Art is a strength for these guys. They're having fun with colour

By the way, this is what inspiration looks like

The energy at the third season of World Art Dubai is empowering - booths, galleries, and walls all lined up with works of hundreds of artists, live painting demos and workshops, opportunity to meet the who's who of the art world, and a window to varied different art forms be it in terms of style, medium or size - in short, a chance to be left in awe of the talent that not just the UAE, but also the world has to offer. As I walk into Dubai World Trade Centre (venue for the event), I am overwhelmed with the sheer variety, creativity, and skill on display. However, in the midst of the strokes, hues, and forms, I am drawn to an expression of a special kind - one, that for me, sums up the essence of the event (on until April 15).
The Blah Blah Lounge at the venue is buzzing with action - on display are numerous works, people are signing in for daily workshops, and attending art-focused sessions and seminars; courtesy of Dubai-based Mawaheb for Beautiful People, a progressive art studio for adults with special needs. After all, the essence of art is to give each one of us a chance to express, to cut across boundaries, and emerge as a medium that elevates the basis of societal existence, right? "It's a great honour for Mawaheb and its artists to be part of the event," says Wemmy de Maaker, Managing Director, Mawaheb for Beautiful People. "Not only will it bring our artists into the spotlight and give them a chance to shine, but it will also allow them to be recognised for their talent rather than their disability." It can get challenging for learning-impaired artists to find an appropriate outlet for their talent or even a safe place to practice - that's where Mawaheb steps in.
Three of their homegrown talents are the showstopper at this global event, after having left an indelible mark on the domestic arts scene. We get chatting with the young artists. Victor Sitali, a 26-year-old Zambian artist, never gets tired of trying out new forms of arts. He may have studied graphic design (major) in university, but that doesn't limit his range of works; in fact, he blends it with other forms - he enjoys looking up artists and their works online. The Al Nahda-resident says: "My medium of work is oil on canvas, which is my biggest strength." At the event, he holds a Speed Painting Creative Workshop, where he creates an original artwork in just seven minutes! Besides, he is an educator too. He's hosting a sign language workshop for anyone eager to learn the basics. Victor, who lost his hearing and speech when he was just three, truly believes that art is a universal language sans barriers. As he sums it up, "My motivation is driven by my motto that my voice will be heart through works of my hands." But, are there days when the going gets tough? "Of course, on those I play with colours and stay close to my (paint) brushes."
Ask anyone to describe Dubai Marina resident James Casaki in three words and the word happy will pop up for sure. Of course, the 29-year-old Brit nods in agreement. "I wish to transfer my happiness onto others via my writings, speeches, art works, and my happy persona," says the motivational speaker and artist. James was born with Kabuki Syndrome. He works with acrylic and at times, does sculpture paintings too. Don't miss his workshop at the event - it will centre on Kabuki Syndrome and how art changed his life. Wondering what motivates the motivational speaker?
"Colours have made me believe that I can do something with my life - they're the reason I wake up, each morning. People recognise me by my artwork, not by my wheelchair." Budhrani was just six when he was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy - a disease, which causes progressive weakness and loss of muscle mass. At the lounge, he will discuss how art has helped him overcome his disability. He works with watercolours and acrylics. "I also like to work on mosaics, sketching, and abstract art." His philosophy in life is simple, "Think of the things that you can do and you'll never be short of motivation."
By the way, this is what inspiration looks like.
purva@khaleejtimes.comA storyteller, Purva is in search of her favourite word