EXHIBITION: |SELF STORIES – BIRDS & I |AHMED ASKALANY|
VERNISSAGE: 21st September 2011 from 18.00 to 21.00 In the presence of the artist
EXHIBITION: 22nd September till 16th October 2011
VENUE: Art Sawa – DIFC
Art Sawa expands its operations by opening its second gallery space in the DIFC.
Art Sawa a leading gallery in the MENA region has over the past three years made a measurable impact on the Art Scene in the region by championing both, well established as well as emerging, regional artists.
“Since our launch in October 2008, we have worked tirelessly to promote artists from the region and in doing so, have built the Art Sawa brand as synonymous with the quality and creativity of our artists” said Amel Makkawi Founder and Director of Art Sawa before adding: “Art Sawa is more than a gallery, it is an art platform where exhibitions, talks, workshops comingle to create a unique cultural experience in Dubai the Art Capital of the region”.
Since its inception Art Sawa has introduced a host of artists to the market including top artists such as Rachid Khimoune , Mohamed El Rawas, Essam Marouf, Jalal Luqman as well as having had a major impact on the careers of many more emerging artists such as Zena Assi, Ahmed Askalany, Wael Darwesh , Marwa Adel and many others . “The Art Sawa team is very proud of what it has achieved. Art has always been a mirror of society and in many instances a precursor to what will happen. The creative outburst in the art world in the region is just another facet to what is happening in other areas of society namely, the hunger for self-expression of young people wanting to have a voice. There is also an Arab Spring in the art world and we are proud to be associated with it.” concluded Amel Makkawi
Art Sawa started its activities in its anchor 12,000 sqft space in Dubai’s industrial zone of Al Qoz. It has recently decided to expand its presence to what has become the must see Art destination in Dubai, namely the Dubai International Financial Center (“DIFC”) to be closer to its collector base.
Art Sawa proudly presents the awaited second solo exhibition of AHMED ASKALANY.
Critics and art connoisseurs alike have already described Ahmed Askalany as one of the most unique and inimitable sculptors of his generation.
Making already his Dubai debut at Art Sawa, Askalany will be exhibiting his latest collection of emotive sculptures entitled SELF STORIES: BIRDS & I
Askalany’s subjects are simple human figures and animals inspired and representative of his native town, Nag Hammadi, in Upper Egypt.
Askalany’s works are characterized by traditional aesthetic forms that place an emphasis on both structure and volume, but the volumes are distorted with a minimal head on a giant body.
His works possesses a sense of innocence alongside a state of isolation reflecting both frankness and candour.
Nonetheless, the works retains a profound nature and sense of innocence.
There is no specific formula that Askalany uses when creating his works of art, the final work often represents this by becoming humorous or naïve but always with a poetic sensitivity.
This connection allows his work to become unique and unmistakable, yet at the same time, does not stop him being thoroughly up to date.
Speaking about his next exhibition Askalany commented “My philosophy is simplicity, to convey the idea directly to the viewer without overcomplicating the message with too much detail. I’m extremely excited to be able to show again my latest works to the UAE.”
The uniqueness of this present solo stems from the fact that he has sculpted the body of works in bronze.
Askalany’s short career has thus far been blessed with success and his latest body of works is sure to be a favorite amongst the region’s art enthusiasts.
To mark the beginning of the exhibition Askalany will be also holding one Sculpture workshop at the Art Sawa Al Qoz on the 22nd of September from 18.00 to 20.00
The focus will be on his technique and “savoir –faire”
The sessions are open to all those interested in innovative sculpting or simply those with a keen interest in contemporary art.
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