(MENAFN Press) A group art exhibition '6 by 6' opened last evening at Gallery 76 in Dubai International Art Centre showcasing the works of six artists from six nationalities. The artists, who all live in Dubai, are presenting abstract artwork in various media including video, photography, painting, drawing and installation art.
Through this exhibition, the artists have primarily, and most importantly, combined to create a modern artistic expression of multiplicity unique to the Dubai art scene. Their work responds to the city's urban complexity while examining its landscape as a dynamic and multicultural metropolis.
Says Enzo Messina, "Part of Dubai's identity depends on the diversity of people living here. And that is what's so compelling about this collaboration. It is a statement and reflection of the fact that we all have our lives here. Strictly speaking, it is art that belongs to a local context and hence is a critical and necessary engagement with Dubai and its people."
The exhibits are, instantly engrossing and provoking. It is evident that the artists have been really enjoying and influenced by other's work. Diyali Sen Bhalla points out, "There is a lot of cross fertilization here. You can see a lot of interaction between the works displayed. I like to incorporate my interactions with people as influences into my work".
In addition to showcasing absolutely stunning works by Jeff Scofield, Diyali Sen Bhalla, Enzo Messina, Scott Jezzard, Sana Jamlaney and Anja Beckert; 6 by 6 fires up an exciting debate on contemporary art scene in Dubai and sets some new ambitions for the future.
For artists as well as audiences, 6 by 6 is about challenging the stereotype and the perception that contextualizes contemporary art and culture in Dubai in a very commercial sense.
Questions Scott Jezzard, "What is contemporary art aside from being a commodity that is bought? The answer to this question is a critical one. I am not concerned about how many Picassos are sold at the art fair. Art has to create its own science, its own dialogues and venues for debate. 6 by 6 is an attempt to participate in and drive this process."
Scott believes, "The contemporary art culture of Dubai is still emergent and by definition requires the active participation of its culture makers. It is a process that does not happen overnight. In other countries there are well established venues for culture making/display. To import these simply as a commodity is the difference between buying into some where else's readymade identity and building one here that is unique".
Jeff Scofield stresses, "Local awareness about producing art in the UAE requires effort by everybody and in particular the media and government.
Especially now, as both artists and society are seeking new ways of making and engaging with art. More opportunities must be made available for local artists that will place them in a wider local and international network. People must understand what collecting and buying art is about.
Jeff continues, "The art scene has diminished in the UAE during the current Great Recession, with art galleries closing and the market drying up. Artwork being offered has become a bit more conservative than in the past, and more 'formulaire'.
We hope to see more innovative work being offered in Dubai and the UAE. Positive examples of local innovators, like the conceptual artist Hassan Sharif, are an inspiration to me, and I hope more artists will express themselves as freely as he does. Art as a sector has got to be more resilient to the changing economy and periods of uncertainty."
Besides producing art collectively at Dubai International Art Centre, the six artists also work individually on their own personal expressions.
