A fine art

If you think the capital’s art scene is sleepy, think again. Abu Dhabi is brimming with talented painters waiting to be discovered – and we shine the spotlight on four of ’em

The artistic scientist

American Ahmed Elkashef is an artist and psychiatrist at the National Rehabilitation Center (NRC), as his online moniker, ‘artistic shrink’, playfully references. He moved from the US to Abu Dhabi four years ago.

He says, “The market here is still young. I would like to see more galleries open, but when I first moved here I was surprised by how much art there is.

“I love the culture here, especially the dhows. My main sources of inspiration are marine life, music and poetry. One of my Emirati colleagues, Mohamed El Refaai, is a poet and my recent paintings have been inspired by his work.

“Painting relaxes me, and the creative process is very gratifying.”

Elkashef defines his oil on canvas pieces as impressionistic. His work ranges from AED 500 to AED 7,000, depending on the size.

His art has been exhibited at the Torpedo Factory Art Center and the Vienna Art Society, both in Virginia, US; the George Washington School of Medicine and Health Sciences in Washington DC, US; Dubai and in Café Arabia in Al Mushrif and Abu Dhabi Art Hub in Mussafah in Abu Dhabi.

INSIDE SCOOP: Elkashef’s ‘boat series’ is on display 8am-10pm from 15th to 22nd January at Café Arabia, Villa 37, 15th Street, opposite The International School of Choueifat. Contact: 02 643 9699 [email protected] www.facebook.com/CafeArabia 

To find out more about Elkashef contact: 056 687 7293 [email protected] www.artisticshrink.com 

The colourful soul

Amira Rahim, from the US, is a sociology graduate from the University of Pittsburgh. She has always loved art, so when she moved to the UAE two years ago she became a full-time artist.

“Living here has definitely influenced me,” she tells us. “The landscape here is bleached out – lots of blue and grey. It’s nothing like the changing seasons and vibrant colours that I’m used to in New Jersey. To make up for this, I started using more colour in my work.

“I have an affinity for painting camel faces; they are like portraits of people. I name them, and now they are my favourite subjects, besides abstract art.”

After painting with oil for years, Rahim is now experimenting with acrylics, as she believes this medium allows her to express herself as never before.

“I am working on a large abstract landscape featuring Etihad Towers and a four foot-tall abstract giraffe.”

Rahim’s artwork varies in price, but can cost up to AED 11,000.

INSIDE SCOOP: Rahim offers private painting lessons starting from AED 175 per hour. Her art can be seen by appointment at her studio on Al Reem Island. She takes commissions at no extra cost.

To find out more about Rahim’s artwork contact: 050 622 1556 [email protected] www.amirarahim.com 

The wonderwall expert

American painter Maria Egedus moved from South Carolina, US, to the UAE nearly two years ago. Before starting her full-time art career – a passion she has pursued since she was a child – she was
a full-time mum.

“In the US, I painted from home and sold art online,” she tells us. “I also began painting murals. In Abu Dhabi, the landscape, architecture and unfamiliar way of life have been inspiring to me.

“I love the desert and being an artist in Abu Dhabi. I am constantly seeking new spaces to hold exhibitions, but the
support and interest in my art from both expats and locals has been wonderful.”

Egedus specialises in large-scale murals in latex paint that take up to a couple of weeks to complete. Her pieces range from AED 200, while murals start from AED 3,000 depending on the subject and size.

INSIDE SCOOP: Maria offers free mural consultations, and private showings of her art in your home.

To find out more about Egedus’ artwork contact: 056 326 0010 [email protected] www.uaemurals.com

The fine arts master

Egyptian artist Soha Soltan graduated from the Faculty of Fine Arts in Alexandria, Egypt. She has lived in Abu Dhabi for the past eight years, where she is an artist and art teacher at Al Nahda National Schools.

She says, “Living in the capital is a great influence on my art, as there are a lot of artists from different countries and so many interesting exhibitions. They help so much in the exchange of different views and cultures.

