Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Art is unquestionably one of the purest and highest elements in human happiness. It trains the mind through the eye, and the eye through the mind. As the sun colours flowers, so does art colour life, keeping this thought alive a new studio was launched this weekend in Dubai which is going to make waves in the art community in the UAE – Wabi Sabi is a community arts space that aims to engage audiences, promote local artists and support the development of Dubai’s art scene through its extensive art programmes, educational initiatives, and community projects.
Through their diverse public programmes, they aim to increase knowledge and appreciation for the arts in the UAE, their objective is to build a bridge between the arts and education, opening cultural dialogue in a non-judgemental environment, and help carry the ideation process into creation. As a means to do so, they host workshops, talks, events and opportunities to bring together a like-minded community.
Wabi Sabi will be housed in the communal art studio Meraki Art studio in Al Quoz, who’s founders Pooja and Kajol, are a powerhouse of talent and are deeply passionate about the arts, and are active supporters of the art scene in Dubai, Kajol, a qualified interior designer, put her skills at work at the studio which is evident in the elegant and abstract interiors of the art space. their studio is a multi-concept space that offers workshops to help their patrons de-stress, a space to build resin furniture, Wabi Sabi – which will be their painters area.
Their studio is open to people of all skill-levels. Anyone interested in painting, candle-making, soap-making, resin art, woodwork or other forms of art and design can come to the venue and practice the art of their liking, the studio has a variety of payment and membership options and has already caught the fancy of art aficionado’s across the city.
“For professional artists who want a regular space to work, they can opt for the monthly membership. For those who want to unwind with a single session of painting after a long day at work, they can do that at nominal charges,” says Pooja Co-founder of Meraki Studio.
The space is also a perfect co-working space for artsy peeps to get their thinking caps on, at a convenient location at an affordable price.
Sana Sajan Owner of Wabi Sabi was quoted “My collaboration with Meraki is the perfect amalgamation of where I would want to see my passion for art being able to touch the lives of people who are as inclined towards the arts as I am, Wabi Sabi will allow you to give your thoughts an output through the medium of painting.”
The art scene in the UAE has seen a radical shift, post the opening of the Louvre in Abu Dhabi, the region has seen a major influx of expat community off late, open immigration policies and an oil-fuelled economic boom have drawn creative minds to the UAE, and collectors and museum professionals have followed, looking to discover art from the region.
The art scene is a massive industry in the UAE and catching onto this early worm are these 3 entrepreneurs, who are going to leave no stone unturned in fuelling the minds of young budding artists and veterans alike.