.
“The basic elements of art are relevant in all cultures: colour, line, shape, texture and composition are understood across the globe,” said Patkar.
“They are visual tools of expression and can be used by us to gain an understanding of each other," he said.
“Participants will be introduced to different approaches to colour, shape, 3D sculpture, and to create different effects and our main aim is to reflect on how artists of different backgrounds communicate their messages to Dubai’s cosmopolitan public.”
Alongside the workshops, the event’s visitors will be able to participate in interactive open conversations and presentations led by academics, experienced curators, artists, and scientists on topics ranging from art therapy, classification, collecting to the neuroscientific debate on the relationship between art and the human brain.
Desiree Vlekken, founder and CEO of 4get-me-not Alzheimer’s Organization, a non-profit organisation dedicated in raising awareness on Alzheimer’s in the UAE and the CSR partner of World Art Dubai, creative arts such as music, art, or drama are also a powerful resource for mental and physical well-being of both young and old.
“There is a growing body of research that art can do incredible things to our mind and body and through World Art Dubai, 4get-me-not explores creative possibilities which may keep our brain healthy and memories sharp.”
Another highlight of the Art Talks programme will be ‘Street Art Talk,‘ a presentation delivered by LA-based Skyler Grey the youngest artist ever to be exhibited and brought to Dubai by COYA Dubai, on his artistic journey and the messages his art work represents.
“Art is an expression of humanism, and varying human conditions. People are able to break cultural boundaries by simply appreciating the beauty of the image, and respecting the humanity of its creator. Art inspires mutual human respect through beauty,” he said.
“As an artist, I create images that I think are universal. I think the challenge is for the audience to keep an open mind.”
Among 15 sessions featuring international industry experts talks run alongside educational art workshops for children and adults, Microsoft, the event’s Digital Art Partner, will deliver three interactive presentations dedicated to the world of digital art. - TradeArabia News Service
