Murals Capturing Tradition, Identity, and Modernity

Among the 13 striking murals, notable works include:

• ‘A Heritage of Night’ by Eman Alrashdi, merging Emirati identity with a Van Gogh-inspired night sky.
• ‘Child’s Play’ by Perryhan El-Ashmawi, portraying childhood joy and creativity.
• ‘Rooted Connections’ by Karim Jabbari, blending Arabic calligraphy and poetry.
• ‘Dream Big’ by Noé Peiró, symbolizing Dubai’s rise from a fishing village to a global city.

Other murals explore urban life, nature, and cultural heritage, showcasing the depth of talent from regional and international artists.

Innovative Sculptures and Installations

Over 40+ installations redefine the landscape, including:

• ‘Shells’ by Dr Mohamed Yousif, depicting Dubai’s coastal history through stone carving.
• ‘Dubai Heart’ by Azza Al Qubaisi, exploring the UAE’s traditions and identity.
• ‘Starry Sky in Dubai’ by Liu Yang, a dynamic light sculpture inspired by celestial movements.
• ‘Moon’ by Mohamed Sahnoun, a calligraphy-adorned marble piece that shifts between full and crescent moon perspectives.

Interactive and Sustainable Art

Artworks like ‘Make-A-Friend’ by Hend Almurid, an installation allowing visitors to build their own sculptures, and ‘Renewal’ by Studio Thirteen X Nordic Homeworx, made from recycled wood, highlight the festival’s focus on community engagement and sustainability.

A Collaborative Effort

The festival is supported by Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority, Dubai Police, Dubai Municipality, and Dubai Civil Defence, ensuring a well-curated cultural experience.

With immersive art, heritage-inspired creations, and futuristic installations, Sikka 2025 cements Dubai’s position as a thriving hub for artistic innovation and cultural storytelling.

The post Sikka Art Festival Transforms Al Shindagha with Installations appeared first on Magzoid Magazine.

In the digital era, we often find ourselves drawn to the convenience and allure of digital art forms, such as computer-generated graphics and virtual reality experiences. While these innovations have their merits, they can never fully replace the raw emotional impact of encountering a beautifully crafted sculpture in person. The tangible presence of a sculpture can evoke emotions that are difficult to replicate in a virtual space.

Sculptures, in their physicality, offer a unique and intimate experience. The ability to walk around a sculpture, observing its form and texture from different angles, allows us to engage with the artwork on a deeper level. It sparks curiosity and invites contemplation, pulling us away from the fast-paced digital world and encouraging us to slow down and appreciate the details that might otherwise go unnoticed.

Moreover, sculptures possess an inherent connection to history and culture. From ancient civilizations to contemporary artists, sculptures have been a timeless form of expression, capturing the essence of societies and their beliefs. In the midst of constant digital change, sculptures serve as a reminder of our shared heritage, linking us to the past and grounding us in the present.

While the digital age has undoubtedly expanded the reach of art, making it accessible to a global audience, it has also posed challenges for sculptures and their place in contemporary society. The vast online galleries and virtual exhibitions have made it easier for digital art to gain popularity, sometimes overshadowing the enduring significance of sculptures.

However, it is crucial to remember that art is not a competition between traditional and digital forms but rather a celebration of diversity and creativity. Embracing both digital art and sculptures enriches our artistic experiences, allowing us to appreciate the old and new side by side.

As we navigate the digital landscape, we must actively seek opportunities to engage with sculptures in real-life settings. Visiting art museums, outdoor installations, and public spaces with sculptures can reignite our connection to art and infuse a sense of wonder into our lives.

Furthermore, artists today are also embracing technology to breathe new life into sculptures. Digital sculpting tools and 3D printing techniques have opened up new avenues for artists to experiment and create innovative works that bridge the gap between the physical and digital realms.

In conclusion, while the digital age offers us exciting possibilities in the world of art, we must not overlook the enduring beauty and relevance of sculptures. Sculptures provide a tangible and relatable connection to art and history, inviting us to slow down and appreciate the essence of human creativity. Embracing both traditional and digital art forms enriches our artistic experiences and keeps the spirit of sculptures alive in the rapidly digitalized age. Let us cherish and celebrate sculptures as a testament to our shared cultural heritage and an inspiration for generations to come.

