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No White Walls aims to develop grass roots of arts in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi - For this year's exhibition, six of the group's artists will exhibit paintings, sculptures, photographs, digital and textile art.

Vibrant splashes of colour will liven the white walls of Fairmont Bab Al Bahr when the third annual art exhibition of No White Walls will take over the hotel's space this September 17.
A community artist group based in Abu Dhabi, No White Walls, aims to develop the grass roots of arts in Abu Dhabi.
For this year's exhibition, six of the group's artists will exhibit paintings, sculptures, photographs, digital and textile art.
"As an artist-led organisation we've found that art-lovers and collectors value being able to talk to the artists about their journeys, their inspiration and their technique," said Emily Gordon, co-founder of No White Walls.
One of the six exhibitors, Gordon is a UAE resident for the past 25 years, her artworks of multiple layers of acrylic paint interlaced with paraffin, resin, gold and silver leaf often being inspired by shapes, colours and designs of Arabic, Moorish and Byzantine architecture.
Gordon also believes that art stands a better chance of being appreciated when there is a direct contact between the artists and the viewers.
"All the artists will be present on the opening night, so it's a great opportunity to come and have a chat and find out more, whether you are an art connoisseur or a novice," she pointed out. In fact, the concept of meeting the artist was taken further this year by the No White Walls group, with a new project.
"Apart from the annual exhibition we have a number of other projects, one of them being the artists' open studio," mentioned Julia Ibbini, co-founder of the group.
"I was one of the artists to open my studio for the public. The idea is for people to come and see what we are doing, how we work. It was nice to have people come around, sit together, have a cup of tea and talk about art," she told Khaleej Times.
Ibbini's work combines photographs, drawings and paintings using a digital layering process. Each individual piece is made up of up to 100 layers and her work is then printed onto archival paper, which is then overlaid by hand with paint, varnishes, beads, crystals and metallic ink.
A believer in commercial art, Ibbini, who is an Abu Dhabi-resident, says that art as a profession in Abu Dhabi is becoming a reality.
"Interest in art in Abu Dhabi is steadily growing. Personally, I sell to private collectors, hotels and corporations," she pointed out.
The other artists exhibiting this year in the No White Walls annual art show are Mohammed Awwad, Janine Ibbini, YIannis Roussakis and Jen Simon.
The exhibition will run until the end of the year.
silvia@khaleejtimes.com