From downtown Paris to the streets of Palestine, nine exceptional artists ponder revolutions, migrations and factional histories through video design

Sharjah, November 3rd , 2010:  Behind a panel of dark curtains and mirrored walls, an extraordinary group of multimedia artists from across the Arab world have joined together to investigate the region’s foremost social movements of the past several decades within this month’s CAVE (Contemporary Arab Video Encounter) exhibition at the Maraya Art Centre, Sharjah.

The exhibition, which will run until December 11th, was inaugurated yesterday in the presence of Sheikh Khalid Bin Saqr Al Qassimi, Chairman of Directorate of Public Works; ; H.E. Marwan Jassim Al Sakral, CEO of Al Qasba Development Authority; Sheikh Sultan Sooud Al-Qassemi, Founder of Barjeel Art Foundation; H.E. Abdulla Al Owais, General Manager of Department of Culture and Information in Sharjah; Hisham Al-Mazloum, Director of Arts Directorate of the Department of Culture and Information in Sharjah;  Ms. Manal Attaya, Director General of Sharjah Museum Department.

Through intricate video sampling and daring social parodies, each of the nine participating artists is primed to bring their individual cultures to the flat screen.  The works featured—some created over many years—involve a complex analysis of psychological and social aspects of the artist’s personal life-stories.  Hailing from countries such as Egypt, Iraq and Palestine, the artists involved in CAVE have all spent extensive time travelling the region, many having also showcased their work in nouveau capitals such as Paris, New York and Barcelona.  

Giuseppe Moscatello, Arts & Culture Organizer at Al Qasba and Curator of Maraya Art Centre said, “It is an honour to welcome so many outstanding artists from the region to participate in this collective exhibition.  Maraya Art Centre is dedicated to supporting contemporary art in the Arab world, and we look forward to future collaborations of this kind.”

Aida Eltorie, curator of the CAVE exhibit, declares the theme of the exhibition to truly be the medium itself, with inspiration left to the artist’s own individual connection to the region’s dynamic social landscape.   Eltorie has worked in many such exhibits as an independent cultural producer and director of grassroots organization FindingProjects.Org, and through a myriad of gallery & museum shows across the globe.

“I really wanted to create a support structure for the artistic community while offering the public a unique chance to realize new and unconventional video projects from across the Middle East,” says Eltorie.   “As a regional collective, the pieces in CAVE embody modern society’s rules and regulations on the idea of a ‘homeland’; the dynamic nature of shelters which carry both physical and emotional attachments.  Not only do these structures define who we are, they demonstrate the interconnectivity of all cultures the world over.”

Contributors to this year’s event include: Adel Abidin (Iraq), Kader Attia (Algiers), Mohammed Kazem (UAE), Mounir Fatmi (Algiers), Faisal Samra (Bahrain), Khaled Hafez (Egypt), Larissa Sansour (Palestine), Mounira Al Solh (Lebanon), and Abdul Nasser Gharem (KSA).

Maisoon Al Saleh’s paintings of bones and skulls reveal stories of Emirati life and history

Sharjah, September 26, 2010:  Maraya Art Centre, one of the UAE’s most spectacular venues for contemporary visual arts will host a unique exhibition titled ‘The Bright Side of the Bones’ by local artist Maisoon Al Saleh, announced officials at Al Qasba. The exhibition, which will be inaugurated on Tuesday September 28 at 7:00 pm, will feature paintings of bones and skulls revealing different aspects of Emirati life and history.

Taking place in the 3rd floor of Maraya Art Centre, known as ‘The Contemporary Art Gallery’, the exhibition is expected to draw a lot of attention to Sharjah’s growing contemporary arts. The exhibition focuses on visualizing human life and incidents from diseases, diets, religious believes, genetic connections, class structure and an array of conflicts that we face in our daily lives.

“Throughout the years, the image of a skull was related only to poison and danger,” said Maisoon Al Saleh. “Through my paintings, I want the community to see the bright side of the bones, the side of educating and spreading the knowledge about death, where people can learn from others’ experiences and cherish the value of life.”

Commenting on the exhibition, Hazem Sawaf, Sales and Marketing Director at Al Qasba Development Authority said, “Through her unique exhibition, Maisoon Al Saleh brings people back to life with her brush strokes in each and every painting. In her work, the bones and the remains tell a story far beyond age and gender. They carry the whole life of the person which man can’t see with his naked eye and reflect imperceptible colours that reveal life out of the domination of the black and white colours in the painting.”