The post Sculptures and Their Current Status in the Rapidly Digital Age appeared first on Magzoid Magazine.

Firman’s sculptures freeze moments of time and action in precarious balance. From a taxidermied elephant seemingly weightless on a gallery wall to human figures striking precarious poses, he captures the essence of balance and weight. To create these sculptures, he demands much effort from his models, making them remain immobile until exhaustion. This approach to time becomes the foundation of his unique and thought-provoking art.

The artist’s fascination with the human body goes beyond static sculptures. He has explored performance art, crafting choreographed works where he encloses himself within constructions. Additionally, he has delved into immersive sound installations of “Drone Music,” adding another dimension to his diverse artistic expression.

Firman’s works resonate with audiences worldwide and have found a place in major collections around the globe. He currently lives and works in Istanbul and Bordeaux, where he continues to push the boundaries of art and challenge his own artistic limits.

One of Firman’s remarkable series, “Attitude” and “Saisir L’impossible,” questions humanity’s relationship with the modern world, technology, and each other amidst chaos. Through his surprising and hyper-realistic sculptures, he reinterprets our perception of space and the connection between humans and animals, exploring gravity’s influence.

Technically versatile, Daniel Firman experiments with various materials, from ready-made objects to polyurethane, bronze, and clay. Some of his works use molds of real human bodies and clothing to achieve hyper-realistic depictions, while others take a more imaginative approach, deforming human bodies to “capture the impossible.” Each sculpture becomes a reflection of humanity, the world of objects, and nature from Firman’s unique perspective.

The artist’s extensive exhibition history includes prestigious institutions like Centre Pompidou (France), The Eli&Edythe Broad MSU Art Museum (USA), Musée d’Art Contemporain de Lyon (France), and many others worldwide.

As you step into the world of Daniel Firman’s sculptures, you are invited to ponder the delicate balance between humanity and the ever-changing world of objects. His art captures fleeting moments, freezing them in time, allowing us to reflect on our place in the grand scheme of things. Prepare to be mesmerized and captivated by the gravity-defying wonders crafted by this visionary artist.

The post Defying Gravity: Daniel Firman and his Thrilling Escapade into the Precarious Realm of Sculptures appeared first on Magzoid Magazine.

Born in 1960 in Morocco, Bruno Catalano’s roots are deeply intertwined with a history of migrations and cultural blending. His family, tracing back to Franco-Italian origins, can trace their ancestry to Jewish ancestors who were expelled from Spain in the 15th century and later found refuge in Sicily before eventually settling in North Africa. At the age of ten, Bruno’s family left Morocco to make a new home in Marseille.

Initially, life took Bruno in a different direction, as his father trained him as an electrician. For several years, he worked on boats for a shipping company and later joined SNCM, a job far from the world of art. Little did he know that these early experiences would play a crucial role in shaping his artistic sensibilities.

Bruno’s journey into the world of art began when he discovered the craft of creating leather masks with his friends. Intrigued by the world of sculpture, he later turned his focus to clay in 1991. Determined to master this medium, he enrolled in modeling and drawing workshops while enriching his skills through self-study and reading.

Over time, Bruno Catalano established his own studio, equipped it with an oven, and made sculpting his primary vocation. Recognition came knocking in 2001 when the town hall of the 5th arrondissement of Marseille commissioned him to create a bust of the legendary Yves Montand, which was to adorn a dedicated square. This marked the beginning of a series of public art projects that would become the heart and soul of his artistic journey.

In 2004, an unexpected incident changed the course of Bruno’s artistic expression forever. A metal casting accident created a serendipitous opening in one of his sculptures. Instead of dismissing it as a mishap, Bruno embraced this fortuitous event, making the tear in the material a central element of his future creations. This marked a turning point in his career, as he began crafting monumental figures, some towering several meters high. Bronze became his preferred medium, and he occasionally infused his sculptures with vibrant colors, breathing life into each piece.

