Latest news with #DiyaliSenBhalla
Gulf Today
14-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Gulf Today
DIAC's Green Umbrella offers shade for art, community and sustainability
In a city known for its fast pace and furious rhythms, an initiative by Dubai International Art Centre (DIAC) is attempting to increase connectivity through creativity and community gathering, in Dubai. Welcome to Green Umbrella, a weekly celebration of art, sustainability, and community that has just completed its first season, bringing people together to slow down, create, reflect and engage in meaningful conversations. Spearheaded by Diyali Sen Bhalla, DIAC Chairperson, in collaboration with Barkha Bahirwani, founder of YES (Your Eco Souq), Green Umbrella has evolved from being an event to becoming a movement. 'This isn't just an event,' said Diyali Sen Bhalla. 'It's a tradition in the making.' Held every Thursday from 3PM onwards at DIAC HQ in Jumeirah, Green Umbrella offered a space where people of all ages could bond over nostalgic board games, pottery making, upcycling workshops and mindful conversations. 'DIAC has always been a place for creativity and expression,' said Diyali Sen Bhalla. 'With Green Umbrella, we're expanding that vision — bringing people together not only for art, but for shared experiences that build a stronger, more connected community.' Green Umbrella put upfront the genuine joy of human interaction. 'We wanted to create something that felt like home,' said Barkha Bahirwani. 'A place where you can come as you are, make new friends, and rediscover the joy of making things with your hands.' DIAC has been a long-standing hub for artists and creatives, and Green Umbrella blended tradition and innovation, just as the institution does. At Green Umbrella, hands shaped clay amidst the shuffle of board games and discussions on sustainability. The games brought back childhood memories — long evenings spent with family and friends, strategising, laughing, and bonding. Green Umbrella rekindled this magic, inviting people of all ages to put their mobiles down and engage in honest play. Combing through a table. Upcycling workshops showed attendees how to transform waste into aesthetic, functional items. Groups learnt here about creativity with a purpose, since sustainability was at the heart of the Green Umbrella programme. Led by YES, those taking part were taught how to create products from fabric scrap, refashion discarded jewellery and make glass bottle lanterns from overlooked items. 'Upcycling isn't just about reducing waste — it's about shifting perspectives,' said Diyali Sen Bhalla. 'It's about seeing value where others see trash.' Pottery sessions led by Guddi Bajaj, owner of Innara and Coterie Pottery, became the place where participants could shape, mould and glaze their own creations, guided by expert artisans. Diyali Sen Bhalla emphasised that 'pottery is more than an art form. It teaches patience, focus, and the beauty of imperfection.' The takeaway was that there could be perhaps nothing that encouraged a meditative mood more than working with clay. Mindfulness and community conversations were held with the support of All is Mindfulness, incorporating guided meditation, mindful creativity sessions, and discussions on conscious living. Participants interacted with guest artists and storytellers, even as Green Umbrella turned into a platform for local artisans and eco-businesses, for showcasing their work. Green Umbrella was a space for families to reconnect through shared experiences. It was a classroom for sustainability education and hands-on learning through sustainability projects. With the first season behind it and with the response it has won, the initiative is looking forward to the next season. DIAC Chairperson Diyali Sen Bhalla. Diyali Sen Bhalla expressed her enthusiasm for the programme. 'It was amazing to see families sitting together, laughing over a game of Scrabble or Monopoly,' she said. 'It reminded us how important these small moments are. Beyond the fun and creativity, Green Umbrella made a real impact.' Most importantly, she said, 'it's a community-driven initiative, built on the belief that small moments — playing a game, shaping clay, sharing a story — can create lasting change. We saw that with every passing week, Green Umbrella was growing. Not just in attendance numbers, but in spirit.' DIAC, along with their founding partners, are now exploring ways to expand the initiative by introducing more hands-on sustainability projects, more guest artists and storytellers and unique themed editions of Green Umbrella. 'The dream is to make Green Umbrella a long standing tradition, a place where community comes together, once a week. In a world that moves so fast, we all need spaces where we can pause and breathe. That's what Green Umbrella is — an invitation to slow down and connect.' But how do arts, crafts and ecology come together? Diyali Sen Bhalla had the answer. 'The arts have always been an integral part of ecology,' she said. 'We at the DIAC have encouraged themes of sustainability that are enmeshed with art and craft. Art and ecology may seem like separate worlds, but they come together beautifully through sustainable crafts and environmentally conscious creativity.' Art has always been a powerful tool for communication, self-expression, and cultural preservation, she added. When combined with eco-consciousness, it becomes a vehicle for environmental activism, education, and sustainability. Crafts, often rooted in traditional skills and handmade techniques, also align with ecological principles by promoting slow production, natural materials, and the reuse of resources. Diyali Sen Bhalla pointed out that in a world facing climate change, resource depletion and excessive waste, sustainability was no longer just an option — it was a necessity. 'But sustainability is not only about large-scale environmental policies or corporate responsibility. It's about the choices we make every day and how we, as individuals and communities, can contribute to society. And sustainability efforts are most effective, when communities come together.'
