Funun Arts Group, in collaboration with Novotel Sharjah Expo Centre, proudly presents “Alif,” a captivating Ramadan art exhibition celebrating spiritual reflection, cultural diversity, and artistic expression. The exhibition, inaugurated at the beginning of Ramadan, will continue to enthrall audiences with its diverse array of artworks until the culmination of the holy month, spanning an impressive 100 days.
The theme of “Alif” revolves around the concept of a straight line, symbolizing the direct connection between individuals and the Almighty during this holiest of months in Islam. Through a rich tapestry of artistic styles including Calligraphy, Abstract, Cubism, Sufism, and Contemporary, “Alif” showcases the profound depth of talent from artists hailing from 10 different nationalities.
The opening ceremony commenced with a masterclass led by the esteemed calligrapher Sheikh Saifi, who unveiled his latest creation, the Futuristic font, alongside a demonstration of his unparalleled expertise garnered over 30 years in the field. Dignitaries including Ahmad AL Awadhi, a Legendary Emirati artist, and Mr. Robin Soloman, General Manager of Novotel, graced the occasion, underscoring the significance of the event in fostering cultural exchange and artistic dialogue.
Participating artists are: Ahmed Al Awadhi from UAE, Jivan Hovhanissiyan from Armenia, Mahfuzur Rahman from Bangladesh, Alia Medhat ,Salwa Saeed, and Walaa Mohamed Pasha from Egypt, Anjini Prakash Laitu, Dr. Poonam Chauhan, Dr. Shilpi Roy, Ghazanfar Zaidi, Juveria Mohiuddin, Pari Sagar, Saida Banu, Sangeetha Athara, Sumaira Mohammed Ashik, and Shiba Khan from India, Asma Seyed from Iran , Dr. Anum Ali, Musarrat Yasmin Abid, Sheikh Saifi, and Soobika Fawad from Pakistan, Monia Sahraoui from Switzerland, Hana Alhaffar and Lama Lahham from Syria and Alina Babenko from Ukraine.
Shiba Khan, the visionary artist and founder of Funun Arts Group, “Art is a sanctuary where imagination knows no bounds. In our exhibition, Alif, we witness firsthand the magic that artists create with their breathtaking works. Each exhibition we curate boasts a unique theme and concept, and every time, we’re astounded by the beauty and depth of ideas artists bring to life on canvas. From conception to execution, Funun Arts Group invests maximum effort into each exhibition, guided by a meticulous planning process.
We extend heartfelt gratitude to our partner, Novotel Sharjah Expo Centre, whose unwavering support ensures the success of our events. Together, we form a steadfast team united by a shared ideology. Our sincere appreciation goes out to the talented artists whose creativity fuels our endeavors. And to our media and supporters, we offer our deepest thanks for their ongoing encouragement and motivation.”
Ahmad Al Awadhi lauded the UAE’s role as a beacon of peace and harmony, where diverse cultures converge in a spirit of coexistence. This exhibition where we experience beautiful artwork and see how the whole artists community come together to welcome this holy month. Funun Arts and Novotel Sharjah Expo Centre center is doing an amazing job by creating this wonderful platform for the whole community to showcase their creativity.”
Mr. Robin Soloman, in his remarks, extolled the inherent beauty and positivity embodied in the artworks on display, echoing the sentiment behind the exhibition’s title, “Alif,” which signifies the first letter of the Arabic alphabet and serves as a metaphor for the genesis of artistic inspiration. Art is the only thing where we can see so much beauty and positivity together at one place and artists are real magicians who create this possible. We are so glad to collaborate with Funun Arts Group and create the magic of art on this wonderful evening and see so much talent in one place.
Farah Khan, Co-founder of Funun Arts Group, emphasized the exhibition’s alignment with the spiritual ethos of Ramadan, serving as a platform for artistic expression and renewal. She underscored the meticulous attention to detail in organizing the event and the commitment to sustainability, exemplified by the creation of handmade mementos for 2024.
Anjani Prakash Laitu, a distinguished artist, commended Funun Arts Group for fostering a collaborative environment that transcends cultural boundaries, while participating artists such as Walaa Mohamed and Dr. Poonam Chauhan conveyed profound insights through their artworks, reflecting themes of family bonding, purity, and diversity.
Pari Sagar, another accomplished artist, offered a unique perspective on life and its chakras, drawing from her expertise as a numerologist. The Khan sisters, founders of Funun Arts Group, reiterated their dedication to innovation and creativity, viewing exhibitions as dynamic platforms for meaningful dialogue and artistic exploration.
“Alif” stands as a testament to the transformative power of art to inspire, unite, and elevate the human spirit, inviting audiences to embark on a journey of introspection and cultural discovery during the auspicious month of Ramadan.