“Abu Dhabi is a favourable environment for artists as it continues to work towards becoming the cultural capital of the region through the government’s investment in new museums and cultural districts. I am so happy that there are a number of events – such as Abu Dhabi Art on Saadiyat Island and the exhibitions at Abu Dhabi Art Hub in Mussafah – that centre around the arts within the city.”

Soltan is a realist, inspired by nature and landscapes. “Painting is a part of being human. It helps you express ideas, feelings and emotions. The creativity behind an artwork is crucial for personal happiness and satisfaction.”

Soltan’s art ranges from AED 500 to AED 6,500.

INSIDE SCOOP: Soltan will soon host workshops to teach residents how to paint, as well as an art exhibition of her work, so keep an eye on her Facebook page for updates.

To find out more about Soltan’s artwork contact: 050 623 0523 [email protected] www.facebook.com/ArtGalleryAbuDhabi

Tools of the Trade: where to find art supplies

All Prints, Al Hosn, next to British Council 

02 633 6999 [email protected] www.allprints.ae
Sat-Thu 8.30am-1.30pm and 5pm-9.30pm, Fri 5pm-9.30pm

Borders & Paperchase, third floor, Abu Dhabi Mall

02 671 8980 [email protected] www.paperchase.co.uk
Sat-Wed 10am-10pm, Thu-Fri 10am-11pm

L’Atelier Des Arts, first floor, Fotouh Al Khair Center (Marks & Spencer Mall)

02 639 7104 [email protected] www.latelierarts.com
Sat-Thu 10am-10pm, Fri 4pm-10pm

The Bookshop Library, Airport Road, near Al Wahda Mall

02 666 6906 [email protected] www.thebookshop.ae
Sat-Thu 9am-11pm, Fri 4pm-11pm

The Green Branch, Building 842, Electra Street, near Hamed Centre 

02 621 4507 [email protected]
Sat-Thu 8.30am-1.30pm and 4.30pm-10pm

Jarir Bookstore, ground floor, Dalma Mall, Mussafah

02 552 7555 [email protected] www.jarirbookstore.com
Sat-Wed 10am-10pm, Thu-Fri 10am-11pm

Top tips for budding painters

Do you dream of becoming a painter? Then take this expert advice…

• Elkashef says: “Take art classes to learn different styles of painting and how to use different media. This will help you find your niche.”

We say: At L’Atelier des Arts you can take part in a range of courses, including painting on silk, glass and porcelain. For more information contact: 02 639 7104 [email protected] www.latelierarts.com
Alternatively, attend a course by artist Matthew McCobb. He teaches landscape paintings Sun 10am-noon, drawing and painting Mon 10am-noon, abstract painting Wed 6pm-8pm and general techniques Sat 6pm-8pm. A four-week course costs AED 1,200 including materials. Courses are held at various locations including The Space, twofour54, next to Park Rotana Abu Dhabi. For more information contact: 055 145 4595 [email protected] or search for Matt McCobb Art on Facebook.

• Rahim says: “Take yourself seriously and other people will take you seriously, too. It’s important to follow through with what you set out to do, even if it takes longer than you planned. Take pride in your work, and aim to be the best.”

We say: Join a group of fellow artists to share ideas. It will help you become more confident and you’ll make friends on the way. Consider AD Arts Collective on www.meetup.com or attend a monthly art opening at Abu Dhabi Art Hub. For more information contact: 02 551 5005 [email protected] www.adah.ae

• Egedus says: “Let your inhibitions go and be inspired by this beautiful city.”

We say: Download the Visit Abu Dhabi app for inspiration, follow us on twitter @abudhabiweek and search for Abu Dhabi Week on Facebook and Instagram to find out what’s going on in the city and see some great shots from our photographer, Sameh Abido.

• Soltan says: “Attend an art workshop and visit heritage areas such as Qasr Al Hosn on Hamdan Street to encourage your inspiration.”

We say: The next Qasr Al Hosn Festival will run from 11th to 21st February, showcasing the heritage and history of the UAE with a lively programme
of cultural events, performances and talks. For more information contact:
02 697 6472 [email protected] www.qasralhosnfestival.ae

 

Laura Volpi