Qatari artist Yousef Ahmed attracted significant numbers of art lovers and collectors at Art Dubai 2008.

The exhibition, held at Madinat Arena in Madinat Jumeirah from March 19 to 22, was organised under the patronage of UAE vice-president and prime minister and Dubai ruler Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

Ahmed displayed six abstract paintings based on Arabic calligraphy under the theme Al Tasbeeh (Glorification - two paintings), Harakat Al Harf (Letter Movement – three paintings) and Harf Al Seen (The S Letter – one painting).

 “Art Dubai has become a very prominent event and is considered one of the most important cultural gatherings in the region,” Ahmed said.

“It attracts the participation of top artists from the region and the world at large. I am glad to be among those who represent Arabic art,” he added.

“The paintings I displayed revolve around the deep visual message of the Arabic letter, deriving from it the high artistic power which forms a different image from the normal visual image that we are used to in Arabic letters,” he said.

Ahmed has displayed at many other events and exhibitions in the Arab world and internationally, most recently in Doha in March last year at an event to honour him as an outstanding artist on the 30 anniversary of his first exhibition.

He has also received a number of awards including the top award for GCC artists (four times) and the top award in a leading Asian exhibition.

His work has been auctioned by the world-renowned Christie’s International Auction Gallery in Dubai, where his paintings fetched more than double their original prices.

His work was chosen by the Committee of Organized Art Auctions because of his outstanding artistic ability and his rich experience, being recognized as one of the best abstract artists in his field.

Art Dubai 2008 featured the contemporary artworks - offered for sale – of almost 70 leading modern galleries from 28 countries in the Middle East, South and Central Asia and the Far East, as well as Europe and the Americas.

It brought together the most sought-after contemporary art and modern masters, offering a scale and calibre of artwork not previously available under one roof in the Middle East.

The event was held to highlight the dynamic commitment of the Dubai government to the cultural development of the UAE and the growth of Dubai as a hub for art-related commerce.

“My participation in this leading event, that attracted top artists from all over the world, is a great honour for me and I am very satisfied by the interest my paintings attracted during the exhibition,” said Ahmed.

“I hope I will be able to do more to satisfy the tastes of abstract art lovers and collectors, and play a role in elevating Arabic art and enhancing the region’s status on the artistic and cultural global map,” he said. – TradeArabia News Service