PaintBrush Art Community hosts two exhibitions commemorating Ramadan
- 23 Mar 2025
Muhammad Yusuf, Features Writer
PaintBrush Art Community has inaugurated two Ramadan exhibitions, one each at Dubai’s Wafi Mall and voco Bonnington Dubai, for the duration of the Holy Month. Ayah, the Ramadan group art exhibition at Wafi Mall, has twenty artists participating, with the artworks being displayed aesthetically in the mall. The Ramadan art collection has been organised by Plan B Group and curated by PaintBrush Art Community. CEO of Plan B Group, Dr. Harmeek Singh, underlined he has ensured one of the biggest art spectacles for the public this Ramadan, by supporting the artists. He has been honoured by several organisations for his humanitarian work.
A lavish ceremony celebrated the artists at the Mosaic area of the mall. An Egyptian theme with dazzling mirrors in the pyramid shaped ceiling, adds to the strength of the event. Artists on the opening day came dressed in Ramadan attire. Though some of them were not Muslims, they paid their respects to the month by dressing in traditional abayas. Guest of Honour, Kusum Dutta, who graced the occasion, is a renowned philanthropist; she has been supporting for long, less privileged sections of society through her NGO. She praised the way PaintBrush Art Community has progressed since its founding. She said the art group has provided “the most exquisite art events” and has always encouraged artists.
Chief Guest Charanjit Kaur, mother of Dr. Harmeek Singh, graciously met each artist, and distributed certificates to them. When Dr. Romit Purohit, co-founder of PaintBrush Art Community was asked about Ayah, he said that it was the fourth season when Ayah was being celebrated, “in all its beauty and serenity. Ayah is the most cherished exhibition hosted by The Paintbrush Art Community.” Dr. Romit added that artists wait impatiently to participate in the mega annual art extravaganza.
The artists, on their part, were delighted when enquired about their work. “It is our fourth season with Plan B Group and at Wafi Mall,” said Sonal Purohit, artist and co-founder of PaintBrush Art Community. “Wafi Mall is renowned for its extravagant and majestic celebration of Ramadan and this year, the artworks are installed at the Mosaic area of the mall. Since the location is very accessible, the idea is to spread art amongst masses and show them the enchantment of Ramadan.”
Artwork includes calligraphy, portraits, mixed media and religious themes that define the beauty and radiance of the Holy Month. Artists include Anil Kamble, Anjum Daud, Deepti Tripathi, Prabita Rajesh, Radha Bhatia, Raj Shekar Reddy, Sabah Anees, Sarla Tated, Shereen Abraham, Sonal Purohit, Tia Mathew and Varsha Khatri (from India); Alia Amin Abdulkarim, Dr. Anum Ali and Soobika Fawad (from Pakistan); Jaimee Felysse Reyes (from The Philippines); and Labiba Ferhat (from Algeria).
“Art is limitless and artists are capable of adding life to everything that a heart can comprehend,” said Sonal Purohit. “The portrayal of Ramadan can be seen in each painting that is displayed and they carry so much energy and positivity. It is a must see, to feel the magic of art.” PaintBrush Art Community’s other art event at voco Bonnington Dubai, is also a point where visitors can feel the vibrant solemnity of the Holy Month, through the richness of art. “It is a soulful exhibition that displays the essence and joy of the most favourite time of the year for UAE residents,” said Sonal Purohit. “The art collection of my artists wishes everyone a blessed month via art.”
Dr. Romit Purohit, who is also a health professional, said he ensures that the venue and team “is of the highest standards, since PaintBrush Art Community has become synonymous with perfection and magnificence. The locations of the exhibitions have always been lavish and add value to the artworks displayed.” Artists taking part are Harshita Dhar, Sabah Anees, Sonal Purohit and Sugat Priyadarshi (from India); Alia Amin Abdulkarim and Soobika Fawad (from Pakistan); Jaimee Felysee Reyes (from The Philippines); Labiba Ferhet (from Algeria); and Sumaya Azam (from Bangladesh).
In the larger world, cultural practices during Ramadan include, in some Islamic countries, lights (fanous) strung up in public squares and across city streets. The UAE illuminates its spaces during Ramadan with numerous lights and decorations and markets, landmarks and buildings are adorned with traditional Ramadan decorations. Blogger team art.rtistiq.com notes that “art has long been a way to express and explore religious beliefs,” since “it has the power to convey complex and abstract ideas in a way that words sometimes cannot. It allows individuals to explore and express their spiritual experiences in a visual, tangible form.”
During Ramadan, they continue, art plays an essential role in helping people connect with their faith and express their devotion. “From intricate calligraphy to colourful paintings, art depicts the beauty and significance of the Holy Month. It is a way to capture the essence of Ramadan and share it with others, creating a sense of community and unity.” Traditional Islamic art forms, such as calligraphy, geometric patterns, and arabesque designs, have been used for centuries to express the beauty and spirituality of Islam. During Ramadan, these art forms are often incorporated into decorations, clothing, and food. Calligraphy, in particular, is highly revered in Islamic art as it is used to write verses from the Quran and other religious texts. Islamic art’s sinuous geometric patterns and designs are also symbolic, representing the unity and interconnectedness of everything in the universe.