Arts & CultureDubai

Hotel Indigo Dubai Downtown introduces “Power Of Art” initiative

Hotel Indigo Dubai Downtown is somewhat of a gallery itself. Throughout the hotel, curious guests can discover over 200 artworks commissioned from Emirati and resident artists in partnership with Tashkeel, Alserkal Cultural Foundation and XVA Gallery.

Until 31 January the hotel will be home to a selection of curated artworks by Emirati and Dubai-based artists working in different mediums and styles – from fine art and sketches to shadow-art installations, textile and ceramic. Both hotel guests and the public will have free access to the art exhibitions, and all artworks displayed can be purchased. 

One of the highlights of “Power of Art” is Emirati artist Badr Abbas, who presents his new collection “Food for Thought” exclusively exhibited for the first time to the public. Badr Abbas is a well-established self-taught artist who has become sought after among art-lovers and collectors worldwide. He developed his unique and immediately recognisable take on the cubism style with a touch of humour. In his latest works, he seeks to capture the phenomena of the new culture of eating out, connecting it to the Emirati traditions in his unique satirical representation. “Food for Thought“by Badr Abbas is on display in the hotel’s lobby area until 10 January. 

Another prominent artist featured in “Power of Art” is Iraq-born Muhanad Al Nassiri presenting his series “Dubai Sketches“. Muhanad Al Nassiri combines his mesmerising skills in art, architecture and print-making to create unique art pieces allowing the viewers to enjoy the city of Dubai from another dimension. It is an exceptional opportunity for all art-lovers to bring home a slice of their journey in the form of lithographs. “Dubai Sketches” series is on display in Open Sesame social eatery for all guests to view until 31 January.

UAE-based artists Bassam Al Selawi and Maysoon Massalha use the ancient technique of shadow art to bring their artwork to life and invite the audience on a journey to a hidden world in the shadows. The duo makes clay sculptures and lets the spotlights shine on these, producing intricate shadows that reflect both the literal and figurative meaning behind the sculpture. The shadow art sculptures “We Aren’t…Alone” are displayed throughout the lobby area until 31 January.

Another of the exhibiting artists, Canadian/Lebanese Yolla Hanna explores her creativity on textile art. In her new collection “Amour Entrelacé” Yolla Hanna tells the story of the Al-Sadu technique, a UNESCO-recognised Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding, by using raw silk combined with bark-wood, copper leafing and other elements such as wool and yarns, giving the finished pieces organic and unique touch. The collection of Yolla’s vibrant, textured artworks is on display until 31 January in Bakala Jooos juice bar and concepts store, a hidden gem located on the hotel’s ground floor.

Power of Art” is a feast for more than the eyes with a series of culinary story-telling sessions “Forgotten Tastes and Tales of Arabia“, hosted in collaboration with Professor Idris and Dubai-based chef Nak-Ha every Saturday until 30 January. Guests are invited to embark on a journey through Arabian history with storyteller Idris and explore traditional flavours with a creative twist in the form of a three-course menu curated by passionate chef Nak-Ha. “Forgotten Tastes and Tales of Arabia “takes place either for lunch at 1pm or for dinner at 7pm every Saturday at Open Sesame social eatery, priced at AED 115 (food only) and AED 145 (including soft beverages).

Art lovers who are keen to discover the hotel’s entire permanent collection can join the Art Tours curated by the property’s resident Art Manager Astrid Lesuisse. Explore over 200 art and design pieces combined with a fresh and organic juice tasting in the Bakala Jooos juice bar and concept store. The art tours are free of charge until 31 January, but pre-registration with Astrid Lesuisse is required via astrid.lesuisse@ihg.com.

GO: Visit www.hotelindigodubai.com for reservations and more information.

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David Tapley - Editor-in-Chief
As editor-in-chief of the region’s most fiercely local lifestyle publication, David is a self-proclaimed hip-hop aficionado, championing all things food, travel, street art, and streetwear across the United Arab Emirates and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

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