On Wednesday, British artist Sacha Jafri inaugurated “The Art Maze,” his latest display, on the Burj Al-Arab Jumeirah helipad in Dubai. The exhibition, which is a collaboration with art curator and architect Marcus Schaefer, contains 30 oil and acrylic paintings commemorating UNESCO’s World Heritage Site program’s 50th anniversary.
Jafri began preparing for the exhibition six months ago, and the artworks were completed in six weeks. “It’s been the most difficult six months of my life.” I painted for 28 hours straight yesterday. There was no food, no drink, no nothing. He told a press conference, “I was like a walking ghost.”
When he was a child, the artist recalls his mother taking him to see World Heritage sites. If I’m being honest, it wasn’t something I particularly appreciated,” he admitted. “However, Mom did it for me, and it was only later in life that I discovered why. It’s crucial, and it’s something that today’s children are missing out on.”
“I am a father of two daughters and am concerned about the next generation,” he added. I’m concerned about the future of our world. I’m concerned about the long-term viability and quality of education.”
Charity groups have told Jafri that artists are now relating their work to a philanthropic cause or “doing something for humanity” after spending six months last year finishing his “The Journey of Humanity,” an artwork that broke the Guinness World Record for the largest art canvas. The exhibition is free and open to the public until March 27 on a first-come, first-served basis, before traveling worldwide locations for two years. For the Paris show, which runs from September 12 to 18, Jafri aims to make 20 more paintings.
“I believe art feeds the soul and may produce transformational and intimate encounters,” said Ermanno Zanini, regional vice president, and general manager at Burj Al-Arab. “Through our cooperation with Schaefer and Jafri, we’re providing guests the opportunity to immerse themselves in Burj Al-fascinating Arab’s history and find a one-of-a-kind exhibition in a one-of-a-kind environment.
