An art exhibition for the creative, by the creative

Khaleej Times

26-03-2025

In the heart of Dubai's thriving cultural landscape, art has been on a transformative journey, an energy that pulses through the city igniting passion and creativity. This year, Paramount Hotels is scripting an entirely new experience in collaboration with Artventurous, marking their sequel to last year's successful exhibition with another week-long art showcase, an episode designed 'For the Creative, By the Creative'. The art exhibition at Paramount Hotel Dubai in 2024 opened doors to various local and global artists, spearheaded by Spanish art curator and sculptor Will Yaya, founder of Artventurous Magazine, the exhibition highlighted the diverse spectrum of artistic talent and creativity.
Esteemed figures in the local and international art scene such as Jivan Hovhannisian, José Luis Ramirez, Angelica Lenzen, Shahi Dayekh, Giuseppe Gianotti, Pinar Tuba Bicmen, Osama Elolemi, Rafah Abdulrazzak, Gesere, Rita Madeleine Loewenthal, Sandeep Soni and Christine El Ojeil were recognised for their contributions, underscoring Paramount Hotel Dubai's commitment to fostering and promoting artistic excellence on a global scale.
This year, the exhibition will take place from 12 to 19 April, ahead of Art Dubai 2025. The opening night on 12 April 2025 will be held in Paramount Hotel Dubai's iconic Screening Room, where artists and guests alike will gather, their conversations punctuated by the soft clinking of glasses and the hushed anticipation of what lies ahead. The evening will also mark the launch of the Spring Issue #41 of Artventurous Magazine, a tribute to the artists who shape the world with their hands, hearts and unrelenting vision.
This partnership brings together some of the world's most captivating artists, promising to elevate luxury, creativity and cinematic storytelling. The exhibition will celebrate both local and global art communities, culminating in the grand finale of Art Dubai. The synergy between these two artistic movements is undeniable, each amplifying the other and cementing Dubai's status as a global hub for culture and creativity. Throughout the week, Paramount Hotels will host some of the most exciting artistic voices of today, many of whom will be exhibiting at both Art Dubai 2025 and the Artventurous Art Exhibition at Paramount Hotels.
A distinguished panel of art professionals will curate and judge this year's exhibition, ensuring that every piece reflects a deep artistic vision. The jury includes:
• Fatma Abdullah – Art Curator & World Art Dubai Organiser
• Ahmad Al Awadhi Rukni – Businessman & Art Celebrity
• Professor Ahmed Elserafi – Art Collector, Gallery Owner & Advisory Board Member at Sharjah University, UAE
• Seth Benzel – Painter, Curator & Gallery Owner
• Alex Rios – Writer, Director & Cinematographer
The exhibition will feature an extraordinary selection of artists from around the world, including:
• Jivan Hovhannisian (Armenia/UAE) – Mastery of Spatula Award winner
• José Luis Ramirez (Mexico) – Creativity Without Limits Award recipient
• Shahi Dayekh (Lebanon) – Deeper Understanding of the World Award recipient
• Angelica Lenzen (Germany) – Photography visionary
• Pinar Tuba Bicmen (Turkey) – Emerging contemporary artist
• Eman Abdellatif (Egypt) – Notable abstract painter
Female artists have played a key role in shaping this movement. Pinar Tuba Bicmen from Turkey, Angelica Lenzen from Germany (awarded the Connecting the World of Light Award for her innovative photography) and Shahi Dayekh from Lebanon (honoured with the Deeper Understanding of the World Award for her poignant storytelling) have all contributed greatly to the cultural dialogue within Artventurous. Their works, alongside many others, have elevated the movement beyond an exhibition, transforming it into a vital space for cultural exchange and artistic dialogue.
Nicholas Chalmers, General Manager of Paramount Hotel Dubai, commented: 'Our collaboration with Artventurous represents more than just an exhibition. It is an embodiment of the Paramount Pictures legacy, reimagined for a new generation of creators. We are deeply committed to continuing Paramount Pictures' rich history of cinematic storytelling through art. This exhibition is a powerful testament to how the worlds of art and cinema can coexist, inspiring fresh ideas and conversations within our community.'
Pascal Eggerstedt, General Manager of Paramount Hotel Midtown, reinforces the brand's commitment: 'At Paramount Hotels, we are more than just a hospitality brand. We are a platform for creativity, innovation and artistic expression. 'For the Creative, By the Creative' is our brand vision, the core of everything we do. This collaboration with Artventurous allows us to continue pushing the boundaries of what is possible in hospitality, filmmaking and art, ensuring that we stay at the forefront of creative excellence. It will inspire deeper connections between artists and guests, inviting everyone to engage, explore and be inspired.'
Paramount Hotels embody a vision of innovation and artistic integrity, where luxury hospitality meets the magic of cinema. Paramount Pictures has long been synonymous with entertainment and storytelling and the brand represents the future of luxury hospitality, blending creativity, design and cinematic excellence. The ambience, soundtracks and even the check-in experience immerse guests in cinematic magic.
As a member of the Global Hotel Alliance (GHA), the world's largest collection of independent hotel brands, Paramount Hotels is part of a network that spans 45 unique brands and more than 850 hotels across 100+ countries, bringing together a world of luxury and exclusivity for over 30 million members. Paramount Hotels adds a distinct, creative touch to this prestigious alliance, offering more than just luxury stays, but opening doors to extraordinary, artistic experiences that blend cinema, culture and creativity. GHA members are invited to explore a universe where luxury and imagination collide, making every stay not just memorable but truly transformative.
Dean Rossilli, Senior Vice President of DAMAC Hospitality, comments: 'It's incredibly rewarding to see our collaboration with Artventurous grow year on year, now extending beyond the walls of our iconic hotels. What began as a fusion of art and hospitality has evolved into a dynamic platform supporting both emerging and globally recognised talent. We are honoured to connect artists with Dubai's thriving art scene, fueling a creative community that continues to inspire and innovate. This is just the beginning, and we're excited for the continued impact of these initiatives in shaping the future of creativity.'