Open to the public from September 28 till October 28, ‘The Bright Side of the Bones’ is one of several cutting-edge exhibits from across the globe being featured at Maraya Art Centre. Recent Exhibitions included ‘Life in Ramadan’, ‘Bauhaus’ and ‘Experiment’ attracting visitors and arts’ lovers from all over the UAE.

Sharjah’s sky to lighten up with Fireworks on Friday night

Sharjah, September 7, 2010 - Al Qasba, the premiere tourist, cultural and entertainment destination in the emirate of Sharjah, announced the successful conclusion of ‘Ramadaniat Al Qasba 2010, a series of religious and cultural activities inspired by the spirit of the holy month of Ramadan.  Officials at Al Qasba have revealed that the conclusion of the one-month event will witness a fireworks celebration on Friday September 10th at 10:00 pm and a special parade for kids with their favorite cartoon characters.

The events also include an art workshop known as ‘Ebru’ which will be conducted by “Osman Fidan”, Researcher, Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization and will take place on the second day of Eid Al Fitr starting at 7:00 pm. Ebru is the art of paper marbling and one of the wonderful art forms in Islamic arts, often used to complement Arabic calligraphy. Muslim artists used this art to decorate Holy Quran manuscripts in a very beautiful way. The art form was also used to frame calligraphic compositions, to create endpapers in finely-bound books or even to design exquisite individual artworks.

Commenting on the conclusion of ‘Ramadaniat Al Qasba 2009’, Hazem Sawaf, Director of Marketing and Sales at Al Qasba Development Authority said:

“With all the efforts exerted to organize another successful edition of Ramadaniat Al Qasba, we are very pleased with the turnout and the visitors’ feedbacks on the activities and promotions that were organized. The success was a result of hard work, blessed motivations and organized cooperation between Al Qasba and various governmental and private authorities and committees.”

On behalf of Al Qasba Development Authority, I would like to congratulate the rulers and people of UAE for the occasion of Eid and may God bless them all,” added Sawaf.

The annual Ramadaniat Al Qasba program—held this autumn for the sixth consecutive year—was marked by a series of Ramadan cultural events including the Eman Oasis tent.  Hosting notable clerics from across the Islamic world, evening religious lectures saw hundreds of visitors opening their hearts and minds to some of the most important Islamic issues within contemporary society. Moreover, through the Scratch & Win campaign, which runs until September 19, visitors took home hundreds of fantastic prizes including AED 20,000 total worth of Al Qasba Gift Vouchers to be spent on dining and entertainment, Home Electronic Gifts, a bundle of Food & Beverage Freebies and many more!

‘Ramadaniat Al Qasba’ was one of the many events held this year under the collective Sharjah Ramadan Festival; a program which aims to support the time-honoured values and traditions associated with Ramadan and Eid Al-Fitr. 

Leading cultural venue Al Qasba draws over 20,000 guests during the first two weeks of Ramadan as public determined to take advantage of rare art exhibitions, Islamic lectures and holiday promotions

Sharjah, September 4, 2010: Ramadan is one of the most exciting times of the year in UAE, and in Sharjah, Ramadan entertainment was flourishing as cultural and entertainment venue Al Qasba reports a huge influx of visitors—and spending—during the holiday season.  According to Al Qasba Development Authority, revenues alone for this year’s Ramadan period have increased by almost 50% compared to last year due to the increased turnout of visitors and the various promotions which have encouraged consumer spending on everything from retail to fine dining.

The annual Ramadaniat Al Qasba program—held this autumn for the sixth consecutive year—was marked by a series of Ramadan cultural events including the Eman Oasis tent.  Hosting notable clerics from across the Islamic world, evening religious lectures saw hundreds of visitors opening their hearts and minds to some of the most important Islamic issues within contemporary society. 

Hazem Sawaf, Sales and Marketing Director at Al Qasba Development Authority, notes that the diversity of events this year encouraged an astonishing 20,000 visitors in the first two weeks—a figure higher than the monthly average footfall so far this year and even outpacing the Ramadan celebrations of last year.

“Ramadan is always an exciting time for us to be connecting with our customers and providing insights into the Islamic traditions of the region and the UAE in particular,” says Sawaf.  “Sharjah’s popularity as a tourist and cultural destination is unique in the region, and we at Al Qasba are thrilled to celebrate holidays like Ramadan and Eid with distinct attractions and promotional schedules.”

Supported by a variety of both young and experienced photographers living in UAE, the ‘Life in Ramadan’ exhibit is another of this year’s special events giving visitors the chance to discover a local perspective on the many unique traditions and customs that characterize this very special time of the Islamic year.  Open until September 18 and with predominantly local photographers, the partnership with Emirates Photography Society is one of a series of events that the two groups hope will promote photography within the UAE while strengthening the connection between art foundations and local communities.

