Exhibition of Emirates Fine Arts Society launched

The 33rd Annual Exhibition of the Emirates Fine Arts Society was inaugurated yesterday at Sharjah Art Museum by Shaikh Mohammed Bin Saud Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Central Finance Department in Sharjah. With the participation of 40 artists from the UAE and the region and around 120 artworks on display, the exhibition is taking place from March 10th to April 8th under patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah. The exhibition is held in collaboration with the Government of Sharjah Department of Culture and Information and official sponsorship of Marsam Mattar (Matter Gallery), and will include three creative sessions in Dubai, Sharjah and Fujairah, as well as a shadow artist’s exhibition.
Nasser Abdulla Mohammed, Chairman of UAE Fine Arts Society, said: “"Since its establishment, the Emirates Fine Arts Society has aimed at noble goals, namely to elevate the fine arts scene and introduce the public to its values and vitality. Fine arts are a form of art that requires high visual sensitivity and activation of one's imaginative capabilities. It enhances the cultural values for both artists and the audience, as well as establishes dialogue and connections to serve its goals. This is why we work on establishing the exhibition as a networking hub for all people interested in this noble form of art."
He also reaffirmed that the Society capitalizes on the great success it has achieved, and works on enhancing it by broadening participation and involving more talented artists from around the Arab World and beyond, which is bound to enhance the visual arts experience in the country.
Nasser highlighted that since its establishment, the Society has been dedicated to enhancing the role of creativity, especially in terms of fine arts. This dedication, Nasser stressed, will continue to build on the success achieved in order to strengthen relations with all international cultures and enrich the visual art experience in the UAE.
Mattar Bin Lahej, UAE renowned Artist and Curator of Marsam Mattar (Mattar Gallery), said: “Looking at our past achievements since the establishment of the Society and the gallery, we feel happy and proud, and more determined to carry on with this noble task that we have. It is needless to say that we would not have achieved all this if it wasn't for the great support and vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohamed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah. It is with his gracious vision that we managed to introduce fine arts into the Emirati society, and reach this level of attainment.”
Bin Lahej also said: “We are sponsoring the exhibition this year because Marsam Mattar (Mattar Gallery) is committed to organizing periodic shows and art competitions that contribute to enriching the artistic movement of the UAE. That is in line with our role as the leading gallery nurturing artistic talents of different ages and groups, in addition to supporting the next generation of talents and promoting artistic culture through different and modern methods matching the changes in teaching techniques. We want to give the Arab community a comfortable and convenient environment, a multitude of technical services in diverse fields, and a non-traditional art center run by passionate lovers of art.”
Bin Lahej concluded by saying: "We are looking forward to meet with creatives from the fine arts world. The 40 participants from the UAE and the region will surely amaze our curiosity with their 120 artworks, which will be on display from March 10th to April 8th.
Manal Ataya, Director General of Sharjah Museums Department, said: “The Emirates Fine Arts Society annual exhibition is the longest running art exhibition in the UAE, and it gives us great pleasure to be hosting it once again.
“The exhibition has become an integral part of the UAE’s artistic heritage, providing a platform to showcase the diverse work of some of the most talented artists in the country.
“Nurturing artistic talent and promoting an appreciation of contemporary art in our community are among our key objectives at the Sharjah Museums Department.”
The exhibition sheds light on the works of top established artists to recall the past, exchange experiences, and connects old and new generations with the aim of developing art now implemented in new methods that match rapid changes in our world. It also emphasizes the role of leading artists who contributed to the successes of the exhibition’s previous editions. The exhibition will see the participation of 40 artists displaying 120 artworks. The artists are: Hamad Al Falasi, Karima Al Shomely, Fatima Ibrahim Al Dahmash, Ahlam Mohamad Ahmad, Ali Al Abdan, Moza Al Falasi, Sumayya Al Sweidi, Khalil Abdulwahid, Jala Lokman, Mohamed Ibrahim Al Kassab, Nasser Haji Malik, Khalid Al Banna, Obeid Suroor Almas, Rashid Al Mulla, Layla Juma, Mousa AL Halyan, Abdulkadir AL Rayes, Abdulraheem Salim, and Maysoun Saleh from the UAE. Also on the list are Abdulkadir Mubarak (Sudan, UAE resident); Majida Nasruddeen (Lebanon, UAE resident); Wasim Sweidan (Lebanon), Hamad Hinnawi, Sultan Saab, and Sara Shamma (Syria); Abdulrahman Ahmad Al Mueini, Hanan Al Shihhi, Anwar Sonia, Inaam Ahmad, and Shakir Jalal (Oman); Mahmoud Fahmi Abboud (Iraq), Huda AL Monsif Ghareeb (Egypt), Patricia Millns (UK), Abdulkareem Al Sayed (Palestine), and Ali Al Mahameed, Ibrahim Abu Saad, Badie Bou Bshait, Asghar Ismael, Kadi Mattar, and Omar Al Rashid from Bahrain.
In a related matter, the Emirates Fine Arts Society launched a special application and website for its 33rd exhibition, in order to display all news and activities related to the event. The application was completed in collaboration with "Tatbiki", which works on android (ArtsUAE) and to be launched soon on the iPhone. The anticipated app will include full information on the society and its activities, as well as a full account of participating artists and artworks, thus playing the role of a comprehensive hub for information on art and the society. This App will mark a new beginning in the history of fine arts in the region, in line with the leadership's vision on providing high technology penetration, accessibility, and mobility.