Audiences experience “Seven Days in the Art World” with Roberto Lopardo during ‘Art Conversation’ at Dubai Ladies Club

Last week, Funoon, the art & culture division of Dubai Ladies Club, which is a member of Dubai Women Establishment, hosted its fifth ‘Art Conversation’ session, which featured Roberto Lopardo, Educational Coordinator for Cuadro Gallery, DIFC.  Lopardo introduced the book ‘Seven Days in the Art World’ by Sarah Thornton - that provides a thorough overview of what it means to work, play and suffer in the art world – in relation to his own experiences making and marketing artworks in New York and Dubai. He provided the audience with a real world scenario of what may await a future budding Emirates based artist.

The open discussion was well attended by distinguished members of the local and international art community including Khalil Abdulwahid, Visual Arts Manager at Dubai Culture & Arts Authority, students and professors from the American University of Dubai as well as previous winners and shortlisted contenders of the Sheikha Manal Young Artist Award. Admission to the event was free for men and women. 

On the occasion, Sarah Ayoub Agha, Funoon Supervisor at Dubai Ladies Club commented,  "As we conclude our fifth Art Conversation, we are pleased to note that these regular monthly sessions have developed into an informal forum for cultural dialogues on topics of art, and that contribute effectively to the establishing an educational foundation for young emerging artists within the UAE." 

She added, “It was especially encouraging to see regular faces from the audiences actively using ‘Art Conversations’ as a platform to share their ideals and also use it as an valuable opportunity to extract knowledge from the speaker. It speaks directly to our mission of preparing students and amateur artists for professional careers.”

The discussion began with an overview of the book which divides the art world into seven chapters which observes and reports on distinct situations such as a Christie's auction; a critiquing session at the California Institute of the Arts; the Art Basel fair; the 2006 Turner Prize; the New York magazine Artforum; the studio/factory of Japanese artist Murakami; and finally, the Venice Biennale.

Once the audience was thoroughly introduced to the premise of the book, Lopardo continued with fascinating recollections of his own experiences and personal insights into the art world. He also reviewed the technical role of the press and cinema in the history of major artist and artwork.

As the former Dean of Visual Communication and professor of photography at the American University in Dubai, Lopardo then opened the floor for compelling and rather interesting discussions. It was refreshing to see several members of the multinational audience sharing their personal experiences and cultural influences with their peers. The audience delved on topics such as working in the field of art, the important role that marketing plays in an artists career, fame, success and competition, in the light of his personal experience in photography and marketing of its work between Dubai and New York, with reference to a book critic, "Thornton" seven days in the world art, which provided a living example of the life process, in art as a profession, the model that it reported the UAE's emerging artist to see what his career might face in the future

The discussion began with a look at the history of modern and contemporary art of the Arab world and specifically in the UAE. Al Qassimi highlighted the various artists and galleries that that were major contributors in initiating a local art movement. He then tracked the recent developments made the local art scene through the involvement of the government and emergence of art collectors and art patrons in the region.

‘Art Conversations’ is a monthly series of open discussions on art facilitated by leading luminary art experts from the local and international art scene. The series are being organised by Funoon, the art & culture division of Dubai Ladies Club, to provide a platform for the exchange of ideas and expertise related to the art, culture and education. The topics will focus on assisting emerging artists to further develop and improve their creative and conceptual thinking, art critique, art appreciation and Aesthetics.

Tuesday, 4 October, 2011

Sumayyah Al Suwaidi – Digital Artist 

In 2001, Sumayyah Al Suwaidi became the first female digital artist from the UAE, quickly building a reputation for her innate ability to transform seemingly normal and boring photographs into masterpieces of emotions and sensuality. Al Suwaidi will talk about the ideas and motivations behind her individual studio practice as well as shed light on the rise of a new art medium - digital media. The session will take a non-technical look at issues surrounding digital media through the lens of digital art. 

Tuesday, 1 November, 2011

Ramin Salsali – Art Collector 

Iranian Art Collector, Ramin Salsali’s private collection consists of over 400 pieces in a variety of mediums with a focus on Iranian, Emirati & Arab artists. He was recognized at Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Patrons of the Arts award in 2010 and 2011. In September 2011, Salsali will open the first private museum in Dubai to display his private collection as well as host other collectors from the region. Salsali will speak about his new initiative which is set to become the first non-profit support and advisory centre for all collectors in the region. 

‘Conversations’ will be one of several new art initiatives launched by Funoon – the art division of Dubai Ladies Club. The newly reinvented art division was established to guide and solidify the role that arts and other cultural resources play in defining and enhancing the social fabric and quality of life of people living in the UAE. Funoon with work local, regional  and international foundations to enhance the UAE’s  reputation as a cultural destination through programs that educate and expose the public to a rich and diverse range of cultural expressions through a variety of initiatives.