It was the public who benefitted once again through a month-long giveaway promotion for all visitors spending AED 100 or more at any of Al Qasba’s facilities.  Through the Scratch & Win campaign, which runs until September 19, customers took home hundreds of fantastic prizes including AED 20,000 total worth of Al Qasba Gift Vouchers to be spent on dining and entertainment, Home Electronic Gifts, a bundle of Food & Beverage Freebies and many more! Unlike in years before, many of the promotions are aligned with independent Al Qasba restaurants and cafes, which add a special touch to the festive atmosphere with a wide range of Iftar and Suhour meals and extended hours. 

Ramadaniat Al Qasba was one of the many events held this year under the collective Sharjah Ramadan Festival; a program which aims to support the time-honoured values and traditions associated with Ramadan and Eid Al-Fitr. 

Manal Dowayan - Landscape of the Mind

‘Maraya Art Centre’ welcomes public to capture remarkable experiences in ‘Regarding Borders’ exhibition

Sharjah, August 28, 2010:  Al Qasba—the premier tourist, cultural and entertainment destination in the emirate of Sharjah—has announced that registration has begun for an exciting new photography exhibition, ‘Regarding Borders’, which aims to reveal and depict the social, cultural and geographical frontiers of the Arabian Peninsula.

Open to the public at large, residents and visitors alike are invited to explore the region’s rich natural environment and examine the interplay between its many contrasting cultures.   All lens-based art including photography, photo-collage, and film & video works will be considered for inclusion in the exhibition as long as they are received ahead of the September 25th deadline.

It is the hope of exhibition curators at ‘Maraya Art Centre’ to collect a “visual record” of this particular time and place in Middle East history, creating a snapshot of the Arabian Peninsula in the modern era while promoting a greater appreciation for the treasures that define the region today. ‘Regarding Borders’ exhibit will be finalized this autumn and appear to the public before the end of 2010, hosted at ‘Maraya Art Centre’ in partnership with ‘The Shelter’.

‘Regarding Borders’ is an open invitation for local artists to express their unique perceptions of life in the Gulf”, says ‘The Shelter’ Curator, Madeline Yale.  “This is an ever-changing region where ancient traditions are kept alive in a modernizing global system, and that balance sets the stage for an incredible insight into the character of Arabia and its people.”

‘Maraya Art Centre’ frequently hosts cutting-edge exhibits from all over the world, including recent shows from countries like Iraq, Italy and UAE.  Most recently, the Centre hosted ‘Life in Ramadan’ photography exhibition showcasing the works of 13 photographers from the region that express their view of the holy month.

For more information about the exhibition, please log on to www.alqasba.ae

Cooperative exhibition features creative works for 13 photographers

Sharjah, August 23, 2010:  Bringing colourful insights into life of UAE residents during the Holy Month of Ramadan, ‘Life in Ramadan’ photography exhibition was inaugurated yesterday (August 22), 10:00 pm at Maraya Art Centre in Al Qasba. The exhibition which is held in collaboration with the Emirates Photography Society will run from August 22nd – September 18th showcasing photographic works of UAE’s talented photographers. The exhibition was inaugurated in the presence of H.E. Marwan Jassim Al Sarkal, CEO of Al Qasba; H.E. Saeed Al Nabouda, Acting General Director at Dubai Culture and Arts Authority and Mr. Peter Jackson, Architect Advisor, HH The Ruler’s Office along with other distinguished guests.

Featuring the works of 13 photographers, 10 of which hold the UAE nationality, the ‘Life in Ramadan’ exhibit gives visitors the chance to discover a local perspective on the many unique traditions and customs that characterize this very special time of the Islamic year.  With predominantly local photographers, organizers say that they are also working to promote photography within the UAE while strengthening the connection between art foundations and local communities.

Open to the public at large, Life in Ramadan is one of several cutting-edge exhibits from across the globe being featured at Maraya Art Centre. Recent projects have included partnerships with institutions like the Sharjah Art Foundation and award-winning pieces on display from the 2009 Abraaj Capital Art prize.

AROUND 13 photographers from different parts of the UAE have gathered to bring colourful insights into the life of UAE residents during the holy month of Ramadan. The ‘Life in Ramadan’ exhibition started at Maraya Art Centre in Al Qasba on Sunday.

The exhibition, which will continue till Sept. 18, is being held in collaboration with the Emirates Photography Society to showcase the photographic work of the country’s talented photographers.