Today, Bruno Catalano continues to embody the true essence of a sculptor, always striving for perfection, accuracy, and honesty in the portrayal of his figures. His works have an enigmatic quality, leaving viewers pondering the stories behind each sculpture and the profound emotions they evoke.

As you explore the world of Bruno Catalano’s sculptures, you will find yourself drawn into a realm of travel, migration, and the beauty of human resilience. Each piece speaks of a shared human experience, and every viewer can resonate with the emotions depicted in these stunning artworks.

So, let yourself be transported by the magic of Bruno Catalano’s sculptures, and embark on a journey of introspection and wonder as you immerse yourself in the stories of the Travelers.

The post The artist whose work travels around the World: Bruno Catalano appeared first on Magzoid Magazine.

The world’s very first balloon dog art trail has not only delighted and captivated the hearts of locals but has also garnered international attention, thanks to its imaginative fusion of art, community engagement, and philanthropy. This extraordinary endeavor was a joint collaboration between Julia’s House, a children’s hospice charity, and Wild in Art, an organization renowned for its innovative art trails.

The art trail featured 72 meticulously crafted fibreglass sculptures strategically positioned throughout Swindon’s parks, tourist attractions, shopping streets, libraries, and community centers. These charming and whimsical sculptures, ranging from the larger Swindogs to the smaller Swinpups, were designed by local and international artists, as well as creative contributions from schools and community groups.

Project manager Chris Hyde expressed his astonishment at the overwhelming response from the public, saying, “We have been blown away by the response from the public to the trail. The Swindogs and Swinpups have brought joy, excitement, and color to Swindon over the summer for locals and also for tourists to the town, many of whom have visited just to see the trail.”

As the sculptures are carefully removed from their pedestals across the borough, there’s one last chance for art enthusiasts and trail devotees to relish their charm. The sculptures will be brought together under one roof for a farewell weekend at the renowned Steam Museum on September 15 and 16. Visitors will have the unique opportunity to pose with their favorite creations, purchase souvenirs, and even try their luck at winning a mini sculpture.

A highlight of the farewell weekend is the chance to enter a raffle for a unique first prize sculpture, lovingly donated and designed by acclaimed artist Robert Mach. This special piece, inspired by Tunnock’s tea cakes and named ‘Running with the Dogs,’ promises to be a cherished keepsake.

Moreover, the art trail’s final chapter will be written at the Steam Museum on September 19, where an auction will take place to find forever homes for these one-of-a-kind artworks. All proceeds from the auction will be directed towards Julia’s House, furthering the charitable mission that inspired this remarkable artistic adventure.

The post Swindon’s Big Dog Art Trail: A Colorful Community Phenomenon appeared first on Magzoid Magazine.

The exhibition featured the works of 40 students who presented their media art creations based on the theme “The most precious thing in my life 10 years from now.” Each artwork was displayed on an iPad and demonstrated how the pieces could be transformed using an image generator powered by artificial intelligence. By inputting keywords like “Oscar-Claude Monet style” into the AI tool, for example, a student’s artwork could be altered to resemble the distinct style of the renowned French painter, resulting in a unique “collaborative” art piece.

Not only were the students’ works showcased, but they were also reinterpreted by Yang Min-ha, a media artist and professor at the University of Seoul who played a mentoring role for the Dream Gream students. Yang presented his own mashup artwork on a large media wall titled “Waves of Dreams,” where he creatively incorporated the students’ drawings using the same AI tool. As viewers moved in front of the motion sensors installed at the bottom of the installation, millions of white dots formed waves that moved in synchronization with the audience, symbolizing various concepts such as flower seeds, waves, and dreams.

Yang explained that his intention was to challenge the common perception of AI as a potentially threatening technology by showcasing its collaborative potential in producing vibrant cultural expressions. He aimed to change the stereotype surrounding AI and demonstrate its ability to generate new and innovative art forms.

