Press Release
Dubai International Financial Centre hosts Art Nightas part of 10th anniversary celebrations
A series of exhibitions, talks, live performances and more will be held at Gate Village on 27th October in celebration of the DIFC’s 10th Anniversary
Dubai – 21October, 2014: The Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) will launchthe season opening ofits Art Nights series in celebration of the Centre’s 10th Anniversary next month. Ahost of exhibitions, talks, live performances and more will take place at DIFC’s Gate Village on October 27, from 7pm-10pm, and are open to the public free of charge.
Art Nights has become an important part of the DIFC cultural calendar. The event, now in its fifth year, has helped to firmly establish DIFC Gate Village as a creative space and cultural hub in the region.
Audiences will be able to enjoy a number of music shows, including performances from local DJs andmusicians, as well as exhibitions, live art instalments and activities such as a pop up painting studio by thejamjar.
In addition to this, there will be several talks and workshops, including a panel discussion with Ryan Inouye, Associate Curator, SB12 and Argentinian artist Eduardo Navarro, presented by Sharjah Art Foundation and Brownbook.
Audi Al Nabooda Automobiles will present the latest in its Audi Art Experience series with The Heart of Innovation, where 10 UAE based young artists will have the opportunity to showcase their interpretation of the theme at the DIFC Art Night.
Exhibits include contemporary floral art creation ‘When Nature Meets Modern’, showcased by Flowers by CONTEMPO, which includes a talk on the concept of floral art by CONTEMPO’s resident Dutch Master Floral Designer Patrick van Hesselingen, as well as workshops on the craft of bouquet making.
Visitors can take part in Canvas Magazine’s social media competition throughout the night, giving them the chance to win a three night stay and couple’s spa package at the Park Hyatt, Maldives, by simply posting a photo of any artwork or live event to Twitter or Instagram.
In collaboration with DIFC Art Nights, Dubai Culture and Arts Authority will present the seventh edition of Marketplace of Creative Arts (MOCAfest), a nomadic and international arts festival bringing together singers and spoken word artists, which will take place from October 28-30, 2014, at Madinat Jumeirah.
The talented chefs from the Ritz Carlton DIFC will showcase their creative flair at Art Nights with a range of complimentary canapés and beverages
Once again, visitors will be able to travel to and from the event for free thanks to a partnership with Uber, the transport smartphone application that enables users to order a taxi at the click of a button. Uber can be downloaded by individuals who wish to request a ride by using the promo code DIFCArtNights.
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ART NIGHTS AT GATE VILLAGE
27 OCTOBER 2014
7-10 PM
FULL PROGRAMME
GALLERY EXHIBITIONS
Ajyad Gallery
Musab Al Rais
Ajyad Gallery presents an exhibition featuring works by Emirati artist Musab Al Rais. Al Rais’s paintings use a bold palette of primary colours to represent Arabic landscapes.
Art Sawa
Diaspora by Sara Shamma & Curator talk by Edward Lucie Smith at 8.30pm
Diaspora is an exhibition about people, and not only the Syrians. It is about any men, women and children who are obliged to leave their homeland, trying to establish a life somewhere else, carrying the fragments of their lives with them, the memories of peace, and chasing dreams, one big, the dream of new peace.
ARTSPACE
Digital Recycling by Mohammed Taman
Mohammed Taman’s works are characterized by color materials, which he uses and forms by hand. The composition of such colors involves petroleum derivatives and oil oxides so these elements can interact together on the surface of the painting. In Digital Recycling, Taman addresses the idea of icons.
Ayyam Gallery
Landmarks by Thaier Helal
Landmarks is the forthcoming solo exhibition of leading Syrian artist Thaier Helal. Presenting two new series of paintings, Landmarks will feature neo-expressionist works that explore a multisensory perception of Syria’s diverse terrain as the artist figuratively reenters the now war-torn country.
Cuadro Gallery
Night Light by Various Artists
Night Light features light installations by seven contemporary artists - Manal AlDowayan, Ammar Al Attar, Halim Al Karim, Kader Attia, William Mackrell and Christto & Andrew. Cuadro Gallery dims its lights as the installations illuminate the space, presenting the resonating language of a daring medium fashioned by international talent.
Cube Arts
And The Dance Goes On by Samira Hodaei
Her unique style earned the young Iranian artist the recognition and respect of renowned art buyers. With their pixilated forms and bright colors Samira Hodaei’s animated figures come to life, like the characters of a video game, and portray stories of struggles that they encounter, in simple yet profound allegorical imagery.
Opera Gallery
Think Big by various artists
Opera Gallery is pleased to give you the special opportunity to discover the monumental animal sculptures and the exceptional large paintings and photographies of its collection by international renowned artists: Pierre Matter, Lita Cabellut, Zhong Biao, Katrin Fridriks, SEEN, David Mach, Andre Brasilier, Zakaria Ramhani, Gerard Rancinan
The Empty Quarter Gallery
The Face of Gaza by Miguel Angel Sanchez
The Empty Quarter Gallery is proud to present, for the first time in the UAE, works by Spanish portrait and reportage photographer Miguel Angel Sanchez in an extraordinary exhibition entitledThe Face of Gaza. Sanchez uses chiaroscuro lighting and poses reminiscent of old master portraits to reveal what he believes all of his subjects share: dignity.