The exhibition was inaugurated in the presence of CEO of Al Qasba Marwan Jassim Al Sarkal, Acting General Director at Dubai Culture and Arts Authority Saeed Al Nabouda, and Architect Advisor- The Ruler’s Office Peter Jackson, along with other distinguished guests.

Local perspective

Featuring the works of 13 photographers, 10 of whom are UAE nationals, the exhibition gives visitors the chance to discover a local perspective on the many unique traditions and customs that characterise this very special time of the Islamic year.  With predominantly local photographers, organisers say that they are also working to promote photography within the UAE while strengthening the connection between art foundations and local communities.

Talking to The Gulf Today, Ammar Al Attar, one of the photographers who has displayed a unique project of photography, said that he had been taking part in various exhibitions and showcased his work throughout the UAE.

At Maraya Art Centre’s exhibition, Al Attar has displayed his work “Untitled” - a combination of 500 still images covering the “Taraweeh” prayers in a series - through a video. “Taraweeh is one of the important prayers during Ramadan and through this project I am showing the importance of this to the world,” said Al Attar. “I had completed this project in  two days to capture 500 pictures. I then combined them to use a timeless technique and am showcasing it in the exhibition to highlight the different aspects of Ramadan in the UAE.”

He noted that it was not an easy task for him, but  he managed to do so with the help of his associates.

Al Attar said that last year the theme of Al Qasba exhibition was mosques and before it was prayers in which various photographers under the banner of Emirates Photography Society took part. “Photography is a way of documentation of various accounts and sharing with other people,” he added.

Young photographer

The exhibition is also showcasing the work of a 16-year-old Emirati photographer, Naser Ali Naser, entitled “Some people in Ramadan,” which drew attention of almost every visitor.

Naser resides in Abu Dhabi and came to Sharjah to take part in the exhibition. He is a student of Grade 12 and is self-taught in terms of photography techniques. This is his third exhibition to showcase his work.

“I have captured every mood of life but love landscape photography very much to help me explore nature,” he said. “I will continue my hobby of photography to capture more and more scenes and will display them in other exhibitions.”

Open to the public at large, Life in Ramadan is one of the several exhibits from across the globe being featured at Maraya Art Centre. Recent projects have included partnerships with institutions like the Sharjah Art Foundation and award-winning pieces on display from the 2009 Abraaj Capital Art prize.

Al Qasba

All-inclusive destination records nearly a quarter of a million visitors in first half of the year as Ramadan festival gets underway this month

Sharjah, August 17, 2010:  Now celebrating the sixth anniversary of the Ramadaniat Al Qasba festival, officials at Sharjah’s premier entertainment destination Al Qasba have revealed high attendance number pushing almost a quarter of a million visitors in just the first six months of 2010.  One of the leading cultural destinations in the Emirate of Sharjah, the company’s mix of leisure attractions and business facilities has proven to be an attractive combination not only for UAE residents but a growing tourism industry in the Emirate.

Situated in the centre of “new Sharjah”, location has become a key factor in driving places like Al Qasba to diversify their offerings to attract a combination of leisure and business visitors in 2010.  “Here families can find a lively evening’s entertainment, friends can share in five-star international cuisine, and business people can take advantage of stylishly sophisticated conference facilities all within a single picturesque setting,” says Hazem Sawaf, Sales and Marketing Director at Al Qasba Development Authority.

A number of events have made this an especially rewarding year for Al Qasba, including a community walkathon to support the children of Palestine, an Earth Hour event supporting energy conservation, and the recently concluded ‘Scream for Your Team’ event held during the FIFA World Cup this year.

According to the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA), the Sharjah tourism industry has maintained a steady growth as the number of tourists and hotel occupancy rate rose in the first half of the year. 

“As Sharjah’s popularity increases, we have worked diligently to offer leisure and business customers not only excellent amenities, but a combination of attractions unlike any other available in the Emirate,” adds Sawaf.

The venue has proven widely popular with people of all ages with notable attractions such as the Etisalat Eye of the Emirates—the largest Ferris wheel in the Middle East having alone drawn almost 40,000 visitors during the first half of the year.  Other cultural ventures include traditional Abra boat rides along the Sharjah’s waterfront, with creatives also getting a flush of inspiration at the Maraya Art Centre, presenting three distinct galleries and a number of monthly workshops and lectures. Plenty of cafes and restaurants also line the Al Qasba waterfront, offering guests everything from European bistros to relaxed Arabian coffeehouses. 

Inspired by the success of the first six months, the Sharjah destination is determined to bring even more action to the latter half of 2010 as the Holy Month of Ramadan kicks of this week.