Han Sung Motor plans to continue supporting the Dream Gream students by facilitating their participation in key art fairs in Seoul throughout the year, including the Korea International Art Fair Seoul in September and the Seoul Design Festival in December. Collaborating with the Korea Mecenat Association, the company has been running the scholarship program since 2012, with a total of 279 students and mentors benefiting from the initiative.

Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Han Sung Motor has increased its budget for social responsibility activities by 14 percent in 2021 compared to the previous year. The company remains committed to expanding its corporate donations and contributing to local communities.

With 38 years of prominence in Korea’s import car market, Han Sung Motor boasts an extensive network of auto importers, including 24 showrooms, 26 service centers, and seven certified secondhand Mercedes-Benz vehicle exhibition sites across the country.

The post Han Sung Motor-backed students present media art at Plastic Art Seoul appeared first on Magzoid Magazine.

According to Steven’s 2020 artist statement, he paints representations of natural beauty, metaphors of growth, and a positive perspective. He uses captivating and palatable color schemes to depict floral designs entwined with portraits and animals in graphically geometric, abstract spaces. Steven’s artistic philosophy is to represent the beauty and harmony of nature and its ability to seek growth through all odds.

Having painted large-scale public art, Steven realizes that it comes with a responsibility to impact the everyday lives of many. Therefore, he believes in impacting others with a positive perspective. His art is not only beautiful but also has a deeper message. Steven’s passion for art stems from his extended periods surrounded by nature. He adopted his philosophy from nature’s ability to create an ever-evolving state of unity and growth with the opportunity to blossom, just like a plant that reaches for the light, always growing.

Steven’s art is not limited to paintings and murals. He also creates abstract realism sculptures that showcase his passion for nature and its beauty. His work has been showcased in several exhibitions and art shows worldwide, and he continues to inspire other artists with his unique style and philosophy.

Steven Teller is a multi-disciplined artist who creates art to offer a new moment of perspective, a doorway to a fresh setting, and a positive outlook. He is driven by nature’s beauty, and his philosophy is to represent the harmony and growth of nature through his art. Steven continues to travel worldwide, sharing his art with others and creating a healing moment for everyone along the path of his artistic expression.

The post Steven Teller: Spreading positive messages through abstract realism appeared first on Magzoid Magazine.

Rubén’s artistic career began at the street level, where he mainly painted graffiti. Later, he started creating illustrations and mixed them with his original graffiti skills. He made several of these artworks in public places, including streets, as well as on different mediums such as canvases, wood, and all types of recycled materials.

In 2012, Rubén was awarded a one-year art residency program at Tashkeel in Dubai, established by Lateefa bint Maktoum. During this residency, he created a vast amount of artwork and painted the first public outdoor mural in the country (non-commercial). This residency helped him become a full-time artist.

In 2019, Rubén designed the brand identity of the UEFA Champions League Finals in Madrid. His work has been appreciated for its vibrant color palettes, asymmetry, and lack of perfect proportions. He tends to convey certain messages and concerns through his art, which the viewer is challenged to depict.

Throughout his career, Rubén has conducted several humanitarian projects. Between 2014 and 2016, he created several murals in refugee camps in Zaatari (Jordan) and Lesbos (Greece). In collaboration with AptART, he conducted different projects to highlight the views of children from Syria and Jordan regarding their homes, after a civil war in Syria made people leave their homes and reside in refugee camps. Later on, he created a mural in Russeifa (Jordan), Pushing Boundaries, to highlight women’s rights and other gender issues.

In a significant mural project, Rubén used tribal art in a surrealism style rendered in Mediterranean colors and presented “a woman oppressed by the walls of her house trying to take down the walls and metaphorically opening herself to the world.” His canvases, murals, ceramics, and large public sculptures depict a strong Mediterranean influence. He cites Joan Miró, Le Corbusier, Henri Matisse, Pablo Picasso, and Juan Gris as his main influences.

In recent years, the artworks of Rubén Sánchez have exhibited a variety of themes, including connectivity, human imperfection, balances, and imbalances. His unique style and humanitarian projects have made him one of the most sought-after artists of his generation, and he continues to inspire many young artists worldwide.

