Artists unite with digital art to celebrate India’s Republic Day
Pouring out melody during Ekta.
Muhammad Yusuf, Features Writer
Ekta 2023 (Unity 2023), the digital art extravaganza held at the Theatre of Digital Art in Souk Madinat Jumeriah (Jan. 26), was a celebration of India’s 74th Republic Day, and also an immersive experience that brought together a diverse group of individuals, including industry leaders, dignitaries and art veterans, to commemorate unity and diversity through the power of art.
To run till January 29, it supported the creative economy, and served as a platform for promoting creativity and innovation, by allowing attendees to network and learn from experts in their field — leaving everyone reflecting on the power and the beauty of digital art. The event featured a collection of immersive gallery displays of six selected UAE-based artists — Varsha Sureka, Aakanksha Kshatriya, Stanislava Burianek, Afshan Nawaz Khan, Malini Karani and Anni Teriani — in a 360-degree display “platform”.
Speaking at the event, artists Sureka said that “it was an incredible chance to connect with imaginative individuals, such as artists and performers. A one-of-a-kind experience displaying my artwork in a fully-immersive setting. It was a dreamlike sensation witnessing my creations on such grand screens! Absolutely breathtaking. The organisers and the team were amazing, everything was well organised, and they created a great environment for all the artists and performers to showcase their work.”
The collective display was undoubtedly a visual feast, showcasing the artists’ unique perspectives and styles in a way that was both thought-provoking and emotionally resonant. The event not only showcased the stunning artwork from some of the most talented artists in the industry, but also featured a series of spellbinding performances. From the grace and poise of the ballerinas from the Melodica Music and Dance Center to the mesmerising Kathak performances led by the renowned Vaishali Mhaisalkar, to the high-energy and dynamic routines of the Just Dance Studio — every presentation was hailed.
The event also offered a violin performance by the virtuosic Kristina Borbova, whose skill with the instrument won over the audience. The diverse performances complemented the artwork on display and went towards supporting the celebration of unity and diversity that Ekta 2023 aimed to promote. “The digital art exhibition was truly impressive. The use of technology to enhance the pieces was really well done, and it was great to see the artists’ unique visions come to life in a digital format,” said a guest. Ekta 2023 drew in performing and visual art lovers from across the art world. Guests were able to fully immerse themselves interactively.
A scene from the Ekta event.The artists were also on hand to provide a closer look into their creative processes, answering questions and providing insights that deepened the understanding of their works. “ARTOZE is ecstatic with the success of Ekta 2023; it exceeded all expectations and we are eternally grateful for the support of our attendees, artists, performers and sponsors. This event was a triumph and a testament to the power of art to connect and inspire people. ARTOZE looks forward to continue to provide its support to the creative economy for the years to come and create memorable experiences for all who attend,” said a spokesperson of the event.
ARTOZE Gallery and Exhibitions, Dubai, caters to international art events, virtual art gallery and exhibitions, has an art magazine and podcast, and involves students, artists, schools, art galleries, SMEs and corporates from around the world. “It was a great opportunity to meet creative minds, including artists and performers. A unique experience of showcasing my artwork in an immersive environment. It was a surreal feeling seeing my work on such large screens! Truly breathtaking,” said Malini, a participating artist. Moroccan artist Eng. Sarah Ahchouch displayed an image of Mahatma Gandhi and a picture of an Indian woman, in acrylic.
The latter had equal parts of worldliness and otherworldliness. “Art is the mediator between the spiritual and the sensual life,” was Ahchouch’s explanation. The event was presented by Wasaya Investments, and supported by Danube Properties, Rayna Tours, Barakat, Filli Cafe, 25 Degrees North restaurant, Graphics Hub, Focus Display Advertising, Veesham Printing Press, Melodica Music and Dance Center, emcees Waleed and Bassam, Artlab, the Institute of Chartered Accounts of India, Indian Women in Dubai, ACKAF Association, Al Matiya Club, My Govindas, Experiential Marketing Products, Etisalat Yellow Pages, Sterling Perfumes, The Face Shop, Digitally Beyond Image, Magzoid Magazine, Khaleej Times, The Finance World Magazine, Unite Podcast, Big 106.2, Talk 100.3, Zee TV, and MobiShastra.
It was attended by a number of dignitaries, including Khalid bin Abdulla Almulla, Juma Al Madani, Munira Albalooshi, Khalil Abdulwahid and Faisal Abdulqader, among many others. Digital art refers to any artistic work or practice that uses digital technology as part of the creative or presentation process, or more specifically, computational art that uses and engages with digital media. After some initial resistance, the impact of digital technology has transformed activities such as painting, literature, drawing, sculpture, and music/sound art, while new techniques, such as internet art, digital installation art, and virtual reality, have emerged.
The Dubai Creative Economy Strategy aims to transform Dubai emirate into an international destination for creativity and the capital of creative economy by 2025. The Strategy aims to double the contribution of the creative industries to the GDP of Dubai from 2.6 per cent in 2020 to five per cent by 2025, more than double the number of Dubai-based creative companies from 8,300 in 2020 to 15,000 by 2025, and more than double the number of creators from 70,000 in 2020 to 140,000 by 2025.