The Farjam Foundation
#Interference
The Farjam Foundation is pleased to introduce #Interference, a Twitter-based exhibition, launched as part of a larger global exchange. #Interference brings together a collection of works by eight artists exploring their individual relationships with the world that surrounds them.
LUMAS
The Liberation of Art & Lumas New Collection
Created by art collectors and brought to life by 160 renowned artists and promising talents from major academies, LUMAS offers original and inspiring art as affordable editions, making photography accessible to a new and growing audience. Focused on new collectors, LUMAS represents perspectives by both established and emerging photographic, digital, and design artists.
RIRA Gallery
Works by Iranian artists
RIRA Gallery represents contemporary artists from the Middle East, providing a platform to develop their talent, and showcase their works beyond the social and political restrictions of their home country. Specifically, the gallery focuses on strengthening the platform for artists in Iran to exhibit their works regionally and internationally. The gallery is located on the lower level of the GV3.
SPECIAL EVENTS
Aliel
Art Meets jewelry at DIFC Art Nights
Aliel, a fine jewellery brand which reflects the beauty of the natural world through its unparalleled creations. In collaboration with XVA Gallery, we welcome Mahmoud Hamadani to dress our walls with his monochromatic visions. A unique presentation that brings together Art and Jewellery.
Art After Dark @ No.5 Lounge & Bar
Guests of Art Nights can cross over the direct walkway to the terrace of No.5 Lounge & Bar at The Ritz-Carlton, DIFC, for the official after-party Art After Dark, with music from Resident DJ, Break DJ Lobito.
Capital Club Dubai
Cinema with a twist of lime
From 7pm, the Club opens its doors once again to the DIFC Community. Take in the
buzzing DIFC Art Night from the Club’s wonderful terrace bar, whilst viewing art-house
films under the s tar s . Be sure to book your beanbag. RSVPs to -
Table Tennis by Ping Pong Dubai
Visit the free play tables at the Ping Pong Dubai area and discover how the sport of table tennis is a fun and social way to be more active. Returning to Art Night for a third season, the community initiative is now an established presence at DIFC following its popular corporate challenge tournaments. Please follow Ping Pong Dubai on Facebook and Instagram.
#PingPongDubai
The Magazine Shop
Vinyl Market
We're bringing over a special selection of vinyl records for sale ranging from Bollywood funk to 70s Algerian folk & Turkish psychedelic music. Come hang out, listen to some grooves and enjoy a great coffee.
The Rug Company
The Rug Company, creators of the most desirable rugs in the world, has introduced its Studio Collection: a collection of hand-woven rugs and cushions that embrace simplicity, affordability and versatility. The Rug Company: forward-thinking design and an unwavering commitment to quality and craftsmanship.
Gate Village 02
The Ritz Carlton, DIFC
The talented chefs from The Ritz-Carlton, DIFC will showcase their creative flair at Art Nights with a range of canapés and beverages, available via their acclaimed catering service, ideal for intimate gatherings and large scale celebrations, in private venues including galleries, villas and boats.
The Sameness Project
#TheConversationChair
Step out of the hustle and bustle of your everyday routine, to sit and have a moment of [sameness]. Two strangers on a design award winning chair, pull down a balloon and have a conversation. There are unique conversation starters written on the balloons, which have seen strangers turn to friends, and is definitely worth experiencing yourself.
Versus Art
A Commentary
Presenting a (mock) commentary on the meaning of art and its distinctive lexicon. As a live stream art browsing session is in effect, a megaphone speaker will comment on the works. This transmission is brought to you by Versus, the on- and offline platform for collecting more accessible art from around the world.
Audi
The Heart of Innovation
Audi Al Nabooda presents the Audi Art Experience, an event series that started in 2013. The theme of the fourth edition is: Audi – the heart of innovation.
Ten UAE based young artists are presented with the opportunity to showcase their interpretation of the theme at Art Nights.
TALKS, WORKSHOPS & MORE
Brownbook & Sharjah Art Foundation
Sharjah Biennial 12 Associate Curator Ryan Inouye in conversation with artist Eduardo Navarro
7:00-8:00 pm
SB12 associate curator Ryan Inouye speaks with artist Eduardo Navarro (lives in Buenos Aires, Argentina) about his recent work and practice. Navarro has recently participated in major exhibitions including the 12th Cuenca Biennial (2014) and the 9th Mercosul Biennial (2013). This talk is part of a monthly series presented by Sharjah Art Foundation. To register, please e-mail . Hosted by Brownbook - GV2 street level.
thejamjar
Pop Up Painting Studio
7:00 - 9.00 pm
This fresh approach allows you all the facilities of thejamjar’s pop up painting studio during Art Nights. Ten easels, artist grade canvases and an unlimited supply of paints and brushes are available to visitors, along with a selection of themed inspiration materials. Visitors are encouraged to engage with art and let their imaginations run free. thejamjar’s facilitator will also be present to help nudge the creative process along!
