Emaar Pays Homage To The Arabian Gazelle With Rhims Gazelle Herd Edition 1

Downtown Dubai, the cultural hub of the city, has marked a sterling addition to its repertoire of art with Rhims Gazelle Herd Edition 1, a dynamic sculpture of a herd of gazelles, cast in clay, and moulded in wax, symbolic to one of the region’s native animals, all of which are taking different, yet commanding strides.

Weighing 350 kilograms, standing six metres long, two metres high and one metre wide, South African sculptor Vincent Da Silva’s Rhims Gazelle Herd Edition 1 is the first of five collectives featuring gazelles.

Encapsulating the beauty and grace of the Arabian gazelle, the sculpture represents the powerful stride of the endangered deer, which are herd animals in nature. Da Silva captures the dynamism in a single movement that exudes unity and strength, following a singular curve that marks a rhythmic motion.

Ahmad Al Matrooshi, Managing Director, Emaar Properties PJSC, said: “As Dubai’s cultural and arts industry evolves, we are focused on instilling a genuine appreciation of the diverse trends in arts. Today, Downtown Dubai has emerged as the city’s creative hub, bringing together artists and enthusiasts from all walks. The Rhims Gazelle Herd Edition 1 is the perfect addition to the 500-acre development’s diverse portfolio of artworks.”

Da Silva casts a majority of his works in bronze, a medium that brings out classic expressions, while freeze-framing the dynamism associated with the subjects. Drawing inspiration from movement of the hand, his works have deep recesses to provide a shadow-like feel. The bronze in Rhims Gazelle Herd Edition 1 was based on the subtle colours of the desert landscape.

Another work by Da Silva, the Life Size Andalucian I, a compelling reminder of the UAE’s rich equestrian heritage, was recently unveiled on Burj Plaza.

Downtown Dubai’s collection of artworks also include: Colombian figurative artist Fernando Botero’s Horse 2007; Al Sidra, a free-shaped bronze sculpture by Kuwaiti sculptor Sami Mohamed Al Saleh; Syrian artist Lutfi Romhein’s Together featuring two sculptures of an Arab man and woman chiselled to perfection; and Spanish sculptor Xavier Corbero’s Gathering, a collection of ten figurine sculptures made of basalt.

Described as ‘The Centre of Now’ and the most prestigious square kilometre on earth, Downtown Dubai will also feature The Opera District, announced by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, to further stimulate the city’s cultural and artistic scene.

Emirate:  Dubai

Date: Jan 22, 2014

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