In anticipation of the 2024 Paris Olympics, musician and designer Pharrell Williams has sparked a conversation by advocating for the revival of arts competitions within the Olympic Games. Williams voiced his proposal during a high-profile Louis Vuitton event, capturing the attention of many with his call to reintroduce this long-forgotten tradition.

The Disappearance of Arts Competitions from the Olympic Games

Incorporating the arts into the Olympics is a concept with a history. From 1912 to 1948, the modern Olympics included arts competitions, awarding medals in architecture, literature, music, painting, and sculpture. These competitions required artists to create works inspired by sports, intertwining creativity with athleticism. However, the Olympics discontinued these contests after 1948 and removed the awarded medals from the official Olympic records. This decision ended an era when the Olympics celebrated both physical achievements and the creative spirit.

Pharrell Williams’ Vision: Bringing Art Back to the Olympic Stage

Williams’ proposal to bring back the arts to the Olympics highlights a cultural tradition that has been absent for over seven decades. His suggestion taps into a deep-seated belief that the Olympics can be more than just a showcase of athletic prowess; they can also be a platform for artistic excellence. The inclusion of arts would provide a unique opportunity to engage a broader audience, blending the visual and performing arts with the global spectacle of the Games.

The Potential Impact: Reviving a Lost Tradition

Although Williams did not provide specific details on how to implement this, his suggestion has sparked discussions on the value of artistic expression in global sporting events. This proposal has the potential to inspire a new generation of artists and athletes alike, fostering a sense of unity and mutual respect between these two fields. Moreover, it could help address current challenges within the arts community, such as gaps in professional opportunities and financial support, by providing a prestigious global stage for artistic talents.

The Future of the Olympics: Blending Art and Athletics Once Again

Reinstating arts competitions in the Olympics would not only honor the games’ historical roots but could also provide a platform for artists worldwide, fostering a deeper connection between culture and sports. It would revive a holistic vision of the Olympics, one that celebrates both the mind and the body, creativity and competition. As the conversation unfolds, it remains to be seen whether the Olympics will once again celebrate the arts alongside athletic achievements. Should this proposal gain traction, it could mark the beginning of a new era where the Olympics embrace a more inclusive and diverse celebration of human potential.

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As an esteemed member of both the Artists’ Guild of Armenia and the Oil Painters of America, Yeremyan’s artistic journey is marked by a relentless pursuit of excellence. He immerses himself deeply in every facet of his work, from the initial stroke of the brush to the final varnish that lovingly protects his creations from the ravages of time. This commitment to quality is palpable in each of his pieces, where meticulous attention to detail and a discerning eye for composition breathe life into every stroke.

Yeremyan’s oeuvre is a testament to his unwavering dedication to his craft. His paintings, adorned with top-grade materials and finished with a protective varnish, captivate the eye and stand as enduring testaments to his artistic integrity. This dedication to quality has garnered him widespread acclaim, with his works finding sanctuary in prestigious art galleries and esteemed private collections across the globe.

To invest in a Yeremyan masterpiece is to invest in a lifetime of aesthetic pleasure. His paintings, imbued with a timeless allure, promise to enrich the lives of discerning collectors for generations to come. As the world around us evolves, the value of Yeremyan’s art is only appreciated, a testament to the enduring legacy of his talent and vision.

Beyond the tangible beauty of his creations lies the intangible essence of Yeremyan’s artistic spirit—a spirit deeply rooted in his Armenian heritage yet blossoming amidst the diverse landscapes of California. Through his art, he invites us to journey alongside him and explore the depths of human emotion and the boundless expanse of the imagination.

In the hands of Vahe Yeremyan, a canvas transcends its physical limitations to become a portal to worlds unseen, a testament to the transformative power of art. As we stand before his creations, we are reminded of the artist’s skill and talent and the universal language of beauty that unites us all.

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World Art Dubai (WAD), the region’s largest contemporary art fair, will present its most ambitious edition at Dubai World Trade Centre from 2nd to 5th May 2024. This marks a decade of artistic excellence. This year, in partnership with Dubai Culture, WAD invites art enthusiasts to embark on a journey through a decade of artistic evolution. WAD is offering an unparalleled experience of art from around the globe. Most importantly, this art fair is emphasising its commitment to making art even more accessible to a wider audience.

World Art Dubai: Driving Dubai’s Creative Economy

Dubai aims to double the contribution of the creative industries to its GDP by 2026 under the Dubai Creative Economy Strategy. Fundamentally, it involves doubling the number of creative companies and creators in the emirate . Moreover, it also intends to highlights the immense significance of World Art Dubai’s contribution to this thriving creative economy. This prominent art exhibition serves as a cornerstone in the realisation of these goals. The target is to draw in thousands of visitors, showcasing the works of over 300 artists and galleries. The artworks featured at WAD will be from Dubai and across the globe. In addition, the art fair will be presenting a diverse array of artworks, from sculpture and watercolours to digital art and fashion art pieces.