Flowers by CONTEMPO
When Nature Meets Modern
7.30pm and 8.30pm
Flowers by CONTEMPO will showcase a contemporary floral art creation titled-‘When Nature Meets Modern’. Patrick van Hesselingen, CONTEMPO’s resident Dutch Master Floral Designer,will discuss and explain the concept of ‘floral art.’ Finally, along with a team of florists, Patrickwill conduct 2 workshops in which Art Nights’ guests can learn firsthand the craft of bouquetmaking. Workshop participants will take home with them their beautiful bouquets. Participation islimited so sign up early.
The Bookshop
Panel Discussion: Fashion Criticism as a journalistic practice
7.30 pm
A panel discussion lead by Tima Ouzden, editor-in-chief of Gazette, which is a digital and print media publication discussing fashion from front row, backstage and everywhere in between. The panel consists of editors, designers and consultants and discusses the importance and necessity of fashion critique as a practice and as a useful tool for the development and betterment of the regional fashion industry. To register, email: .
The Magazine Shop
Fashion Board Games
8.00 pm
A fun and challenging trivia board game that includes a variety of questions ranging from easy to difficult over numerous segments of the fashion industry including print, models, designers and much more.
LIVE ART & PERFORMANCES
The Gamcha Project by Elise Vazelakis
American Artist, Elise Vazelakis, showcases The Gamcha Project. Consisting of weavings constructed by incorporating gamchas (headwear of Dubai's labour force), their photographs and found objects from construction sites. The project aims to communicate the significance of these hard woking men as the 'fabric' of the Dubai landscape.
Live Mural Painting
In support of the creative community, Art Nights brings together three Dubai-based artists Konan Lim, Fathima Mohiuddin and Paul Bruwer to create an inspiring and dynamic live mural during the evening.
MUSIC
Break DJ Lobito
7-10pm
Nominated for best DJ in Dubai 2013/2014, Break DJ Lobito is a leading supporter of vinyl culture, turntablism, breakdance and street art in the Middle East. Rated in the top 5 DJs of his style worldwide, Lobito's speciality is rare records spanning funk, latin, soul, hip hop, brazilian, afrobeat, reggae, block party beats and original b-boy breaks.
The Unsigned Hype:
7.15pm
Bringing together a mixture of live instruments, turntablism and vocalists, The Unsigned Hype will perform a fusion of sounds incorporating some of the UAEs most talented session musicians bringing together, producer, turntablist, vocalist & MC.
Dubai Culture & MOCAfest Collaborative Performance
8.15pm
In partnership with Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, the seventh edition of Marketplace of Creative Arts (MOCAfest), will take place from October 28 to 30, 2014, at the Madinat Jumeirah. MOCAfest is a nomadic and international arts festival with the aim of bridging business to the arts. Bringing together artist worldwide, MOCAfest brings its fusion works to ArtNights featuring: Soul singer, Drew Love (USA), Spoken Word Artist, Zohab Khan (Australia), Spoken Word Artist, Aether (Botswana), Dancer, Saif Aldamen (Jordan) and Guitarist, Asif Sinan (Pakistan).
EXCLUSIVE TO ART NIGHTS
Win with Canvas Magazine
#TakeMeAwayCanvas
This DIFC Art Nights, join the Canvas Magazine competition by posting a photo of any artwork or live event to @CanvasMag (Instagram) or @CanvasTweet (Twitter), explain why you like it and tag #TakeMeAwayCanvas, to enter a draw to win a 3-night stay and couples spa package at the Park Hyatt Maldives!
All entrants must follow @CanvasMag and @CanvasTweet and be over 21. Winning image will be selected by Canvas team. Winner will be notified by 15 November. Flights not included. T+C apply.
Free Transport by Uber
If you're coming to Art Nights, there's absolutely no need to worry about your ride because we've arranged hassle-free complimentary rides for you with Uber, a smartphone application that allows you to request a chauffeured car at the click of a button. Valid for new users only.
To get your free ride:
1. Download the app on your smartphone
2. Register using promo code "DIFCArtNights"
3. Place the pin at pickup location & request a ride (either to or from Art Nights)
About DIFC
The Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) is the financial hub for Middle East, Africa and South Asia, providing a world-class platform connecting this region’s markets with the economies of Europe, Asia and the Americas. In addition to the 100 per cent foreign ownership, zero per cent tax rate, the lack of restriction on capital convertibility or profit repatriation, the Centre offers one of the world’s most successful financial industry ecosystems including an independent regulator, the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA), an independent judicial system with a common-law framework, the DIFC Courts, a global financial exchange, inspiring architecture, powerful and enabling infrastructure, support services and a vibrant business community.
For more information, please visit and follow the DIFC on Twitter @DIFC.
For further inquiries on DIFC, please contact:
Capital MSL
Skye Ferguson
Email:
Tel: 971 55 123 0208
Nahed Ashour
Email:
Tel: +971 50 423 0537
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