Abu Dhabi, U.A.E.: Happenings

I went to an opening event last night for a photography exhibit titled Emirati Expressions. Along with meeting some amazing local Emirati Artists, I also got a chance to meet 2011 TED prize winner JR! Check out his projects here. He does amazing work.

JR and I at Emirati Expressions.

This Tuesday Sep.27 I found out about an art show opening that night in Dubai, that was focused on Arabic calligraphy. Of the five artists exhibiting work, one was an artist whose work I had recently discovered who goes by the name of El Seed. I was hoping to make it to the opening, which was the was later that night, to meet and connect with him and the other artists.

We didn't make it to the opening. However, my dad and I had already planned to go to Al Ain and Dubai the next day to run some errands, so we added going to the show to our agenda. When we got to the gallery on Wednesday afternoon my dad ran into a Z.U. graduate who was now working at the gallery. After hearing how we had come to hear of the show, she told us that El Seed was there at the gallery! He was in a meeting and was giving a workshop in the gallery shortly. After looking at the exhibit and catching up with the alumni, we had the pleasure of meeting El Seed.

I got a chance to show him some of my work and after talking with us for a while, he invited us to stay and watch the workshop. My dad had to run another errand so I decided to stay while he went to do that. After the workshop intro, El Seed took the participants outside to the practice wall to give a spray paint demo, then had them start on some tasks and exercises to get used to the medium. As I was observing and watching the participants experiment, El Seed told me to grab a can and get busy, so I didn't hesitate to do so.

I've been full of inspiration and ideas that come along with being in a new environment, surrounded with new landscapes, images, people, language and art. So I quickly got into a creative zone and I had a lot of fun painting and creating in good company! When my dad got back he jumped right in and started painting and creating his own work. Looking at what he painted now, I don't think anyone would guess it was his first time using a spray can to create a freehand painting. Much thanks to El Seed for giving us the opportunity to paint, and thanks to Tashkeel Gallery for the space and hosting the amazing show!

Check out the pictures below and click here to look at the work that was in the show and read about the artists: Hurouf Al Noor (Letters of Light)


El Seed talking about the techniques he used to create this piece in Tashkeel Gallery.

The Director of Tashkeel, Lateefa took a few pictures of us working.

Photo: Lateefa M

Father/Professor Ayyub Russell Hamilton stylin' on the wall.

Photo: Lateefa M

Ayyub's freestyle painting. (On the right)

My finished piece.

My first weekend here we got in the Astrovan and drove to Dubai for the day. After checking up on my dad's bike in a custom shop, we made it into the city. We checked out a super long 'Dragon Mall', went out to eat and did some adventuring along the water front. We drove down the beach, checked out some areas on the bay and explored 'Palm Islands'.