Culture

Children, young adults excel with their talents in ISOAG exhibition

06 Oct 2024

Some of the young artists and their supporters at the event.

Muhammad Yusuf, Features Writer

DUBAI: The International Studio of Art & Galleries (ISOAG) located in Alsafa Park Complex (Safa 1), hosted a children’s art exhibition on September 28, featuring an inspiring display of young talent.

Along with the works of young adults, the event was a celebration of creativity and artistic exploration, nurtured and guided by the studio’s in-house artists and art facilitators.

Under the leadership of gallery director Najah Musthafa and creative director, artist and curator Ruxeena Musthafa and her team, the art studio has been a space where the young are encouraged to develop their talent through a variety of art forms, including drawing, painting, sculpture, and mixed media.

Ruxeena Musthafa at the event.

“The exhibition was the culmination of a nurturing environment, showcasing the beautiful work of all the participants who have embraced art as a means of expression,” said Ruxeena Musthafa. “The International Studio of Art has become a beacon of creativity, offering a unique space where children can explore their artistic potential fully.”

Truth be told, the space stands out not only due to the talent it fosters, but also due to its flexible scheduling and the personal attention offered each child.

The studio offers a wide range of classes and activities to ensure that every child, regardless of his or her merit level, can find a place for growth.

The event can be said to have been a reflection of that sentiment.

A close-up view of some of the artworks.

From vivid paintings to intricate drawings, ISOAG was filled with the unique — and astoundingly mature — perspectives of each participant. The walls were adorned with bursts of colour and creativity, each piece telling a story, explaining a dream, or detailing a vision, seen through the eyes of the young participants.

Aarav Ashwin Dangare, Aditi Adarsh, Afshan Nawaz Khan, Aimi Chen, Alexia Messara, Amorita Metro, Anaha Parameswaran and her sister Aroha Parameswaran, displayed their art pieces with great pride.

The works showcased a spectrum of artistic styles, from modern and abstract to traditional, each of them reflecting the artist’s personal journey (no copies) in the world of art.

Teenager Afshan Nawaz Khan captivated the audience with her extraordinary painting, showcasing a depth and mellowness well beyond her age. Leah Anand Kumar impressed the crowd with her multiple abstract pieces, each one a bold and imaginative exploration in colour and form. Christi Elizabeth Johns, Cyrine Alawar, Davyd Rybalov, Emir Bin Nadeem, Hannah Salem and Syed Ayesha, shared their exceptional creations and the occasion also saw the artwork of Haydar Wazir, Hind Sharafi and Ishita Kotgire, whose pieces stood out for their daring use of colour and attention to detail.

Each participant filled the space with an infectious energy that energised attendees.

Reaching high in art.

The studio itself provided the right ambience for the event. Known for its serene and meditative environs, ISOAG is well-equipped with spacious halls and modern facilities; it is the ideal setting for children to immerse and discover themselves in art. The art facilitators, trained not only as art makers but also in the children’s overall development, ensure that every child’s creativity is nurtured and their artistic growth is supported in all possible ways.

Among the many young artists were also Jaslene Elayyan, Jennifer Anne Johns, Kabir Tegta, Kyra Tegta, Kamila Morones, Keshav Sharma, Ayesha Asif Ali and Leila Nadeem, each of whom brought their particular flair.

Their artworks revealed a wide array of themes, from nature and animals to conceptual pieces that reflected abstract thoughts and experiences. Levan Clevish Gunasekara, Mihika Rustagi, Milo Chen and Naksh Awtaney, were among the cohort of young talent; the grasp they showed could not be measured in biological years.

Mihika Rustagi’s photography revealed a keen eye for finer points and an admirable understanding of light and composition. A special highlight of the event was the dynamic performances by two gifted children, 7-year-old drummer Adam Salem and 6-year-old magician, Daksh Rhiman.

Adam, a child prodigy, stunned the audience with his electrifying performance on the drum; it was a rhythm-filled journey in percussion that had everyone applauding.

Daksh, with his magic tricks, brought out a sense of wonder and amazement, and enchanted the audience with his charm and skill.

Their performances added another layer to the event, blending visual arts with music and magic.

The exhibition continued with noteworthy contributions from Olivia Messara, Pranaya Kunal Narvekar, Raniya Fathima, Rhea Duge, Rishabhh Ramesh, Riteika Ramesh and Rusham Deepak.

Their collective work further solidified the idea that every child, no matter the background or experience, has the potential to create something extraordinary, when given the right guidance and opportunity. The artworks of Sara Halbe, Sarah Al Jarman, Sarah Noufal, Shaheer Wazir and Shreyas Chaudhary, added more vibrancy to the show; their creations were characterised by unique themes, expressive strokes and a sound understanding of colour. Sai Krsna Srinath’s paintings stood out for their varied creative energies.

Shriya Kunal Wagle, Tara Nabeela Alkhatib, Valentina Squillacioti, Ved Ravikiran Ransubhe, Vidyuth, Vira and Zeyad Mohra also presented their compositions, pointing to very diverse feast of objets d’art.

As the exhibition came to a close, the joy and pride of the children, parents and guests, underlined that in terms of the tender ages of many of the artists, the sheer volume of works displayed and the ratio of attendees to participants, ISOAG had set a benchmark in how art education and exhibitions for children should be held, combining professionalism and sensitive community care.