Dubai Culture Announces Selection Committee For SIKKA 2013 Comprising Eminent Emirati Artists

The Dubai Culture & Arts Authority (Dubai Culture), the Emirate’s dedicated Authority for culture, arts, and heritage, has announced the Selection Committee for the third edition of SIKKA, its dedicated contemporary art fair. Chaired by Dubai Culture, the Selection Committee comprises eminent Emirati artists, who have made significant contributions to the city’s cultural scene.

SIKKA 2013, an integral part of Art Week, presents an entirely-commissioned visual arts programme of new works from emerging Emirati and UAE-based artists. With commissions expanded to include film, music, performing arts and other creative fields, the contemporary fair is a milestone in the evolution of a home-grown arts sector in Dubai.

The veteran Emirati artists who have joined hands with the committee’s members, Khalil Abdulwahid, Manager of Arts of Dubai Culture and Antonia Carver, Fair Director of Art Dubai, to review and shortlist the submissions from SIKKA’s open call that will be showcased, include: internationally renowned Emirati conceptual artist Mohammed Kazem, visual and performing artist Waleed Alzaabi, and multi-faceted visual artist Mattar Bin Lahej.

The Selection Committee members who all are committed to promote upcoming talent are now providing mentoring sessions to some of the artists whose works are being commissioned by Dubai Culture for exhibition during SIKKA 2013.

Khalil Abdulwahid said: “The eminent artists who are in the Selection Committee have played a pivotal role in setting the path for the future generation of artists in Dubai. Through their creative efforts, they have made rich contributions to the cultural framework of Dubai. They will lend their expertise and experience to support SIKKA, which aims at strengthening the creative potential of our emerging artists.”

A conceptual artist, Mohammed Kazem has the distinction of being the featured artist at the UAE National Pavilion at the 55th International Art Exhibition–La Biennale di Venezia, and is noted for his distinctive style incorporating new media and his unique approach towards form and context. With over 25 years of experience, he first studied fine arts at the Emirates Fine Art Society; music at the Al Rayat Music Institute of Dubai and painting at the Edinburgh College of Art. Kazem’s works have been exhibited in renowned art fairs across the world, including the Mori Art Museum, Japan; AB Gallery, Luzern, Switzerland; among others.

Currently serving as the Director of Heritage and Arts in the Ministry of Culture, Youth, and Community Development, Waleed Alzaabi has participated in over 25 plays, in addition to hosting workshops and training sessions for aspiring theatric talent on the intricacies of theatre design.

Painter, sculptor, and photographer, Mattar Bin Lahej, has exhibited his works in Abu Dhabi, Germany, Morocco, Kuwait, Turkey, and the United States of America, among others. Placing an immense emphasis on movement, his works primarily capture fast movements, particularly that of horses. He founded Marsam Mattar, a locally-driven gallery, in 2003 established to promote artistic talent.

The third edition of SIKKA will be held from March 14 to 24, 2013, at the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, the cultural nerve-centre of the city, coinciding with Art Week, Dubai’s premier umbrella arts initiative comprising Art Dubai and Design Days Dubai.

Emirate:  Dubai

Date: Feb 19, 2013

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