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8 of the best artworks at Sikka
The works include calligraffiti inspired by Lebanese civil war graffiti
1. Lebanese twin brothers Omar and Mohamed Kabbani from the Arab art crew Ashekman created this calligraffiti based on their favourite childhood super hero Grendizer. The group’s works are heavily inspired by Lebanese civil war graffiti which emerged during the 80s and 90s when fighting militias used stencils on walls to mark their territories. The group will be live painting similar works every day from 4 to 10pm for the duration of SIKKA.
2. Jeff Scofield created this “Conversations” installation to stress on communication issues that are basic to our existence as human beings. Interestingly, the paperback pages were collected by the artist over a number of years. They were originally part of novels, plays, and poetry, printed in different languages. The installation is made entirely of natural materials like wood and cotton. Scofield is an American artist who moved to Dubai over 10 years ago. He is now a director at the Dubai International Art Centre.
3. Malda Smadi’s Mother Painting is meant to push us to view our mothers as individuals rather than the parent we know and explore their being, presence, behaviour, and habits.
4. The Dreamers Painting Series by Marwan Karout shows oversized suitcases to symbolise the helplessness of human beings and our futility of trying to pin down our memories and dreams that we all carry around.
5. Visual artist Marwan Shakarchi uses the cloud as a symbol of communicating an idea and inviting the viewer to join in and dissect the idea. “The cloud developed a reason once the viewer built a relationship with it. Its audience introduced me to the power a symbol can have in creating dialogue, and opened up a world of possibilities,” he says. He talks more about his work in the Myneandyours daily workshop from 4 to 10pm.
6. The Rat Race by Julia Townsend is meant to act as a global metaphor of how most people push themselves towards an unseen goal and/or escape from something chasing them. In this piece, instead of cars, the rodent’s exercise wheel acts as the transportation device.
7. This “reconnecting” piece is from a live painting showcase by Emirati artist Rashid Al Mulla. He focuses on portrait art and uses recycled material in most of his work. This piece uses abstract lines that represent a “gush of feelings” that connect humans with their traditions. In the centre is a lady wearing the burqa’a – a traditional piece that was worn by most Emirati women in the region but is being seen less and less. The live paintings by the artist are on every day from 4 to 10pm.
8. Emirati artist Talal Khalid Al Najjar is intrigued by characters like rap artists, graffiti artists, graphic designers and historical figures and is inspired by the local culture in which he lives. He combined the two to create the above artwork.
