One theme, different versions: Artists blazed individuality at ‘Whimsical Ekhos’
- 4 hours ago
Muhammad Yusuf, Features Writer
Atus Gallery hosted in middle of last month, a group art exhibition titled ‘Whimsical Ekhos’. The event was the result of a collaboration with art curator Bhairavi Mistry of Noora The Divine Spark and featured works from Dubai-based artists, in a celebration of local talent and global creativity. Each participating artist had their different version vis-a-vis the theme of the exhibition, namely, ‘Whimsical Ekhos’. Emirati artist Hanan Salem Alwahedi’s ‘Shadow of Loss’ expressed themes of isolation, grief, and deep contemplation. The depicted figure’s downward gaze and posture conveyed sorrow or resignation, while the black attire symbolised loss and reflection.
German artist Natalia Schafer’s artwork titled ‘Blessings’ recalled C. S. Lewis who said that “when we lose one blessing, another is often most unexpectedly given in its place.” Her intuitively painted artwork was an invitation to appreciate the blessing of every moment and to be grateful for it. Five Russian artists based in Dubai also showed their artworks. Daria Avdeeva’s ‘Chasing Luck’ captured the perpetual pursuit of fortune. Two dynamically posed bunnies engaged in a playful, circular chase in a sunlit meadow. Each bunny mirrored the diverse forms luck could assume. Kristina Adamson’s ‘Camel Dali Style’ captured a surreal vision of a majestic camel, recalling the ancient caravans that traversed the endless sands of the desert. The camel embodied resilience and strength amidst the harshness of nature - which was a tribute to the resilience of people who overcome obstacles in life.
Polina Aitkulova’s artwork ‘Orange and Yellow’ was a piece in abstract expressionist style, and highlighted orange, yellow and red colours. Its very vividness and colourfulness evoked very positive emotions. Oksana Eliseeva’s ‘Golden Leaves’ was made from gypsum plaster and decorated with gold leaf. A three-dimensional embossed design added a luxurious touch to the piece. The shimmering gold contrasted well with the background of the image.
Polina Akyeva’s ‘Tropical Flower’ composition was made of texture paste. “It is one of my favourite materials, since it provides an increased 3D effect to the art,” said Bhairavi Mistry. It looked very realistic with the bas-reliefs, she added. Dubai based South African artist Andrew Thompson’s ‘Urban Rush’ epitomised the energy and continuous motion of a city that never sleeps. It was full of motion, emotion and colour. The piece also captured the engineering forms and structures of a city that most people don’t notice, as they rush around in it.
Marina Muradian, a Kyrgyz artist living and working in Dubai, presented ‘Where Flowers Meet Stones’. It captured the essence of a quaint Sicilian village, where the timeless charm of old stone architecture intertwined with the vibrant beauty of blooming flowers. It was inspired by the artist’s travels to Sicily. Pakistani artist based in Malaysia, Sadaf Farasat’s ‘A Prayer’ offered ‘All I ever wanted from you, is to want you’ (from Rumi, who was credited in the painting). Based on the quote, the work expressed a man’s deep longing to draw closer to the Almighty, as he humbly prayed for nearness to the divine.
Pakistani artist Sana Hayat’s ‘Olive Tree and the Key of Return’ portrayed the unbreakable connection of a Palestinian to his land, bridging past, present, and future in a testament to their unwavering determination to return to their roots and their historical legacy. In the background of the picture, everything was related to childhood memories. Five Indian artists based in Dubai also displayed their works. Kiran Kumar’s ‘Innocence’ captured the essence of sinlessness. A small boy, with his soft, rounded cheeks and a wide-eyed gaze, wore a green hat that sat loosely, hinting at a lively spirit. Soft, watercolour strokes brought a tender glow to his face, celebrating his purity.
Kriti ‘Sara’ Paul’s ‘Memoir’ was a very special artwork, combining the imagination of the artist as well as the little quirks of her life, all now hidden under layers of texture and paint, in what was a very effective blend of pastels. Teena Khetarpal’s ‘Ballet Beyond Boundaries’ celebrated the beauty of cultural diversity through ballet, featuring ballerinas from various countries, who danced in harmony. Together, they created a seamless flow of movement, symbolising unity through the universal language of dance.
In Anita Sahai’s ‘Red Magic’, red was a magical colour, symbolic of power, passionate love, passion, anger and seduction. “My paintings depict a combination of these emotions,” said the artist. Prasanna Kumar’s ‘Married Couple’ commemorated the diverse journeys of married couples, from the excitement of newlyweds to the deep connection of long-term partners. The instalment highlighted the beauty and complexity of matrimony.
Founded in 2016, Atus is a UAE-based company specialising in bespoke products for luxury residential and hospitality spaces. With its gallery and production studio located in Dubai’s Al Quoz creative district, Atus curates and crafts collections, striving to blend elegance and artistry. It works with top designers and luxury establishments worldwide, including Four Seasons, Six Senses, St. Regis, Ritz Carlton Reserve, Cheval Blanc and One&Only Resorts, to name a few, and offers a wide range of furniture, lighting, artwork, sculptures and surfaces, crafted with both traditional and innovative techniques.
With over 40 artists represented globally, Atus anchors hand-crafted furniture to sculptural lighting and statement art pieces. The gallery’s network of artists and creatives ensure that the pieces are crafted with precision, from concept to installation. ‘Whimsical Ekhos’ was an opportunity to witness how art complemented a commitment to thoughtful, refined design, at Atus.