Gulf Today
16-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Gulf Today
World record for longest abstract by Dubai International Art Centre
Muhammad Yusuf, Features Writer On March 8, Dubai International Art Centre (DIAC), in association with Namaste India Magazine, successfully set a world record for the longest abstract painting ever created, as recognised by the Asia Book of Records. The painting, which spanned an impressive 100 metres, was completed in only 45 minutes by 100 talented artists hailing from various nationalities, who had gathered at the Camel Uschi Farm, Al Qudra desert, to make the attempt. The event was not only a celebration of artistic expression, but also a testament to the power of unity and collaboration. Artists from around the globe came together to create the monumental piece of art, demonstrating how creativity transcends borders. Under the guidance of mentors, artists who took part were divided into 10 groups, with each group focused on contributing a section of the canvas; it made the painting a truly collective effort. The occasion was graced by the presence of Khaleel Abdulwahid, well known Emirati artist, who was the Chief Guest, and Ahmed Rukni, renowned Emirati artist, who supported the event as Special Guest. 'Their unwavering support throughout the event was invaluable,' said Diyali Sen Bhalla, DIAC Chairperson. Nassim Nasr, Lebanese artist known for pioneering 'Expressive Colour Minimalism', a blend of Abstract Expressionism, Colour Field, and Minimalism, also joined the event, to show his support for the endeavour. he record effort was organised under the leadership of Diyali Sen Bhalla; Sudhir Salunke, Chairperson of Namaste India Magazine; Sahira Ameen, Center Manager at DIAC; and Mohammad Shaheen, DIAC Administrator. DIAC and Namaste India Magazine extended their gratitude to the mentors who guided the artists, which included Diyali Sen Bhalla, Beena Samuel, Atul Panase, Pari Sagar, Alemayehu Goshime, Nahida Beshara, Zaahirah Muthy, Jivan Hovhannisyan, Sandeep Soni, and Sijin Gopinathan. Special thanks were given to the event's committee members Alia Amin, Mahnaz Rafiq Javid, Lita Mathews, Deepa Rajesh, Ian Fernandes, Mary Ann Pascual, and Prakash MN Nekraje, for their hard work and dedication in organising the historical event and making it a success. Volunteers who worked tirelessly behind the scenes included Amna Ameen, Anam Javid, Sneha Rajesh, Ayysha Rzan, Rubeena Rashid, Sibel Yavuz, Nivethitha Jayaramu, Iqbal Kalarikkal, Irfan Zaheer, Maryam Ezzi, Muhammad Arslan, Ness Jhala, Afraz Abbas, Bhoomika Rajesh, Navas M, Tahir Kadwani, Abdul Hadi, and Rigash Raghavan. Host of the event, Ursula Musch of Camel Uschi Farm, provided the space and art support. Musch has been living in the Emirates for over two decades. Born in Germany, she developed a life-long passion for UAE culture and Bedouin traditions and established Camel Uschi Farm to share her love of camels, Arabian desert life and Bedouin event also received the assistance of Ambika Vohra, Art Curator, who played a pivotal role in curating and bringing together its artistic elements. The success of the