The post Rubén Sánchez: Painting the world with colorful murals appeared first on Magzoid Magazine.

The eight-week-long festival, which kicks off on 1 July, will be centered on the theme of movement, marking 350 years since the birth of John Weaver, the father of English ballet and pantomime, who hailed from Shrewsbury. It will showcase works from 200 local and regional creatives and feature pieces from a variety of other well-known artists, including Jacob Chandler, Banksy, LS Lowry, Damien Hirst, Michael James Talbot, and Man Ray.

The festival will be spearheaded by Jess Richards, who created the Shrewsbury Art Trail to bring positivity and inspiration to the town as it emerged from Covid-19 lockdowns. Richards said the festival is all about inspiring local artists and showing that art is for everyone.

The three Salvador Dali sculptures on display are the Surrealist Piano, Homage to Terpsichore, and Dalian Dancer. The Surrealist Piano, a massive five-meter-tall sculpture, will be displayed outside Shrewsbury Castle. Homage to Terpsichore, which depicts the Greek muse of dance and chorus, will be placed in the courtyard at Shrewsbury Museum & Art Gallery.

Other venues hosting the festival include the Darwin shopping center and the Severn Theatre, as well as cafes, art galleries, churches, and parks. The festival will feature a series of 16 exhibitions, eight workshops, and live events. It will also include a John Weaver theatre and dance festival, a glass festival at St Mary’s Church, a family treasure trail, a ‘Secret Art Sale’ at local art dealer’s the Soden Collection, and a dance photography exhibition.

The festival is expected to draw art enthusiasts from across the country, and the town is looking forward to showcasing its creativity and diversity in the arts. This year’s theme of movement will undoubtedly provide a fitting backdrop for the vibrant and colorful displays of art that will be on show.

The event is an excellent opportunity for visitors to discover the rich artistic heritage of Shrewsbury while enjoying a summer of culture and entertainment. With the festival set to run for eight weeks, it is hoped that the event will provide a much-needed boost to the town’s economy, especially as it continues to recover from the pandemic.

The post Salvador Dali statues to headline Shrewsbury arts festival appeared first on Magzoid Magazine.

Islamic art has a rich and diverse history, encompassing various styles and mediums. The exhibition provides an opportunity to celebrate and showcase the artistic tradition of Islam, which has made significant contributions to the global artistic canon. On the first floor of the gallery, visitors are met with 20 works by some of the most prominent calligraphy artists in the Kingdom, including Nasser Al-Maimon, Majed AlYoussef, Youssef Yahya, and Walid Al-Marhoum.

The second floor showcases a collection of artworks, from mixed media to sculptures and canvases, conveying a sense of tranquility, pleasure, and peace. Salama Hassan, a self-taught artist specializing in the fine arts, pushes the boundaries of Arabic calligraphy to the point where her work transcends a mere font and becomes conceptual. She uses Chinese typography characteristics to shape various verses in the Qur’an, prompting the audience to contemplate the language and verses at hand.

Rashid Al-Dabas intersects wool yarn within a circular frame to form the word “Allah.” At the same time, Rasha Siddig commemorates the contemplative and inspiring atmosphere of the two holy mosques: the Grand Mosque in Makkah and the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah, using acrylic on canvas. Other featured artists include Nahar Marzoq, Ibrahim Al-Hoshan, Elaf Alousi, Khoula Al-Ghafili, Samia bin Zina, Abdullah Al-Anzi, Aliah Hilal, Mohammed Al-Thaqafi, Mohammed Al-Shaie, Maha Khokir, Nora Al-Andis, and Haya Al-Fassam.

Naila Art Gallery hopes to create a conversation around the duality of art and religion, connecting the soul and the divine during the holy month of Ramadan. Al-Zabin hopes that the exhibition will provide a meaningful and enriching artistic experience for all who attend, evoking a sense of spirituality, tranquility, and peace.

The post Qur’aniyat Exhibition at Naila Art Gallery ends soon appeared first on Magzoid Magazine.