Special art by special people on display at Dubai event

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Special art by special people on display at Dubai event

LEGEND OF THE PHOENIX ..."I painted a phoenix because like the bird, art is timeless," says Abdulla Lutfi, 22, Emirati

Dubai - Unfettered and unbound, artists at 'Mawaheb from Beautiful People', an art studio for adults with special needs, prove that they too have freedom of thought and action.

By Angel Tesorero

Published: Fri 18 Mar 2016, 11:00 PM

Last updated: Sun 20 Mar 2016, 8:03 AM

Freedom is a word that is closely associated with art. Artist should be able to freely express their feelings so their creative energies can emerge. This holds true even for people considered as having "special needs."
Unfettered and unbound, artists at 'Mawaheb from Beautiful People', an art studio for adults with special needs, prove that they too have freedom of thought and action.
They are participating at Sikka Art Festival, an annual initiative founded by the Dubai Culture & Arts Authority to showcase grassroots artistic talents.
Their individual and collaborative creations, curated under the theme 'Birds of a Feather Flock Together,' portray the artistic skills they've learned and developed. Their confidence is inspiring and their talent is awesome.
"The purpose of Mawaheb (Arabic word for talented) is to bridge the gap between society and adults with special needs," Dutch expat and founder of Mawaheb, Wemmy de Maaker, told Khaleej Times. "Here, art is used as a tool to develop life skills and encourage students to be more independent individuals."
"We want the world to acknowledge people with special needs and to accept them. They have a story to tell us and they also show us what life is all about."
"At Mawaheb, we treat them as normal adult-artists. We don't look at them as persons with disabilities because if you keep looking at them as persons with special needs they won't grow," de Maaker added.
Indian expat Sharan Anil Budhrani, 25, is one of the student-artists at Mawaheb. Undeterred being tied on his wheelchair for his entire life, he said: "I paint because I want to express myself."
His erudite mind is full of imagination and he said he wanted people to treat him "as a normal human being with feelings and emotions - just like anyone else."
"Painting birds is one of favourite subjects because it signifies freedom and it's colourful. We want people to recognise us as artists and we invite them to come and see our work," he added.
Where to find them
Villa 11, Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood (Al Bastakiya), Dubai
Tel: 04 3528328/
Mobile: 050 4213070
Visit: www.mawaheb-dubai.com
(Photos by Neeraj Murali)
angel@khaleejtimes.com

PF130316-NM-ART. Artist Rekha Kripalani from India working on her bird at the Mawaheb art studio at Bastakiya in Dubai on Sunday. Photo by Neeraj Murali.

COFFEE BREAK ...“We’ve learned a lot of things here. I did some sculpture and painting. Today, I’ve got a new job — being in charge of the coffee shop,” says Georgina Corley, 17, from UK.

EAGLE EYE ...“Artists here are dedicated to their craft. There is a sense professionalism in them,” says Alan Mongey, art teacher at Mawaheb

WE BELIEVE WE CAN FLY ... Artists at ‘Mawaheb From Beautiful People’ are proud creators and, like birds, they’re free, dynamic, unrestrained and highly imaginative. Their colourful paintings and sculptures capture what freedom truly means. It transcends borders and cultures and it is something everyone aspire for — even those considered by society as people with ‘special needs.’

PF130316-NM-ART. BIRDMAN. “I’m an artist and this is my job. I like doing sculptures and painting. I come here (at Mawaheb) on weekdays at 8:30am. My parents are very proud of me; they say ‘you work hard and you’re very focused.” – Vinayak Commar, 22, from India at Bastakiya in Dubai on Sunday. Photo by Neeraj Murali.

A BEAUTIFUL MIND ... “Painting helps me to express myself. I’m an artist and I would like people to treat me as a normal human being with feelings like anyone else,” says Sharan Anil Budhrani, 25, India.

ATTENTION TO DETAILS ... “I started here at Mawaheb five years ago and I made a lot of friends. We did not only develop our art skills but also our social skills,” says Anjali Kakar, 30, from India.

SYMBOL OF WISDOM ... “Like the owl, I’m wise and fearless. My family says my artworks are excellent,” says Zaid Jaffari, 32, Emirati

WHERE ARTISTS FLOCK TOGETHER...“This is a feel-good place. The artists are very caring towards each other and also to the volunteers,” says Grainne Geraghty, Irish volunteer.