More than just an art fair, WAD represents a cultural phenomenon. For 2024, WAD plans to amplify its numbers, showcasing a diverse array of over 4,000 artworks. Importantly, these unique artworks will be coming from more than 65 countries and expecting over 15,000 visitors. The fair will set across 12 pavilions dedicated to countries and regions. These countries include Japan, India, China, Turkey, Iran, America, Asia, Russia, UAE, Europe, the UK, and Arabia. Over four days, visitors can engage in a variety of activities that go beyond traditional art exhibitions. WAD will feature experiential art activations, live performances, and curated art talks and workshops. Certainly, these interactive elements aim to craft a holistic cultural experience, celebrating the vibrancy and diversity of the global art scene.

Exhibitors offered art tourism experience

In 2024, WAD will unveil an innovative addition to its repertoire: The WAD Tourism Art Tour, designed for all exhibitors. WAD plans to redefine boundaries and captivate audiences from around the world through the curation of guided tours and interactive local art interactions around the emirates. Indeed, WAD celebrates the diversity and brilliance of artistic expression.

Marking a significant milestone

Asma Al Sharif, Assistant Vice President at Exhibitions, Dubai World Trade Centre gave her remarks about WAD. She said, “As we celebrate a decade of artistic brilliance with the 10^th edition of World Art Dubai, we’re honoured to have Dubai Culture as our strategic partner and excited to introduce a ground-breaking initiative that goes beyond the confines of the art fair. With the launch of WAD Tourism Art Tour, we aim to provide our exhibitors and participants with an immersive journey through the rich tapestry of the UAE’s art and cultural offerings while spotlighting Dubai’s vibrant art scene on the global stage. This initiative underscores our commitment to enhancing the participant journey, fostering cultural exchange and strengthening Dubai’s position as a global cultural destination.”

Dr Saeed Mubarak Kharbash, CEO of the Arts and Literature Sector at Dubai Culture & Arts Authority, expressed his enthusiasm for the strategic partnership between Dubai Culture and World Art Dubai: “This collaboration underscores our shared commitment to advancing Dubai’s cultural and creative industries. By joining forces with World Art Dubai, we aim to make art more accessible to a wider audience and contribute to the realisation of the emirate’s ambitious goals outlined in the Dubai Creative Economy Strategy. Through this partnership, we look forward to showcasing the vibrancy and diversity of the global art scene while highlighting Dubai’s position as a thriving cultural destination.”

Unique offerings from legacy exhibitors

In the vibrant landscape of WAD 2024, a myriad of distinguished artists are poised to captivate visitors. Artists with their unique perspectives and creative prowess contribute to the diverse art scene. Legacy exhibitors like Lotus Educational Institute, Art Plus Photographers Production, and JAPAN PROMOTION Gallery have each spent between eight and nine years exhibiting at the annual show.

Japanese Artistry at WAD 2024: A Tradition of Timeless Techniques

Momoko Ishikawa spoke on behalf of the 54-strong artist collective representing JAPAN PROMOTION Gallery. She said, “We are honoured to represent the Japan booth showcasing groups of Japanese artists. A notable aspect of our exhibition is the availability of contemporary art and artworks that utilise traditional techniques. This exhibition is offering unique pieces not found elsewhere in Dubai. At the Taimei Gallery booth, a significant focus will be on artworks using the ‘maki-e’ technique. Maki-e, a painting technique born approximately 1200 years ago, has been cherished by the nobility throughout history. It is characterised by the serene beauty that emerges from combining the natural hues of the material, the deep lustre of lacquer, and the brilliance of gold and silver.

“The creation process is incredibly delicate and time-consuming, achievable only by craftsmen with high levels of skill and extensive experience. Prosperity Japan’s booth will present framed works and tapestries utilising the ‘nishijin-ori’ weaving technique, which has a history of over 1000 years. This technique involves intricately weaving dyed silk threads to create patterns. Moreover, this technique produces a fabric with a three-dimensional feel. This results into a diversity of colours changing exquisitely with the light. While traditionally used for kimono fabrics, its beauty and high fidelity in pattern reproduction have been reimagined in art pieces.”

WAD 2024: A Vibrant Showcase of Global Art and Culture

With unique offerings, WAD 2024 promises to be an immersive journey through the rich tapestry of global art and culture. WAD sheds a spotlight on Dubai’s vibrant art scene on the global stage.

