Nada Al Barazi, an internationally acclaimed artist, led a tour of her exhibition "My Nationality is Human" at the Omniyat Center for People of Determination in Dubai. The exhibition featured five visual axes, including "Zayed, the Homeland of Wishes", which addressed the legacy of former President Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan's vision for space exploration, and "Yarween", which highlighted the role of women as educators, leaders, workers, and mothers. The exhibition was held in conjunction with a march on International Volunteer Day, where artists were honored with the title "Ambassador of the Two Visions" by Dr. Adel Al Marzouqi, Yaqoub Al Ali, and Ahmad Al Awadhi (Rukni).
https://www.gulftoday.ae/culture/2024/12/10/omniyat-center-for-people-of-determination-celebrates-national-day-with-art-pageantA new book titled "I'm So Happy You Are Here" showcases the artistic evolution of Japanese women in photography over seven decades. The book, a collaborative effort by editors Pauline Vermare and Lesley A. Martin, curator Takeuchi Mariko, and photo historians Carrie Cushman and Kelly Midori McCormick, features 25 Japanese women photographers, including Tamiko Nishimura and Eiko Yamazawa. It highlights the diversity of styles, themes, and voices that emerged as these photographers challenged cultural, social, and gender norms through their work.
https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/the-ten-best-photography-books-of-2024-180985597/The Abu Dhabi Festival celebrated the achievements of standout artists from various genres at its annual awards ceremony. The recipients, including Vera Zhukova and Joy Najm, received accolades for pushing the boundaries of their respective art forms. In addition to artistic recognition, the festival also honored individuals in the cultural sector, such as Abeer Abdullah and Hanan Al Nuaimi, who have made significant contributions to fostering cross-cultural dialogue through music, art advocacy, authorship, and film making.
https://www.gulftoday.ae/culture/2024/12/09/art4you-gallerys-artistic-luminary-awards-honours-uae-art-and-cultureAquino, a 51-year-old former computer industry worker who is now a full-time housewife, has found new purpose in her life through art. She recently completed a five-day art workshop and feels rejuvenated, as if her life had started anew.
https://www.manilatimes.net/2024/12/10/tmt-newswire/zata-aquino-mounts-first-solo-exhibit-sining-sa-paleta/2018362Cîroc, a luxury vodka brand, has launched the Blue Dot Creative Residency program to support emerging creatives in Miami's art week. The program will provide capital and access to collaborators for selected applicants, including initiatives such as "Ease Capses" which offers creative time off during key cultural events, and "Creative Trust", a mentorship program with industry leaders. The program aims to help shape the culture of tomorrow by providing resources and support to creatives in entertainment, art, music, and fashion. Cîroc has partnered with entertainment industry leaders to identify promising applicants for the inaugural residency class.
https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ciroc-champions-creative-ease-with-the-blue-dot-creative-residency-an-innovative-program-empowering-emerging-storytellers-302326664.htmlEthiopian-born artist Awol Erizku is showcasing his "Quaquaversal" exhibition in Hong Kong, which challenges Western aesthetics and US politics through Afro-centric art. The artist, known for photographing Beyoncé's pregnancy announcement, has brought his unique perspective to the city, encouraging viewers to question dominant cultural norms.
https://www.scmp.com/postmag/culture/article/3289694/meet-awol-erizku-whose-quaquaversal-exhibition-brings-afro-centric-art-hong-kong?module=post_magazine&pgtype=sectionAt Art Basel Miami Beach, NADA Miami, and Untitled Art, a standout event was the Open Invitational fair, which focused on artists with disabilities or "progressive art studios." Co-founder David Fierman emphasized the importance of showcasing work that has a positive impact on people's lives in a sustainable way. The fair featured works by various artists, including Mapuche artist Seba Calfuqueo, Michael Angelo Mangino, and Alissa Alfonso, among others.
https://hyperallergic.com/972807/unmissable-gems-at-miami-art-fairs-2024/At the Art Basel Miami Beach fair, artist Portia Munson's installation "Bound Angel" drew attention for its sheer size and thought-provoking content. The piece features a long, oval table crowded with hundreds of thrifted objects, including ceramic angel figurines, lamps, and other knick-knacks, all painted white and tied up with cord or rope. According to Munson, the installation critiques societal messages about femininity, highlighting how seemingly innocent objects can perpetuate negative stereotypes about women's roles in society.
https://hyperallergic.com/972235/art-basel-miami-beach-returns-with-smoke-and-mirrors/The United Nations Information Center in Indonesia (UNIC) and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) commemorated International Disability Day and Human Rights Day by organizing a series of events at Taman Ismail Marzuki in Jakarta from December 5 to 7, 2024. The event, titled "Disability Creative Week", featured film screenings, art exhibitions, inclusive fashion shows, and workshops aimed at fostering inclusivity. The event was held in collaboration with Bumilangit Entertainment, the United Nations Association of Indonesia (UNAI), and the International Labour Organization (ILO) as part of their "Decent Work for All" campaign. The event showcased over 70 unique objects and activities created by talented individuals with disabilities in Indonesia, including a film directed by a visually impaired filmmaker and featuring a script penned by a deaf writer. The event also included a fashion show presented by the Layak Community, which aims to empower individuals with disabilities to express themselves with confidence and grace. According to ILO data, approximately 1 in 6 individuals globally experience significant disabilities, but their rights to secure decent work are frequently overlooked. In Indonesia, nearly 90 percent of people with disabilities are unemployed, despite approximately 38.8 million individuals being identified as having disabilities according to the 2020 National Census.
https://en.tempo.co/read/1949536/unic-ohchr-celebrate-disability-day-with-art-and-creativity