Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi Launches 'Prototypes For Permanence' Exhibition Ahead Of Tanweer Festival
The Tanweer Festival, founded by Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi, recently opened an exhibition at 1971 – Design Space. Titled "Prototypes for Permanence: Tanweer Festival Art Commissions Off-Site," this exhibition offers a deep dive into creativity and expression. Running until 3rd April 2025, it reveals the creative processes behind ten art installations that will feature in the festival.
Visitors can explore the intricate journey from initial sketches to developed prototypes. This exhibition provides a rare glimpse into the artistic evolution of these large-scale artworks designed for the Mleiha Desert's rugged landscape. It includes detailed drawings, conceptual models, material experiments, and artist interviews.
The exhibition showcases works from ten renowned artists and includes curator-led tours, artist talks, workshops, and social events over five months. This extensive programme extends discussions on creativity and human connection beyond the artworks themselves. The installations reflect diverse artistic perspectives inspired by Rumi's teachings and the desert's natural beauty.
A defining feature of the exhibition is its recreation of Mleiha’s iconic sand dunes within ‘1971 – Design Space’. Visitors walk through a pathway that mimics a desert journey, offering an immersive experience. This setting invites contemplation on themes of wisdom, beauty, and humanity's bond with nature.
The Tanweer Festival 2024 will occur on 22nd to 24th November in the Mleiha Desert. The theme "Timeless Echoes of Love and Light" draws inspiration from poet Jalal ad-Din Rumi. The festival will feature global performers, artists, and poets celebrating creativity and unity between art, nature, and human spirit.
Each artist contributes uniquely to the festival’s theme. Karim + Elias’ "The Desert Relics" reflects historical resonance; Azza Al Qubaisi explores thought journeys in "Rumi’s Path"; Khalid Shafar presents an interactive piece titled "Palm Oasis." These installations offer individual interpretations of love and light.
Diverse Artistic Contributions
Patricia Millns’ "star circle" and Zeinab Alhashemi’s "Toroid" connect celestial phenomena with terrestrial forms. Nedaa Elias’ "The Gate of Wisdom" invites viewers to meditate on self-reflection through Rumi’s poetry. Rabab Tantawy’s "The Guardians" adds cultural guardianship elements to resilience concepts.
The exhibition also features loaned works like Ahmad Kattan’s "La Mutanah: An Infinite Majlis," Raghad Al Ahmad’s "The Night of Power," and Omar Al Gurg’s "Nu." These pieces add layers of cultural expression and introspection to the overall narrative.
This event transcends traditional exhibitions by documenting artistic creation processes comprehensively. It allows viewers to witness how sculptures for Tanweer Festival come to life while echoing Rumi's words as "the way appeared." The exhibition serves as a narrative of artistic endeavour beyond mere display.
With inputs from WAM
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