Latest news with #ArtConnectsWomen
Khaleej Times
22-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Khaleej Times
Claire Dominics Buro supports global women's art platform at DIFC
Claire Dominics Buro, an award-winning international luxury design studio with roots in Italy and Spain and a headquarters in Dubai, proudly served as a strategic partner for the 8th edition of Art Connects Women, held at the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) from April 8–11, 2025. Curated by Zaahirah Muthy, founder of ZeeArts Gallery, this year's exhibition marked a milestone in the global art community, showcasing works from 112 female artists representing 112 countries—a record-breaking edition that celebrated diversity, heritage, and cross-cultural artistic dialogue. Among the standout contributions was Claire Dominics Buro's presentation of 'In Search of Yourself', a thought-provoking sculptural piece by Tatiana Latynina de Ordovsky-Tanaevsky, the founder's mother-in-law. The sculpture invites viewers on a transcendent, gender-defying journey—interweaving personal memory with universal themes of creative autonomy, resilience, and reinvention. Claire Ordovsky Tanaevsky, the studio's founder and art director, acted as a patron and honored speaker at the accompanying Accelerate Action event, held in partnership with UNESCO and DIFC. During a high-level panel discussion, she highlighted the power of lifelong learning, cultural immersion, and emotional depth as fundamental pillars of sustainable and ethical design. "To create with integrity, one must listen, travel, and understand the historical and emotional layers of whose place is meant to be built within," she shared. As a design house known for its culturally embedded interiors and architectural storytelling, Claire Dominics Buro's portfolio spans continents — from the Mexican Riviera to the Japan Sea. The studio is celebrated globally for crafting hospitality and residential spaces that fuse refined luxury with emotional resonance. 'Design is not just about how something looks; it's about how it makes you feel,' said Claire. 'We aim to create spaces that foster connection, comfort, and identity — that's the soul of meaningful design.' The event also witnessed a visit from the chairwoman of Dubai Culture, who met with artists and partners, acknowledging the cultural and societal significance of the initiative. Claire Dominics Buro continues to champion art, sustainability, and storytelling in design, reinforcing its mission to shape spaces that speak to the heart of human experience.
Hi Dubai
11-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Hi Dubai
19th Edition of DIFC Art Nights Returns with Powerhouse Panels and Immersive Installations
Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) is set to become a vibrant hub of creativity as the 19th edition of DIFC Art Nights takes over Gate Village from 10 to 13 April 2025 . Running daily from 5pm to 10pm, this four-day celebration promises an inspiring mix of art, culture, and conversation—all open to the public and free to attend. This year's edition opens with a strong focus on empowering women in art and culture. On 10 April, panel discussions curated by Art Connects Women will spotlight influential voices including Dr. Dena Assaf (UN Resident Coordinator for the UAE), Camelia Mohebi, Rene de Wit, and Dr. Eng Suaad Al Shamsi. Topics will range from financial literacy in the art world to the power of creativity in driving social change. On 11 April, Christie's and Dubai Culture will present insightful panels exploring the works of Piet Mondrian and the impact of public art on communities. Speakers include Arne Everwijn of Christie's and local cultural figures Reem Hamid, Fatma Al Khayat, and Dr. Ahmed Al Mulla. Beyond the talks, expect an eclectic mix of live performances, interactive installations, and AI-generated art, along with captivating displays from emerging and established artists across the UAE and beyond. Presented in collaboration with Dubai Culture , Christie's , Art Connects Women , and supported by Standard Chartered and Shanghai ME , DIFC Art Nights reflects the centre's deep-rooted commitment to the arts. As home to the UAE's largest public art collection, including the iconic DIFC Sculpture Park , DIFC continues to shape Dubai's cultural landscape. When: 5pm until 10pm, 10 – 13 April Where: Gate Village, DIFC Admission: Free Parking: Free parking available at Gate District 2 - GD2 (4pm-12am) News Source: Dubai Media Office
Filipino Times
10-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Filipino Times
Filipina artist Marjowyn Vito represents PH, honors generations of women at international art exhibit in Dubai
