FIVE TRAITS ART NURTURES
By Maha Alsharif
18/06/2020
Caroline Coppey, “Le Grand Voile, 2176 Tissues”, 2007-14, 6.5 x 10.5 m. Install view at Hotel-Dieu de Tonnerre. © Caroline Coppey
Since the onset of COVID-19 and its impact on the arts, accessibility rose as one of the more repeated terms in virtual art talks and events. Institutions and artists alike adapted their activities digitally, aiming to maintain art within reach. Despite other services being obviously more important at this time, art is an integral part of society, especially in times of change. Art is unique in that its influence begins on an individual level that when nurtured, it is reflected in overall society. But what do we gain from accessibility to art?
1. Open Mindedness
It is a common misconception that art is reserved to a certain group and therefore it is intimidating. The truth is, art is for everyone. By looking at and experiencing different forms of art, we become more receptive to new ideas, form an informed taste, and develop respect and tolerance to alternative opinions.
Ahmed Kassim, “Source of Magnetic”, 2014, oil on canvas, 160 x 140 cm. © Ahmed Kassim.
2. Appreciation
The calm gallery or dark theatre setting relieves us from the distractions of the fast-paced lifestyles we are living. It allows us to disconnect for a moment, muse, and find appreciation for beauty and talent.
Katerina Belkina, “11 Milileters per Minute”, 2018, archival pigment print, 150 x 150 cm, ed. Of 3. © Katerina Belkina.
3. Cultural Dialogues
While one can argue there is a global essence to today’s art practices, artists still tackle specific aesthetic, cultural, political, economic, and other issues that grow out of personal experiences and research. Their work brings awareness to a myriad of detailed subjects, often neglected in mainstream culture and media, that facilitate constructive dialogues and cultural exchanges.
Khaled Hourani, “The Road to Jerusalem (from Sharjah), 2017, ceramic tiles, 60 x 45 cm. Via Barjeel Art Foundation
4. Freedom of Expression
Although art can be censored, true artists cannot. There is unlimited freedom in art to explore maneuvers around conveying ideas that may not be well accepted at a certain place or time.
Yue Minjun, “The Last 5000 Years”, 1999, acrylic on fiberglass-reinforced plastic. Via artsy.net
5. Curiosity
By seeking art with an open mind, we become aware of the gaps in our knowledge, nonetheless we grow our willingness to learn.
David Fullarton, Untitled, 2020. © David Fullarton.
Image: Alserkal Avenue, Dubai, UAE.
Eight galleries in Dubai’s Alserkal Avenue collectively opened their spaces on Saturday, the 20th of January to preview new exhibitions and artworks. The event, which ran all afternoon, included a range of interesting concepts and inspiring works by international artists. Starting at 1x1 Art Gallery, we found an extensive exhibition of Modernist Indian Masters visually claiming the identity of their nation; at Ayyam Gallery playful and colourful 3d wall installations; at Gallery Isabelle Van Den Eynde a multi-perspective dive into the mysteries of subconscious; at Lawrie Shabibi a great gallery takeover initiative showcasing aesthetic means of displacement; at Galerie Elmarsa an introspective view of contemporary Tunisian society; at Green Art Gallery a disturbing metaphysical interrogation of “human rights”; at Grey Noise a minimalist yet very resonant exploration of structure and texture; and finally at Carbon 12 a creatively executed futuristic take on tribal masks that unfolds to give each unique mask a story. Find more about the exhibitions and The Art Cricket's favourites.