record-breaking endeavour was also made possible through the contributions of its sponsors, who helped bring the idea to life. Najeeba Raval from Skribl Box sponsored paints and supported event organisation; Rekha Sunil from Creativa Middle East provided the canvases; Bhumika Maniyar from The Green Revolution gifted planters to participants; and staff members Soorya Jayarajan, Sandeep Kumar, Muhammed Adenan and Hom Bahadur Gurung, also provided invaluable support. Further sponsorship was received from Abdul Karim of Kalhour Oilfield Equipment Ltd, who provided Iftar boxes; Javid Mohammed from Octave Asset Management sponsored transport for artists and volunteers; Antas Ashok Kumar from Lazy Artist Gallery gave videography support; Vidisha Pandey from Indian Folk Art Corridor offered materials sponsorship; Mohammed Ameen from Amna for Furniture LLC supported in kind; Guddi Bajaj from Innara was gift sponsor; and Pari Sagar from Be Attractive, arranged media support. Media sponsors included DXB24 Live, Pardais News, The Times of UAE, and Middle East Masala Magazine. Khaleej Times elevated the event's reach and impact. 'Last but certainly not least, a heartfelt thank you goes to all the participating artists who made this record-breaking achievement possible,' said Diyali Sen Bhalla. 'It was their creativity and commitment to the project that led to the creation of the 100-metre canvas in just 45 minutes.' Participating artists included Aanya Rajput, Ahlam Ghazali, Alemayehu Goshime, Alia Amin, Amancia Sandra Menezes, Ambika Vohra, Anahita Ansaripour, Anashrita Henckel, Anastasie Akibode, Anuj Sarkar, Aquila Abdel Rahim, Arezoo Rahmdel, Asiya Hassham Malik, Askin Poyraz, Asma Syed, Aswin M Jayan, Atul Panase, Beena Samuel, Bhumika Maniyar, Chandralekha Dubey, Deepa David, Deepa Rajesh, Diyali Bhalla, Ellina Zhyzhyna, Fahimeh Hussein, Govind Janardhanan, Grace Dennis, Hanna Dennis, Huzefa Tariq, Iulaeva Elza Talgatovna, Jagruti Sanjay, Jaimee Felysse Reyes, Jivan Hovhannisyan, Justin Paul, Jyoti Devdhar, Keertana Venkatesan, Khadija Noor, Komal Jhala, Lancy Dennis, Lita Mathews, Maqsood Kayani, Mahi Wasfi, Mahnaz Ghafouri, Mahnaz Rafiq Javid, Mahesh Kadri, Mareena Susan John, Mona Biswarupa, Mona Moheb, Mridu Srivastava, Mukta Choubisa, Nachiammai Anandan, Naganandhini, Nahida Beshara, Narayan Kadavathu, Naureen Izhar, Pari Sagar, Prasanth Chandran, Paulomi Rana, Poonam Chauhan, Pradeep Kumar, Pradnya Rakesh Raje, Priyadarshini, Ramya Nair, Reinier Chirino, Reshma Parikh, Richa Shah, Rukmini Kalyani Nerella, Sakthivel Perumal, Salma Barakat, Sandeep Soni, Sanvi Sanjay, Seyedeh Fahimeh Saadatpour, Seyyedeh Hanieh Hosseini, Shabnam Sartipi, Shirley Wilkinson, Shahnaz Bhatia, Shashank Balaji Prasad, Sheetal Udayabhanu, Sijin Gopinathan, Solmaz Gholami, Suganya Devi Ramkumar, Suganya Narendran, Susan Himson, Susipadmadevi Aravind, Siana Avila Mendonca, Sudhir Salunke, Thomas Antony, Umananthini Gurushev, Ursula Musch, Vanishri Manikandan, Vishnu Subbiah Letchumanan, and Zaahirah Muthy. 'This event will go down in history as a monumental celebration of global unity and artistic collaboration,' said Diyali Sen Bhalla.
