Alif Art & Culture Exhibition ushers Ramadan with group cultural show

Gulf Today

25-02-2025

Muhammad Yusuf, Features Writer
Funun Arts Group, in collaboration with Novotel Sharjah Expo Centre, is presenting the Alif Art & Culture Exhibition, a celebration of Ramadan, spirituality and artistic talent (Feb. 21, through April) at the Novotel premises. The third edition of the series merges art and Sufi poetry, drawing inspiration from renowned Persian poet and mystic, Maulana Jalaluddin Rumi.
The event commenced with a welcome, inviting guests to embark on an immersive journey where faith, culture and art intertwined. The introductory speech, delivered by Shiba Khan, Funun Arts Group Co-Founder, shed light on the deep connection between spirituality and artistic expression. Her words paved a pathway to the art exhibition being held on the mezannine floor of the hotel, featuring works that echo themes of peace, love and devotion to the divine.
Robin Solomon, General Manager of Novotel Sharjah Expo Centre, said that 'Ramadan is a time of reflection, gratitude and unity, and the Alif Art & Culture Exhibition beautifully captures its essence through colours, calligraphy, and emotive strokes of talented artists.' Each artwork, he said, profoundly resonated with themes of faith and spirituality, portraying the human heart's journey towards divine connection. Shiba Khan elaborated on the exhibition's title. 'Alif, the first letter of the Arabic alphabet,' she said, 'symbolises our direct connection to the Almighty. This year's edition pays homage to Rumi, whose poetry continues to guide and inspire spiritual and personal growth.'
Selected verses of Rumi recited during the event reinforced themes of self-discovery and divine love. Some of them were: 'The very centre of your heart is where life begins. The most beautiful place on Earth'; 'this universe is not outside of you. Look inside yourself, everything that you want, you already are'; 'your heart knows the way, run in that direction'; 'you are the soul of the universe, and your name is Love.' Rumi's poetry, characterised by lyrical beauty, spiritual longing and rich symbolism, has influenced generations of seekers. His verses convey the interconnectedness of humanity and the divine and his words offer heft to the exhibition, which is also a visual interpretation of Sufi mysticism.
Elevating the opening ceremony was a captivating musical performance by Seyed Amir Hossein Hasaninia, popularly known as Mr. Dervish. A celebrated poet, composer, musician and mystic, Mr. Dervish has spent over two decades exploring the intersection of art and spirituality. His performances blend jazz, Middle Eastern music and Sufi and contemporary dance, to create immersive and transcendent experiences. His vocals during the evening were accompanied by a dance rendition by one of his students. Farah Khan, Co-Founder and Creative Designer of Funun Arts Group, underlined that 'the soulful performance was not just an artistic display, but a transformative journey, striving to engage the audience in deep reflection and meditation.' Mr. Dervish's powerful vocals and the whirling dervish dance symbolising devotion and surrender, reinforced the event's overarching themes. It also left attendees calling for more.
The exhibition welcomed a notable lineup of guests, including Halima Al Sayegh, Ahmed Al Awadhi, Meena Kamal, Kusum Dutta, Atul Panase, Anjani Prakash Laitu, Vikas Bhargav, Majida Nasreddin and Rayad Kamal, among others. Their presence underscored the event's significance for the cultural and artistic landscape of the Emirates. The art show features the works of 22 artists, each offering their interpretation of the theme. Participating artists include Abid Alam, Ahmed Al Awadhi, Almas Abdul Ghaffar, Ana S. Gad, Anjini Prakash Laitu, Dhruti Vrajesh Shah, Dr. Riya Shah, Farah Khan, Hana Al Haffar, Hina Raheel, Mohammed Aslam Hussain, Monia Sahraoui, Osama Mansour, Pari Sagar, Rabia Hafsa Javed, Shazia Jashim, Shiba Khan, Sobia Dar, Soobika Fawad, Subia Khan Hussain, Walaa Mohamed Pasha and Wardah Asad.
Each artist blends traditional techniques and contemporary interpretations, encouraging the audience to engage with the deeper spiritual essence embedded in their works. As the inaugural event concluded, the organisers expressed their gratitude to artists, performers, guests and supporters, whose contributions, they said, 'transformed the evening into an oasis of artistic and spiritual harmony.' Halima Al Sayegh, in her address, said that 'may this exhibition inspire, enlighten and bring us closer to the values of Ramadan — compassion, reflection, and unity. Let us cherish this moment, connect through art, and celebrate the power of creativity to bring people together.'
The occasion ended with a commemorative group photo; attendees then explored the artworks, engaging with the narratives woven into each objet d'art. One of the aims of the exhibition is to reaffirm the role of art as a bridge between the material and the spiritual. 'Each edition of Alif Art & Culture Exhibition aspires to deepen the exploration of artistic expression, faith and human experience,' said Shiba and Farah Khan, who are also sisters. With wishes for a blessed Ramadan, they drew the event to a close.
Funun Arts Group is an inclusive arts community dedicated to promoting and supporting artists in the UAE and beyond. Through exhibitions, workshops and collaborative events, its goal is to add to the vibrant arts scene of the UAE, providing a platform for artists to showcase their work. The group is known for its commitment to nurturing both established and emerging artists, creating opportunities for dialogue, collaboration and creative expression. Novotel Sharjah Expo Centre is one of the leading hospitality destinations in Sharjah, offering quality facilities and services. It is committed to supporting cultural initiatives, which mandate is fulfilled by its partnership with Funun Arts Group.