Dubai Ladies Club concludes ‘Art Conversation’ season for 2011 with Khalil Abdulwahid

The 2011 season for Art Conversations came to a close earlier this month, with a special session with Khalil Abdulwahid, Video & Acrylic Artist; Visual Arts Manager at Dubai Culture & Arts Authority. Launched in 2011, ‘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, which is a member of Dubai Women Establishment, 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.

On the occasion, Sarah Ayoub Agha, Funoon Supervisor at Dubai Ladies Club commented, "We are honoured to conclude our first season of Art Conversations with Khalil Abdulwahid, who has shared his immense source of knowledge and expertise in the Arts present within the UAE. Moreover, a gifted artist in his own right, Khalil also shared his art techniques and recent works with the audience.”

She added, "It has been a rewarding experience to witness the steady growth of this monthly event with an impressive turnout that includes art enthusiasts, art students and key members of the art scene in the UAE. And as we conclude our first season, it has become evident that this event now serves as a vital platform for members from the public as well as the Art world to discuss vital issues concerning the Arts on the region. Based on this, we are keen to continue these Conversations in 2012 as well."

Khalil Abdulwahid reviewed his art works spanning his entire art career, which varied between the nature of the silent art of portraiture to video production. In reference to his video pieces, he explained how through his video works, he tries to communicate multiple ideas, which are easier to achieve since he in not limited to a three-dimensional platform as in the case of paintings but can instead also use movement and sound to relay his messages.

Khalil Abdulwahid began his foray into the art world in 1990 at Al Marsam Al Hur when he studied under Hassan Sharif, quickly evolving into one of the most promising and respected young Emirati artists from that decade. His artistic talents have been widely acclaimed both on the local front and internationally with his works exhibited in across the UAE, GCC & Arab world and internationally in Holland, France Germany and Korea. He is currently part of a “Roaming Images” exhibition in Greece. He is also the Visual Arts Manager at Dubai Culture & Arts Authority as well as a member of the Emirate Fine Art Society.

‘Conversations’ is one of several new art initiatives launched by Funoon – the art division of Dubai Ladies Club in 2011. 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.