Cloud Spaces, the state-of-the-art co-working facility at Yas Mall, is no stranger to supporting creative freelancers, entrepreneurs and small businesses. Providing a safe and encouraging place for professionals to work, plus all the facilities they need to innovate and grow, the futuristic office environment has been working to motivate and drive remote workers since it opened in October 2020.
However, this October, Cloud Spaces shone a light on the UAE’s many super talented creatives by presenting a unique and mesmerising art showcase. Normally open to members only, the organisation opened up its energising space to the public and encouraged them to stop by and admire an inspiring collection of paintings, sketches and designs. Hosted in celebration of International Artist’s Day, the exhibition was free to enter, and guests could also use the opportunity to check out Cloud Spaces’ incredible facilities, including the photography studio, recording studio, boardrooms, and café.
Providing five whole days of wonderful artistic installations, the art showcase ran from Sunday, October 24 to Thursday, October 28. Featuring over 18 skilful and imaginative local artisans, the artwork displayed a fascinating range of styles and subject matters with many inspired by the region’s landscape, history and heritage of the UAE.
Standout featured names include photographer, sketcher and painter Khalid Mohamed Al Astad. The son of a famous local artist and a self-taught craftsman, his works have been purchased by the royal family and many prominent UAE businessmen. Operating under the mantra of ‘Creativity is allowing yourself to make mistakes. Art is knowing which ones to keep’ his overall goal is to raise the profile of the Emirati art scene.
Meanwhile, Nassra Al Buainain draws on her experiences as a spiritual coach and energetic healer to create her paintings, drawings and poetry. Minimalist, vibrant and dynamic, her pieces are designed to provoke intense emotions in the viewer’s heart, mind and soul. On the other end of the spectrum, Shamma Alkaabi prefers to use more delicate and neutral tones for her beautiful, nature-inspired works, and Zayed University Graphic Design Student Alia Jamal Almansoori specialises in abstract works that capture everyday scenes and objects and fill them with a series of powerful emotions.
Hajer Alhajeri is another student from Zayed University who is passionate about experimenting with printmaking, collage and mixed media. Boasting a strong desire to communicate with her audience, she uses her different and striking visionary works as a way of expressing her feelings. Finally, Majeda Binashri adds a further medium to the mix with her delicate acrylic designs that incorporate a range of fabulous silks and textiles.
The above are just a handful of the numerous inventive and impressive artists who were featured in the art showcase. The community was invited to come and discover the magic of Emirati art and support these promising local innovators from Sunday, October 24 to Thursday, October 28 between 10am and 8pm at Cloud Spaces in Yas Mall.