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Submitted by admin on 15 July, 2010 - 16:09
Date: 
15 July, 2010

UAE artist gets pride of place in Assilah Festival 2010

The UAE artist Abdulrahman Al Maini has painted one of the most visible murals in Assilah as part of the Assilah Festival 2010. The Emirati artist is in Morocco as part of the Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture and Heritage’s (ADACH) involvement in the 32nd Assilah Festival.

Al Maini said his work was inspired by both the UAE and his surroundings in Assilah. “Assilah's mural is a symbol for the city famous for its beautiful long beaches. So I brought my colours from the UAE to paint Assilah's waves,” he said.

The mural, a striking geometrical mix of colours, takes pride of place on the wall just off the main medina square. Al Maini said his experience in Assilah was hugely rewarding.

“I had a great cultural exchange experience here as I came to know closely a number of international artists. I'm grateful for the people of Assilah too, who encouraged me and came to know my artwork closely. I am also grateful to ADACH for giving me the opportunity to participate in the festival.”

The mural is just one of a range of events being held throughout the festival including workshops, art exhibitions, lectures and seminars. These will address topics such as the book industry and publishing (especially the Abu Dhabi Book Fair), Kitab, Qalam and the Sheikh Zayed Book Award. There will also be a workshop addressing the current unique market for UAE handicrafts. The festival will run from July 10th to July 27th.

ADACH, along with the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Community Development and Masdar are representing UAE officially at the Assilah Festival as a guest of honour this year.

Bio

Abdulrahman Al Maini was born in 1975 and is currently based in Dubai. Since 2003, his work has been on display at various prestigious venues, including the Sharjah Art Institute Exhibition, the same art school where he received his training as a drawing artist. His work is filled with colour and tradition and his work has both simplicity and depth. Al Maini has been a member of the Dubai Art Atelier and the Emirates Fine Art Society in Sharjah for the past five years.