Muhammad Yusuf, Features Writer

The Emerging Art Icons Awards 2024 (EAIA) was celebrated recently and the event, organised by Magzoid Magazine, took place at 53 Dubai, Sheraton Grand Hotel, and was hosted by Joe Mohan, TV presenter, emcee and voice over artist. EAIA spotlighted the art scene of the UAE, and encouraged exceptional artistic talent to have their place on the stage. Besides showcasing various art disciplines, EAIA underlined the importance of joint ventures, sponsorships, residencies and charitable endeavours in assisting the UAE’s creative economy flourish. Magzoid is committed to building an inclusive, sustainable, creative ecosystem that values innovation, diversity, and important social effects, its office bearers emphasised.

“Magzoid has once again showcased through The Emerging Art Icons 2024 Awards that such recognition and upliftment is what the art community thrives on,” said Khalil Abdulwahid, a member of the Jury Panel and a high ranking officer of Dubai Culture. “The moments we witnessed this evening will boost the confidence of everyone present, enabling them to further their pursuit of artistic creativity. The UAE has set its eyes on being not only an economic haven but also a creative haven for the people who come in search of opportunities here. Events such as these catalyse the artistic growth of individuals.”

The jury panel, which consisted of critically acclaimed and well-established artists in the UAE and the global art world, shouldered the responsibility of selecting the most deserving artists and institutions for the awards. Distinguished jurors included Sacha Jafri, Khalil Abdulwahid, Amrita Sethi and Jyo John Mulloor. They insured a fair and meticulous selection process that upheld the integrity of the awards. 

The occasion was honoured by the attendance of distinguished Consul Generals from Dubai. Guests also included investors, art collectors, chairpersons of art and creative bodies, official ministry representatives, and corporates. The ceremony was accompanied by performances of acrobats, singers, and dancers. A diverse group of artists, including Jamil Boudiab, Tatiana Lamiri Alaoui, Joy Nabil Najm, Aakanksha Kshatriya and Ajit Gadekar, showcased their talents in immersive galleries. Each artist brought their individual perspective to the exhibition.

  Award winners with their supporters.

The awards covered a wide range of categories. Winners were - Best Artist of Determination: Ameera Alzaabi; Best Emerging Artist: Sudheer Balan; Best Art Influencer: Dr. John V. Francis; Best Emerging Art Blog: ArtDayMe; Best Artistic Brand Collaboration: Ati Younesi; Best Artistic Innovation: Fabin Rasheed; Best Digital Art: Clemence Powney; Best Sustainable Art: Kasia Sterriker; Best Abstract Art: Nicole Lilian; Best Calligraphy Artist: Ismail Abdul Rahman; Best Visual Artist: Mohammed Hussein; Best Performance Art: Viktoriia Demi; Best Artistic Social Impact: Abeer Al Edani; Best Emerging Art Gallery: Inloco Gallery; Best Art Curator: Christianna Bonin; Best Public Art: Dr. Khaled Alawadi; Best Contemporary Art: Moosa Al Halyan; Best Art Institution: Jameel Art Center; Best Art Fair: Art Dubai; Best Realism Art: Saggaf Alhashimi; Best Installation Art: Shaikh Maktoum Marwan Hasher Al Maktoum; Best Street Art: Fathima and Best NFT Art: Shaikh Danial.

“The event has grown and so has the competition,” said Sacha Jafri. “Fantastic turnout, fantastic energy, and a lot of work behind the scenes to assemble the winners in some categories — it hasn’t been simple — strong competition this year, and I would like to congratulate all the names that were submitted.” “Magzoid has stepped up the game by giving artists an opportunity and a stage to be recognised,” said an attending artist. “The ceremony was a celebration of the power of art to connect people, inspire change, and create new possibilities. It was a testament to the importance of supporting emerging artists and creative thinkers and added to the value of collaboration and innovation in the art field.”

The Magzoid Emerging Art Icons Awards is one of the most sought-after and prestigious accolades for emerging artists. With its second edition, the event has won even more attention from art enthusiasts, collectors and industry professionals, cementing its position as a definitive showcase of emerging talent in the region. Wasaya Investments, OOKA, MADLY Bespoke Jeweller, Armaf, Layer X, Siella Beauty, African + Eastern, Vista Gifts, Experiential Marketing Products, Spark Media, Daily Hunt, Mid East Information, World Art News, The Brew, MAA Gulf, Dubai Global News and One Arabia were among the supporters, partners and sponsors.

Sacha Jafri is a British artist known for creating the world’s largest painting on canvas, Journey of Humanity (as recognised by Guinness World Records) over seven months in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic in Dubai. In 2021, it sold for Dhs228 million (US$62 million), the third highest price ever paid for a work of art by a living artist, behind Jeff Koons’s Rabbit ($91.1 million US), and David Hockney’s Portrait of an Artist (Pool with Two Figures, $90 million US). The Journey of Humanity painting measures over 17,000 square feet (1,600 square metres) and incorporates the artwork of children from more than 140 countries. The artwork was purchased by French crypto businessman Andre Abdoune. Jafri donated the proceeds from the sale to children’s charities. He has a studio in Dubai. Magzoid Magazine is based in the UAE and the publication is dedicated to uncovering and celebrating the rich cultural tapestry and artistic vibrancy of the region. It features narratives, features in-depth profiles of both renowned and emerging artists and fosters collaborations with artists. EAIA helps those who do not have a strong name in the art market, gain visibility.