Filipina visual artist Marjowyn Vito stood proudly among over 100 women from across the globe as she represented the Philippines at the 8th edition of Art Connects Women, an international exhibition held in Dubai. Vito showcased her acrylic-on-canvas piece titled Her Relay —a powerful tribute to the women who paved the way for the rights and freedom that many enjoy today. The artwork captures the generational struggles, resilience, and triumphs of women throughout history. The inspiration behind Her Relay came from Vito's reflection on how legacies are passed down from one generation of women to the next. 'I was inspired by how generations of women before us worked hard and fought hard so that we could experience freedoms and opportunities that were once out of reach for women—with each generation leaving a legacy for the next generation,' she told The Filipino Times . Staying true to her signature style, Vito infused Her Relay with rich symbolism. The figures in her piece bear objects balanced on their heads—each representing a milestone in the fight for gender equality. Her Relay by Marjowyn Vito (90cm x 90 cm; Acrylic on Canvas) A cooking pot signifies traditional domestic roles, books symbolize education, a pot of gold reflects financial independence, and a crown represents leadership and empowerment. 'My intention here is to showcase the forward and progressive movement of women, and [how women before us passed] on rights, opportunities, and choices to the next generation of women,' she added. 'But the fight is not yet over,' Vito pointed out, adding that while some countries have made great strides, many women around the world still face limitations. 'The next challenge is for women everywhere to enjoy the freedom to define their own futures. That is the legacy we must carry forward.' Representing the Philippines Held under the patronage of UNESCO, Art Connects Women celebrates the creativity of female artists from around the world. This year's edition featured 112 participants representing various countries. Vito with Hon. Marford M. Angeles, Consul General in Dubai, at the Art Connects Women exhibit Vito described the experience as similar to joining the 'Miss World of the art world.' 'While we don't all know everybody's names yet, we call each other by the names of the countries we represent and it's a great honor to be called 'Miss Philippines' by my fellow artists,' she said. With that honor, however, came a deeper sense of responsibility. 'In this global event, I know that I am not just representing myself, but my country and hopefully to make the Philippines proud in the same way that my country has made me proud to be Filipino,' she added. A legacy of her own Beyond the message of her work, Vito hopes to leave her own mark in the art world through Contrasegmentism, the technique she developed and coined herself. Defined by its contrasting segments of color and texture—blending flatness with volume—Contrasegmentism allows her to tell layered visual stories with striking depth. 'I believe Contrasegmentism can also evolve into an art movement where there can also be many Contrasegmentists in the same way that there are many Impressionists or Cubists. This is a contribution I hope my art gets to offer to the art world with its origins in the Philippines,' she said. This distinct approach allowed her to break boundaries on the international stage, gaining recognition for both her technique and the messages behind her work. Since her international debut in London in July 2023, Vito has quickly gained attention in the global art scene. With her powerful themes and distinct style, she is now seen as one of the most promising contemporary Filipino artists of her generation, with her next stop being the Florence Biennale 2025.
Khaleej Times
07-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Khaleej Times
112 female artists from 112 countries to exhibit artwork in Dubai
Their passports span the globe, from Bolivia to Bangladesh, Nigeria to New Zealand. What unites them is art, and this week, their work will share the same space in Dubai. Art Connects Women 2025 opens on April 8 at DIFC Gate Village, bringing together 112 female artists from 112 countries in one of the region's most ambitious exhibitions. Held under the patronage of UNESCO, the four-day event centres on the theme 'Leave a Legacy', placing the spotlight on women's contributions to arts and culture. The exhibition will be open to the public from April 9 to 11, turning DIFC's Gate Village into an outdoor gallery of global perspectives through painting, sculpture, and mixed media. The programme extends beyond the gallery. On April 9, participating artists will take part in a cultural tour of Abu Dhabi, curated by the Department of Culture and Tourism, with visits to the Louvre Abu Dhabi, Public Art Biennale, and the Abrahamic Family House. That evening, a concert curated by Alliance Française Dubai will bring together international performers in a musical tribute to women's creativity. On April 10, during DIFC Art Night, the focus shifts to policy, finance, and impact with a conference titled 'From Finance to Sustainable Impact.' The event will explore the role of women in the creative economy through panel discussions covering financial literacy and sustainable investment, art as a tool for social impact, and strategies to accelerate action in the global creative landscape. The exhibition concludes on April 11 with an award ceremony at the One&Only Royal Mirage, honouring the participating artists under the theme 'We Are Legends: Women Leading the Way.' Organised by ZeeArts Gallery in collaboration with DIFC, Art Connects Women is now in its eighth edition and has this year been officially recognised as a social impact initiative by Majra UAE. Founder Zaahirah Muthy described the 2025 edition as a 'transformative moment' for the platform, which continues to align with broader Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) goals.
