“Art is not what you see, but what you make others see.” ― Edgar Degas .
Al Aali Shopping Complex is pleased to announce its 5th annual Art Festival being held at the Complex from the 18th – 21st May 2016. This year’s festival was inaugurated by Mr. Khalid Bin Mohamed Kanoo, alongside Mr. Abbas Al Mousawi, and the Director of the Al Aali Shopping Complex, Mr. Hani Al Aali.
Inaugurated in 2012, the Al Aali Art Festival is based on the belief that Art, in its various forms, defines the culture of a society and transcends all borders by drawing inspiration from life and translating them onto canvas. The art festival aims to promote local talent, providing both upcoming and established artists with the opportunity to showcase and sell their work through a platform of self-expression.
Attracting upwards of 20,000 visitors, the Festival has been the launch pad for several artists and is scheduled to showcase over 100 talented artists over a four day period. The Al Aali Art Festival has previously featured art from various disciplines with displays of free style painting, calligraphy, sculpting, photography, anamorphic painting, caricature art, fashion design, amongst others. This year’s festival is set to display exemplary work under a variety of categories such as fine art, calligraphy, natural wood art, miniature art, fashion design, live calligraphy, henna art, and cake decorating, all accompanied by live music performances.
In an effort to inspire creative minds, the Al Aali Art Festival 2016 will be hosting a variety of free workshops covering topics such as drawing for beginners, painting, mosaic art, wood craft, calligraphy, film making, cake decoration and much more. An exciting line up of live performances is planned for this year’s festival, including music performances by upcoming local talents, Mo Zowayed , The Shera Duo, Yunis Ismaeel Ghuloom Husain and Majaz all taking place in the evenings from 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM. Shayma Al Mughairy , Omani sand artist currently based in UAE, is one of the few GCC nationals known for her sand art skills. She draws pictures, from portraits to detailed stories, and creates pieces of art using just a light box, sand and her fingers. Speed calligraphers Anaas and Zorg of Arabs Got Talent, wowed the guests today with their skilful live calligraphy art.
The beauty of art is always more enhanced when it is for a cause. Spearheading the Art for a Cause concept and the Al Aali Art Festival has received overwhelming response to its charity drives. This year, 20% of proceeds from art sales will be used to support Sneha, a charitable organization that aims to be a safe haven for children with special needs under the flagship of the Indian Ladies Association.