The Present

18 October- 28 November, 2012
Maraya Art Centre, Sharjah, UAE

CURATED BY: Noor Al Suwaidi

Maraya Art Centre will be hosting an exhibition showcasing the work of 13 young Emirati artists and creative designers under the title ‘The Present, Contemporary Art From The Emirates’. Curated by eminent contemporary artist and UAE native Noor Al Suwaidi, the exhibition introduces thirteen young talents to local and international audiences through their interpretations and exploration of the word “Present” in geographical and cultural terms and will run from the 18th of October to the 28th of November 2012. The exhibition will feature the works of eight contemporary artists, namely Shamma Al Amri Zeinab, Al Hashimi, Shaikha Al Mazrou, Sharifa Horaiz, Khawla Darwish, Farah Al-Qasimi, Hind Mezaina, Hamdan Buti Al Shamsi, Khalid Al Banna, and Alia Lootah, two creative designers, Khalid Mezaina and Khawla Al Marri, and performance artist Hala Ali.

‘The Present’ will showcase and promote contemporary art from the Emirates while creating a platform for dialogue, exploration, and interaction with the wider community and its audience, children, families, and university students. The exhibition will also be presented in the form of a publication, as well as a media and public programme geared towards educating and interacting with the audience. The public programme includes a spoken word performance with Hala Ali, an artists’ conversation panel discussion featuring Khalid Mezaina, Zeina Adhami, and Khawla Al Marri to be moderated by Design Days Dubai director Cyril Zammit, and a children’s workshop led by Noor Al Suwaidi.