Hayat Arts hosts show honouring Ramadan, marks first anniversary

In a celebration of the Holy Month of Ramadan, arts promotion body Hayat Arts, in collaboration with Reem Art Gallery, hosted the IMAN 2nd Edition Group Art Exhibition. It brought together a diverse community of artists, cultural enthusiasts and art supporters. The show was hosted by Safa Peshimam, co-founder of Hayat Arts. Held in honour of the spiritual values of faith, unity, generosity and peace, the IMAN exhibition showcased a collection of artworks reflecting the spirit of Ramadan, through the universal language of art. The evening commenced with a welcome address from Safa Peshimam; it was followed by acknowledging the presence of dignitaries, who added grace and significance to the event. They included Sultana Kazim; Ahmad Al Awadhi Rukni; and Anjini Prakash Laitu.

The highlight of the evening was the felicitation of the artists, whose work captured the emotional and spiritual beauty of the Holy Month. They included Aida Kalaie; Avigyan Bhattacharya; Banashree Sengupta; Behnaz Zohouri; Dalia Samaa; Dr. Ana Stjelja; Edcel Cabalan; Georgina Burguete; Jaimee Reyes; Rooma Eejaz; Subhani Shaik; Yashi Khatanhar; Sarah Peshimam; and Safa Peshimam. Each artwork offered was a personal interpretation of spirituality, reflection and connection to the divine, aligning with the spirit of Ramadan. “May this exhibition be a celebration of art, culture and compassion, and may it serve as a reminder of the light we can all share with the world,” said Safa Peshimam, during her closing remarks.

A model displays a dress.

The evening concluded with an art tour. “The IMAN 2nd Edition Group Art Exhibition stands as a testament to Hayat Arts’ commitment to fostering creativity, inclusivity and community through meaningful artistic experiences,” said Sarah Peshimam, co-founder of Hayat Arts. At another event, Hayat Arts marked its 1-Year Anniversary with a bouquet of art, fashion and community initiatives. Titled The One, the programme was held at Cross Borders Art Gallery. “The One is not merely a celebratory occasion, but a testament to the remarkable journey that Hayat Arts has travelled during such a short span,” said Safa Peshimam.

“This electrifying evening, filled with passion, inspiration, and an overwhelming spirit of artistic collaboration, stands as an undeniable statement of the power of art and its ability to unite diverse communities.” Amidst the presence of prominent dignitaries, renowned artists, fashion designers and a supportive audience of art lovers, The One was noted for its impeccable organisation, high-calibre presentation and the large number of attendees, who had gathered under one roof to celebrate artistic excellence.

Ahmad Al Awadhi Rukni with his work.

Appreciation was extended to Fawad for providing gallery space and to Rayan, for his kind assistance. Artists and art supporters included Yaqoob Al Ali; Sultana Kazim; Hiba; Claudia Pinto; Nada Al Barazi; Tessy Koshy; Ahmad Al Awadhi Rukni; Atul Panase; Abeer Abdullah; Sumayra; Mohammed Ali; Anjini Prakash Laitu; Mai Nassr; and Dr. Mariam Shaikh. The night unfolded with a fashion showcase, the Hayat Arts Fashion Show, which blended artistic expression with haute couture. Amanda Kuruvita’s collection was marked for its elegance, creativity and storytelling, through kaftan fashion. THV Couture then took the runway, presenting designs in traditional wear.

To underscore that art has always been about conversation and a dialogue that transcends boundaries, Hayat Arts organised a panel discussion to complement the art and fashion show. Led by Musab Shaikh, editor of a luxury art and creative magazine, and an artist, art enthusiast and poet, the discussion featured industry luminaries Claudia Pinto, Atul Panase, Nada Al Barazi, and Abeer Abdullah; they spoke about the rapid ascent of Hayat Arts in the UAE’s art world. Their insights on inclusivity, art-meets-fashion collaborations, and the platform’s transformational impact on the industry, initiated pop-up dialogues on the sidelines.

Mai Nassr with her composition.

Atul Panase with his watercolour work.

The launch of the first Hayat Arts Coffee Table Magazine then took the stage. The volume is a visually rich publication that encapsulates the voyage of Hayat Arts, touching on art thoughts. It also honours art professionals who contribute to the art ecology of the Emirates. Featured artists in the inaugural edition were recognised for their work, which spans diverse themes and techniques. They include Aakanksha Kshatriya; Edcel Cabalan; Faezeh Mohammed; Fatima Ahmed; Jaimee Reyes; Neda Godrazi; Radha Bhatia; and Waaris Hasan.

“Artists have always been the soul of Hayat Arts, and the evening is a celebration of their talent, resilience, and boundless creativity,” said Safa Peshimam. From painters and sculptors to digital artists and calligraphy masters, the room was filled with individuals whose art has made notable contributions to the art scene. Honourable guests led the way in recognising the gifted individuals. The energy in the room was electric and the applause that filled the space, acknowledged each artist’s drive and hard work.

Safa Peshimam (left) and Sarah Peshimam.

A surprise element of the evening was the launch of ‘Behind the Fashionable Drapes’ volume authored by Parvez Ahmed. It is an insightful literary work celebrating fashion, art, and storytelling. The Allegiance Award was bestowed on Edcel Cabalan — a dedicated artist, and an integral part of Hayat Arts since its inception. Special recognition was given to DXB 24 LIVE – Media Partner; Harshavardhan Ashok – Photography Partner; and Aafrin Fatema and Viktoriia Platner – Makeup artists. Partners unable to be present, including Clayed by Rasha (Gifting Partner), SDLuxury Magazine (Magazine Partner), UAE Stories (Media Partner), and The Times of UAE (Media Partner), were also remembered. The night culminated in an immersive art trek where guests were taken on a tour through the creations of 25 artists, hailing from around the world.