a
Al Jalila

Al Jalila Children’s Cultural Centre displays masterpieces of pottery

The Sikka Art and Design Festival presents conceptual works and various artistic models based on the art of pottery and ceramics, giving visitors the opportunity to explore masterpieces of ceramics and pottery and their artistic use. This is evident in the group exhibition organised by Al Jalila Cultural Centre for Children at Bait Al Khazaf as part of its participation in the festival.

The rooms at Bait Al Khazaf as part of Sikka are filled with ceramic and sculptural works presented by 35 Emirati and UAE-based creatives belonging to several pottery studios, namely Yadawei Ceramic Studio, The Mud House Studio, OKA Ceramic Studio, House of Clay and members of Al Jalila Children’s Cultural Centre. Through their work, the artists present inspiring and expressive visions, and the exhibition invites the audience to explore ceramics, its design and artistic expression.

Exhibitors include many from the Emirates. The artwork ‘Vase and Cups’ features ceramic pieces that are the product of a collaboration between ceramicists Amal Thani and Rashid Thani. Also featured in the exhibition are works by artist Farah Ahmad entitled Flow, inspired by ancient African ceramics. Emirati artist Madar Al Suwaidi presents two works, “Ceramics with Madar” and “Soul”. Noura Juma presented a collection of paintings and sculptures titled “2B” while ceramicist Shamsa Juma is participating with her ceramic work “Assalam Alaikum”, consisting of four pieces demonstrating the aesthetics of Islamic calligraphy.

The same exhibition features French artist Alison Ladegaillerie’s sculpture “White Body” as well as her work “Outrenoir 1-2-3-4”, in which she plays with the density and vibrancy of black. Indian artist Anesha Rai presents four works, “Desert Elixir”, “Sun and Sand Dance”, “Breeze” and “Shifting Sands”, which seem to represent the unique beauty of the Arabian Desert. Pakistani artist Anila Ashraf’s “Moon Pitchers” is characterised by tranquillity, dynamism and drama, as are “Earth” by Jordanian Ayman Azzam, “Beauty or Comfort” by Australian Brawen Hoare and his “Amphora of Tolerance and Opportunity” which he created especially for the 51st National Day celebration.

Lebanese-British artist Candice Cidiac sought to convey our different lifestyles with her work “It’s OK”. Turkish artist Seren Senbark was inspired by nature in her work “Back to Nature”, while the different ways of looking at the world were the basis for Brazilian Carolina Galvao’s “Vase Rustico”. Turkish artist Ceyda Karasu’s “Look Different Direction” and “Sole Mate” are featured in the exhibition. British artist Dana Kamal exhibited her ceramic sculpture “This too shall pass” and French artist Isabelle Dufour exhibited her creation “Dishes and Vases”. Irishman Joseph MC Keever created a ceramic work in Shino glaze, while French artist Carine Legay drew inspiration from the power of the elements to create her work “The Undaunted Quartet”. Polish sculptor Kławdzia Domaradzki’s “Bodies Dressed in Hoops” is an attempt to find a balance between gravity and lightness. Italian artist Lara Pollack also shares her work Funky Totem.

Bait Al Khazaf features work by Australian artist Margot Tummel, which was inspired by her local environment. Canada’s Leah Hustekian exhibits “Hanging Balloon 1 and 2, Deflated Balloon” while Austria’s Mitra Moser aims to remind us of our urgent need for human communication with her work. Tiny snails inspired Iranian artist Nahid Soltani’s works White Pink Ceramics and Enchantment, and Algerian Nessma Juhri’s When Things Were Going Right.

Portuguese artist Nilza Ying’s “Desert Flowering” tells of her creative journey in Dubai, Canadian Priti Pavani exhibits “Joey’s Handyman” and Frenchwoman Ream Saksuk’s sculpture “Beautiful Nature” calls for respect and enjoyment of floral beauty. Pakistani artist Sadaf Aamir’s ‘The Heartwood Saga’ is inspired by nature’s most ancient symbol, the tree. The group exhibition at Bait Al Khazaf also features works by Canadian Samer Hejazi, Jordanian Sheren Shalhoub, Iraqi Tahrir Ahmad Alqaisi, Frenchwoman Valerie Vincent and Sudanese Amani Badour.

Al Jalila Children’s Cultural Centre is participating in the Sikka Art & Design Festival with a programme of events and interactive workshops in collaboration with a group of artists including Abdullah Lufti, Asma Baker, Victor Sitali and Maryam Mansour, in addition to several art and cultural centres in Dubai, namely: Music Arts Centre, Iqraa Arabic Language Centre, Project You, RFLCT Creative Arts, Sxill Lab, Medaf Studio and Shoevenir. The centre’s involvement comes as part of Dubai Culture’s commitment to creating a sustainable creative ecosystem that fosters the empowerment of creative talent.

Follow our Telegram Chanel