Simply Abu Dhabi XI

2 6 4 S I M P LY A B U DH A B I Avenue at Etihad Towers - Samar Arts Ribbon Cutting - Sheikh Zayed + Dr. Al Shamsi UAE benefit, but the artistic energy and creativity engendered also contributed to Abu Dhabi’s position as a world-class cultural destination. As was stated clearly by His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, the Crown Prince of the United Arab Emirates, “The aim of Saadiyat Island must be to create a cultural asset for the world. A gateway and beacon for cultural experience and exchange. Culture crosses all boundaries and therefore Saadiyat will belong to the people of the UAE, the greater Middle East and the world at large.” Not only does the UAE boast Saadiyat Island, there is also a growing number of vibrant independent art galleries that are displaying thought provoking exhibitions. From the Majlis Gallery in Bastakiya, one of the UAE’s oldest galleries that has been displaying art for over 20 years, to newer places such as the Ghaf Gallery in Abu Dhabi, art is on the rise. Furthermore, UAE artists are also gaining exposure internationally and the UAE now participates at international events such as the esteemed Venice Biennale. Samar Exhibition One recent exhibition that enjoyed much interest in was the Unveiling of the ‘Arab Mona Lisa’ at the Samar Arts Exhibition in the Avenue at Etihad Towers, Abu Dhabi. Inaugurated by Sheikh Zayed Bin Suroor Al Nahyan, this popular display of works by the celebrated Emirati artist Dr. Samar Al Shamsi featured an impressive array of pieces in oil, water and acrylic paint. One of the central draws to this exhibition was the unveiling of the Arab Mona Lisa piece in the UAE for the very first time. Inspired by Leonardo Da Vinci’s iconicMona Lisa and painted to symbolise the core of oriental Arab beauty, the Arab Mona Lisa was a huge success with the many visitors to the show. Twelve other key pieces dealt with such issues as the challenges of globalisation in realistic, abstract and surreal art forms. With respect to encouraging young Emirati artists Dr. Al Shamsi said: “As an Emirati artist that has exhibited all over the world, I am continuously striving to push the limits in my own work and to encourage other Arab artists to do the same.” In addition to comprising abstract and surreal pieces, Dr. Al Shamsi’s portfolio is also celebrated for commissioned portraits of high profile individuals, including the late Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, UAE President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and US President Barack Obama, whose portrait is displayed in the library of The White House. Among her numerous international awards, Dr. Al Shamsi was most recently honoured with the ‘Excellence in the Arts’ Award by the American-Arab Anti- Discrimination Committee of Michigan. This marked the first time an Arab woman received the prestigious award, which is presented to distinguished artists in the field of art, music and entertainment.

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