For the 2024 edition, an impressive 40% of exhibitors are returning to exhibit. This huge number is a testament to the value they find in being part of this vibrant artistic community. This high rate of exhibitor retention reflects the trust and satisfaction exhibitors have in the platform. Furthermore, this solidifies WAD’s position as a premier destination for artists and galleries alike. With a growing roster of returning participants, WAD continues to foster long-lasting relationships. Moreover, it provides a supportive environment for artistic growth and collaboration.

For more information, visit www.worldartdubai.com.

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The Dentons Art Prize, a collaborative effort with curator Niamh White and artist Tim A Shaw, stands as a beacon for burgeoning artists, offering them a platform to advance in their careers. The initiative underscores the significance of their insights into both local and global culture, amplifying the importance of diverse artistic narratives.

Claiming the top accolade was London-based artist Lauren Godfrey, who received a prize of £5,000. Her selection by the discerning judging panel was attributed to her captivating works that immerse viewers in intricate patterns, crafting a captivating ambience of joy and generosity. Godfrey’s artistic prowess has garnered international acclaim, with her pieces gracing esteemed collections such as Soho House and a permanent exhibit at Newham Hospital in London.

Following closely in artistic excellence was Jimmy Merris, clinching the second position with a prize of £2,500. Merris’s series of woodcut prints, characterized by poignant imagery of solitary figures, captivated the judges. The meticulous layering of up to 15 ink layers in his prints lends a mesmerizing, almost tactile quality, reminiscent of a glossy, plastic-like finish.

Further adding to the recognition was Dan Howard-Birt, who received a special commendation prize, and Stephen Doherty, honoured with the Staff Prize, a testament to the collective appreciation of his artistic contribution by Dentons employees.

One of the distinguishing features of the Dentons Art Prize initiative is its commitment to nurturing artists beyond mere recognition. Shortlisted artists are allowed to showcase their creations at Fleet Place, complemented by invaluable pro bono legal advice, reinforcing Dentons’ holistic support for the artistic community.

Reflecting on the event’s significance, Lucille De Silva, the Dentons Art Prize lead, remarked, “The annual showcase at Dentons brings forth a diverse array of artists, many of whom have ascended to remarkable heights in their careers. For our legal professionals and clients, the evolving art collection serves as a wellspring of inspiration during intense negotiations. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all participants and judges for their exemplary contributions to the ‘Dentons Art Prize’.”

The esteemed prizes were presented by a distinguished panel of judges, comprising John Cavanagh, Chair of ArtAngel; conceptual artist Sutapa Biswas; and Judith Nezri, Associate Director at the renowned Swiss modern art gallery, Hauser & Wirth.

Dentons, with its expansive presence spanning over 80 countries, remains steadfast in its mission to provide unparalleled global and local legal solutions. Committed to values of inclusion, diversity, equity, and sustainability, Dentons continually prioritizes the aspirations and needs of its clients and communities.

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The exhibition features a wide range of artistic disciplines and mediums. In the Silk Screen/Textiles/Printmaking category, talented artists like Areen Hassan, Diego Mendoza, and Nour Elbery present their unique creations. The 3D/Sculptures/Jewelry section highlights the impressive works of Patricia Millns, Ines Pedras, and Salama Al Falacy, among others. The Fine Art category includes renowned artists like Mason Rempfer, Maha Nasra Eddé, and Rakhi Sawalani, showcasing their exceptional painting and drawing skills.

Additionally, the Mixed Media category presents the creative expressions of Koushal Choudhary, Shrutika Gosavi, and Taana Baana, among others. The exhibition also features the works of talented individuals in Graphic Design, Photography, and other art forms, including Ibraheem Khamayseh and Ria Sharma.

‘Made in Tashkeel’ reflects the diversity and artistic excellence that Tashkeel has nurtured throughout its journey. The exhibition offers a platform for artists to showcase their talents, share their unique perspectives, and contribute to the thriving art community. It is a testament to Tashkeel’s commitment to fostering creativity, collaboration, and growth within the art world.

Visitors to the exhibition will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in a rich tapestry of artistic expressions, engage with the artworks, and appreciate the incredible talent on display. ‘Made in Tashkeel’ not only celebrates Tashkeel’s 15th anniversary but also honors the artists who have played a pivotal role in shaping its success and establishing it as a prominent creative hub.

Through this exhibition, Tashkeel invites art enthusiasts, collectors, and the general public to join in this celebration of art, culture, and the power of creativity. It is a captivating showcase of talent, inspiration, and the limitless possibilities that art offers.

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