(TRAVPR.COM) UAE - April 26th, 2013 - Another exciting exhibition is planned to grace the halls of the dedicated Art Space at our 5 star hotel in Abu Dhabi, Eastern Mangroves Hotel & Spa as part of the Anantara Art Series, a new initiative launched last month. The month of May will see two separate and equally indigenous experiences starting with ‘Journey into Islamic Pattern Design’, a unique workshop experience courtesy of Bayt Al Qindeel, followed by an exhibition as part of Green Abu Dhabi, showcasing the talent of emerging artist George Lewis .
In line with the cultural experiences on offer throughout the Anantara Art Series, the ‘Journey into Islamic Pattern Design’ workshop, taking place from 1st to 6th May, is the first project of its kind offering participants an authentic insight into local cultural traditions at this hotel in Abu Dhabi. Bayt Al Qindeel, which in Arabic means ‘house of light’ has a mission to shine a spotlight on traditional arts and crafts from around the world. As part of the workshop, Bayt Al Qindeel, will bring together three artists from the UK specialising in geometry and Arabesque design, and introduce this classical art form to art enthusiasts in the capital.
Islamic pattern design features prominently in architecture throughout the region and beyond including iconic designs across the world such as, the Alhambra in Spain, the Taj Mahal in India and the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque in Abu Dhabi, to name just a few.
The three facilitating artists include: Richard Henry, an artist and teacher specialising in Islamic geometric pattern; Adam Williamson, a stone and wood carver and artist; and Lateefa Spiker, an artist specialising in painting. Together the artists will facilitate a 5-day workshop with 2 sessions per day at the convenience of participating students.
Dr. Zeinab Farah, a UAE national and founder of Bayt Al Qindeel, comments: “These workshops are unique in that students are able to re-create a series of Islamic designs using traditional tools to discover an endlessly rich visual language. Students will truly enjoy unravelling, understanding and reproducing these unique bi-morphic floral designs that form such an integral part of Islamic art.”
In parallel, Anantara will officially welcome ‘Green Abu Dhabi’ to Eastern Mangroves with a cocktail reception on 2nd May 2013 where artist George Lewis will present his large array of works that combine physical objects, historical images and modern paintings into artworks designed to highlight the ongoing environmental efforts and sustainable development in Abu Dhabi. The exhibition’s theme is one that resonates with Anantara’s philosophy and involvement in the local community.
Aside from the George Lewis exhibition, Green Abu Dhabi will also host mini events throughout the month of May, which will include a beach clean up on Saadiyat Island. The month long, Green Abu Dhabi initiative will culminate in an art auction at Eastern Mangroves Hotel & Spa by Anantara on the final weekend of May, with all proceeds going towards education and maintenance of the local environment and mangroves project.
‘Journey into Islamic Pattern Design’ workshops and the George Lewis exhibition represent the latest phase in Anantara’s ongoing partnership with local and international artists designed to connect the community with regional culture.
June will also see yet another unique exhibition in Anantara’s Art Space, this time photography, with ‘A Taste of Travel’ in conjunction with Lonely Planet.
Mortiz Klein, General Manager of Eastern Mangroves Hotel & Spa by Anantara comments: “We are pleased to introduce the next phase of the Anantara Art Series following the successful launch of our art space last month. Green Abu Dhabi is an important initiative in the local community and one that is closely connected to Anantara’s environmental philosophy and a project we are proud to be a part of.
In addition, the introduction of the unique Islamic Pattern Design workshops is a further example of Anantara’s ongoing commitment to preserving the culture and heritage of Abu Dhabi and providing our guests with unique and memorable experiences.”
The ‘Journey into Islamic Pattern Design’ workshops will run over 6 days with both morning and evening sessions available between 1st and 6th May 2013. Costs for the workshops are available upon request and bookings are essential.
HOW TO BOOK
The Green Abu Dhabi exhibition will open on 2nd May and continue until 31st May 2013.
For further information or bookings please contact Eastern Mangroves Hotel & Spa by Anantara on: 02 656 1000 or easternmangroves@anantara.com.
Bayt Al Qindeel contact details: Dr. Zeinab Farah info@baytalqindeel.com tel: 0553057754 Editor’s Note:
For hundreds of years throughout Thailand, people would leave a jar of water outside their house to provide refreshment and extend a welcome to the passing traveller. Anantara is taken from an ancient Sanskrit word that means 'without end', symbolizing this sharing of water and the heartfelt hospitality that lies at the core of every Anantara experience.
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