Al Hathboor’s online Art and Photography competition for its premium fine arts showroom, Artyst in collaboration with Artoze Gallery and Exhibitions announced on March 08, 2021, and concluded its submissions on March 28, 2021, with over 170 artists across the UAE showcasing their artworks & photographs. The award ceremony for the competition was held on April 12, 2021, in collaboration with Hotel Radisson Red, Dubai, as the venue partner. 21 Finalists were recognized during the ceremony and 8 winners among them received accolades at the hands of the Jury – Dr Najat Makki, Mr Khalil Abdulwahid and Mr Ashok Verma in the presence of Al Hathboor Top management and Art enthusiasts from the field. The finalists got a platform to showcase their artworks at the Hotel overlooked by the art influencer Ms. Varsha Sureka. Each of the Participants featured on the online Virtual Gallery showcasing Arts & Photographs at www.artoze.com that has garnered over 25k views & is still ongoing.
Honouring the guests, jury and participants, Mr Jaiganesh V, CEO, Al Hathboor Group, said “It is Al Hathboor’s first event & we are happy to receive the overwhelming response. We plan several more such concepts to encourage participation & provide recognition to the deserving artists. We are thankful to our esteemed Jury for guiding us through the process. In this new world due to the pandemic, we seek more ideas and see newer avenues & opportunities concerning ART in the coming months & will pursue the same based on suggestions we receive. On a social awareness note, I encourage you to get vaccinated as that is the only way forward in the New Normal.”
“The process of selection was gruesome since we received a variety of submissions and each better than the other. However, we selected after a grilling process of mediums, concept, finishing and several other factors contributing to the final choice of winners. It is lovely to see Al Hathboor introducing a concept that encourages Art & Artists and I am delighted to be a part of the same as Jury. I must emphasize that one must surely participate no matter what the outcome. Eventually, with persistence, you will find success as the key is to keep trying. Participation matters more for an artist to improve & eventually awards follow.”, said Mr Khalil Abdulwahid, an Emirati Artist and Director of the Fine Arts Department, Dubai Culture & Arts Authority.
UAE Emirati Artist, Dr Najat Makki, founding member of the Emirates Fine Arts Society, shared her experience stating, “I was mesmerized by the beautiful & competing artworks received by all our gifted participants. It was difficult to choose as each of them was distinct in their way. Mr Khalil & I thoroughly reviewed & discussed several times before finalizing the winners and are glad to be here today as such an opportunity encourages young & brilliant artists & provides them with a platform for their gift.”
Mr Ashok Verma, senior photojournalist for Emirates Today and Emarat Al Youm – Dubai Media Inc. Dubai Government, added that “I am glad that the photographers took the first step by participating. Taking the first step is the mantra for future victories. I am thrilled to see such a competition being organized and boosting talent here in UAE.”
“All the artworks displayed in the gallery were mesmerizing. It was an amazing experience to converse with the artists and learn about the inspiration behind each piece. The event put up by ARTOZE Gallery and Exhibition and Al Hathboor Group was a treat to watch and I am extremely glad that these artists and photographers got an opportunity to showcase their talent.”, Varsha Sureka, an art influencer stated.
In the photography competition, the Grand Prize was awarded to Salem Alsawafi. The other top three finalists for photography were – Ferdinand Bedana, Roudha Mohammad Alsuwaidi and Crisencio Bernabe.
In the art competition – kids category, the 1st Prize went to Anaishaan Sidhwa, the 2nd prize went to Carys Bridget D’souza and the 3rd prize to Muhammad Sandila. The other top four finalists were Shashank Balajiprasad, Rawan Abdul Fattah Malha, Maya Fareed and Hana Fayez.
In the art competition – adult category, the Grand Prize went to Cresencio Bernabe. The 1st Prize for the same category went to Gomathi Shiva, the 2nd prize went to Onareen Ferdinand and the 3rd prize went to Mirna El Osta. The other top 6 finalists were Inga Butkute, Ji-Hye Kim, Lena El Amin, Miriam Koki, Muhammed Moazam and Wafaa Jamil.
The ceremony concluded by the finalists being awarded the prizes and a chance to showcase their artworks throughout the day at the venue.
About ARTYST – It is a premium fine arts store for artists at the Al Khawaneej Walk, Dubai. The Artists in the UAE can now enjoy a selection of premium assortment of fine arts brands and access to the full portfolio as a one-stop-shop. It is a part of the Al Hathboor Group.
About ARTOZE Gallery and Exhibitions – It is an online art gallery and event company that caters to local and international art events, virtual art gallery and exhibitions for art enthusiasts, employee engagement activities for SME and corporate from around the world.