“This is typically one of our busiest times of the year as people across the region seek to capture a glimpse of the past while exploring the many wonders of contemporary Islamic society.”  We are especially thrilled this year to be extending Ramadaniat Al Qasba under the collective Sharjah Ramadan Festival, supporting the time-honoured values and traditions associated with Ramadan and Eid Al-Fitr,” concluded Sawaf.

Giving visitors the chance to walk away with something special this Ramadan, Al Qasba is sponsoring a series of giveaway promotions for all visitors spending AED 100 or more at any of Al Qasba’s facilities.  Through the Scratch & Win campaign, customers will be able to take home any number of fantastic prizes including Al Qasba Value Vouchers, free attraction tickets, and or course instant prizes.

Additional information about the seasonal and permanent activities at Al Qasba can be found online at www.alqasba.ae
 

Al Qasba Mosque

Sharjah’s leading cultural venue to host series of Islamic lectures, entertainment events & grand Ramadan banquets

Sharjah, August 3, 2010: Sitting in the heart of downtown Sharjah, Al Qasba—the Emirate’s leading tourist, cultural and entertainment destination—has announced preparations to welcome in the Holy month of Ramadan with an expanded agenda for its annual Ramadaniat Al Qasba program, held this autumn for the sixth consecutive year.

Representatives at Al Qasba say that they are thrilled to be extending Ramadaniat Al Qasba under the collective Sharjah Ramadan Festival—a   program aimed at supporting the time-honored values and traditions associated with Ramadan and Eid Al-Fitr.  The Sharjah Ramadan Festival will be spread across the Emirate of Sharjah from Ramadan tents to shopping festivals, accompanied by a series of family activities and promotions attracting people from all age groups and backgrounds.

One of the many unique events planned at Al Qasba will be the ‘Eman Oasis’, hosting notable clerics from across the Islamic world as they come together to support a remarkable schedule of religious lectures dealing with issues affecting modern Islamic society.  The schedule will include nineteen lectures covering various topics from August 12 – 26, including a number of events for non-Muslims. Held within a classical Arabian tent, the air-conditioned venue will be fitted for visitors of all ages with a special area for ladies only.

Dina Al Nakhi, events manager at Al Qasba, says that her team is excited to be putting all the final touches on what is typically one of the largest and most anticipated events of the year. “We are incredibly proud to be hosting Ramadaniat Al Qasba once again and welcoming audiences from across the region to enjoy the many activities present for all age groups,” adds Al Nakhi.

In the spirit of fun and giving, visitors to Al Qasba will also have the chance to win great prizes during the Holy Month. 

Al Qasba is preparing to welcome the holy month of Ramadan Modern with a distinctive Islamic feel reflecting the identity of Al Qasba and the Emirate of Sharjah, complete with palm trees, bridges and buildings in Al Qasba being lit with special Ramadan lights.  Al Qasba restaurants and cafes will be adding a special touch to family meetings as visitors can enjoy the festive atmosphere with a wide range of Iftar and Suhour meals with extended hours and menus.  For younger visitors, the Al Qasba Kids Fun Zone will be featuring some special educational events aligned with the theme of Ramadan.

Cooperative exhibition to reveal joyful spirit of “Life in Ramadan” from across the UAE with features from over 20 local photographers

Maraya Art Centre

Sharjah, July 28, 2010:  Bringing colourful insights into life of UAE residents during the Holy Month of Ramadan, the Maraya Art Centre is proud to announce a new alliance with the Emirates Photography Society for an upcoming art exhibition titled Life in Ramadan, running from August 22 – September 18 at Al Qasba. 

Supported by a variety of both young and experienced photographers living in UAE, the Life in Ramadan exhibition gives visitors the chance to discover a local perspective on the many unique traditions and customs that characterize this very special time of the Islamic year.  With predominantly local photographers, organizers say that they are also working to promote photography within the UAE while strengthening the connection between art foundations and local communities.

“The treasured moments shared between family and friends during the Holy Month of Ramadan are fantastic memories to capture as part of our modern Emirati history,” says Ammar Al Attar, Manager of Emirates Photography Society. “It is the hope of Maraya Art Centre that this will be the first of many collaborations with Emirates Photography Society as our two organisations share mutual ambitions for supporting artistic creativity in the Emirate of Sharjah.” 

Open to the public at large, Life in Ramadan is one of several cutting-edge exhibits from across the globe being featured at Maraya Art Centre. Recent projects have included partnerships with institutions like the Sharjah Art Foundation and award-winning pieces on display from the 2009 Abraaj Capital Art prize.