Magical reality meets the eyes at Dubai Canvas Festival

Dubai - The festival is open until March 14, from 4pm to 10pm, on weekdays and 10am to 11pm on weekends.

Art is in the eye of the beholder, as the saying goes. But for 3D street art it's a matter of perspective - look from one side and it appears flat and distorted but move to another angle and the magic of illusion comes alive. Thirty world-renowned 3D artists have come down to JBR (Jumeirah Beach Residence) The Walk and are showcasing their pieces at the second Dubai Canvas Festival. From jumping off a deep ravine, riding on horses, playing with pandas or monkeys, chasing flying dolphins, riding a giant swan, posing with leopard, surfing on waterfalls and many more, visitors are treated to this open-air museum free of charge.
The festival is being held along the entire two-kilometre stretch of JBR, and has so far attracted thousands of people to the area transformed into an open-air museum.
"The Dubai Canvas Festival (now in its second year) brings to life the vision of His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to transform Dubai into an open-air art museum," said Mona Al Marri, director-general of the Government of Dubai Media Office.
"The festival also reflects the character and diversity of Dubai and its growing status as a global cultural hub that provides a supportive environment for artists to display their art and engage with the public. With the support of our strong partnership with JBR, we have expanded the event this year, and we look forward to further building on the success of last year's Festival," added Al Marri.
The artists are using anamorphic art, a technique which gives the illusion of height and perception of depth to the street surface.
One of those who returned for this year's edition is renowned Chinese artist Qi Xinghua whose 3D painting called 'Lions Gate Gorge' in front of a shopping mall in Guangzhou, China, has set a Guinness World Record for the world's largest 3D picture in a square.
Aside from "embarking on a daredevil stunts" created by the 3D arts, the Festival also features many events on the sidelines including custom-designed workshops and activities for different ages, which are designed to help bring out the artistic side of Dubai's trendy residents.
Given the success of the festival, Brand Dubai, the creative arm of the Government of Dubai Media Office, announced Dubai Canvas 3D Art Award will be handed out next year. The award will have a total prize money of Dh2.3 million open to artists all over the world under the theme of 'Happiness'.
The festival is open until March 14, from 4pm to 10pm, on weekdays and 10am to 11pm on weekends.
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