Gulf Today
10-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Gulf Today
Past perfect, present continuous: twin worlds of Rubab Zahra's calligraphy
Rubab Zahra is a calligraphy practitioner and an abstract artist who works in a contemporary style. As calligrapher, her aim is to conserve the sacred art of Arabic calligraphy; so she produces traditional Islamic Arabic art in her studio and to connect it to the modern world, she has developed contemporary versions of the art. 'I digitalise my physical artworks and add animated effects to them,' she says. Her abstracts are mainly inspired by current events, social issues and different cultures. Through them, she throws light on the topics such as 'Inclusivity', 'Beauty in Diversity', 'Peace', 'Women Empowerment' and 'Family Empowerment'. Rubab prefers using monochromes and subtle colours in combination with metal foils to give life to her paintings. She works in a wide variety of media such as acrylic, inks and metal leaves, among others. Using brushes, palette knives and also unconventional tools, she creates texture, layers and depth in her artworks. In a fairly short period of time, she has won recognition as an accomplished artist – which is noteworthy, since she is self-taught and self-represented, without a marketing team to assist her. She is also proficient in graphic design and has done commissions for brands. Her paintings have been exhibited in Carrousel du Louvre, Paris; Moscow State Museum, Russia; Georgia; at Mauritius International Art Fair and also locally. She has been selected as Ambassador Pakistan by Art Connects Women, 2022, and received an award for her role. She is the recipient of the Al Zarooni Award, 2021, and also the Wonder Mom Award, 2022. Her painting Peace in Our Hands is in the permanent collection of Haegeumgang Theme Museum, South Korea. She has conducted art workshops at events and places like Sikka 2023, Dubai Expo 2020, World Art Dubai and Pakistan Association Dubai. She has sold her artworks and beautified multiple spaces worldwide. Rubab Zahra speaks to Gulf Today. Why does calligraphy attract you? Arabic calligraphy is more than just an art form for me — it's a spiritual experience, a connection to my faith, and a bridge between history and personal expression. As a Muslim, I find deep meaning in shaping divine words into visual beauty, reflecting the harmony and elegance of the Arabic script. Traditional calligraphy and my own contemporary touch makes every piece a dialogue between the past, the present, and my faith. Living in Dubai, a city that thrives on innovation while respecting heritage, inspires me to push the boundaries of this sacred art form. How do you present calligraphy in a contemporary way? I present Arabic calligraphy in a contemporary way by blending traditional scripts with modern compositions, mixed media, and digital art. Why do you prefer monochromes? I prefer monochromes because they allow the focus to remain on the form and flow of the calligraphy itself. Without the distraction of colour, the purity of the script and its meaning come to the forefront, creating a stronger connection with the viewer. How will you blend graphic design and calligraphy? I blend graphic design and calligraphy by combining the precision and clean lines of design with the fluidity and expressive nature of calligraphy. Using digital tools, I enhance the movement of the script, creating modern, visually striking pieces that yet honour the traditional beauty of Arabic calligraphy. What are the qualities needed to paint for brands? Painting for brands requires creativity, adaptability, and an understanding of the brand's identity. It's important to translate the brand's message into art that resonates with the audience, while maintaining a balance between artistic expression and commercial appeal. What do you teach in art workshops? In my art workshops, I teach the fundamentals of Arabic calligraphy, including its different styles and techniques, as well as the cultural significance of the art form. I also focus on how to blend tradition with modern expression, allowing participants to experiment with their creativity, while learning the rich history of calligraphy. The workshops are hands-on, encouraging self-expression and they help each participant develop his or her own individual style. As a global and local exhibitor, what has been the feedback? The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, both locally and globally. Locally, there's a deep sense of pride in seeing our culture represented in new ways, while internationally, viewers are fascinated by the beauty and intricacy of Arabic script presented in a contemporary way. How do you manage to publicise and market your works, as a one woman art army? I rely on a combination of social media, personal networks and collaborations to publicise and market my work. I use platforms like Instagram and LinkedIn to share my creative process, completed works, and upcoming exhibitions. Networking with the art community and collaborating with other artists, brands and organisations, helps me reach a broader audience. I also make sure to attend local events and exhibitions, which allows me to connect directly with potential clients and art lovers. It's a lot of work, but being passionate about my craft keeps me motivated! Why are you called a Wonder Mom? I'm called a Wonder Mom because I balance the demands of motherhood with my artistic career, while raising four kids, from a teenager to a toddler. It takes a lot of time management, patience and creativity, but I'm deeply committed to both my family and my art. Being able to nurture my children and pursue my passion for calligraphy is what drives me.
