Hadirat Baynounah, one of the latest additions to the agenda at Al Dhafra Book Festival 2024, hosted a storytelling session to celebrate Emirati artist Abdul Qader Al-Rais, who was recently awarded the UAE Order for Culture and Creativity, and explore the creative vision behind his painting ‘Amal’ (hope), one of his most notable artworks.
Organised by the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre (ALC), the festival is set to run until 15 December at the Public Park – Madinat Zayed in Al Dhafra.
The artist’s story captivated the audience, especially the youth, who gathered at Hadirat Baynounah to listen to Dr Berlant Qabeel, Head of the Programmes Section at the ALC, as she narrated the award-winning Emirati artist’s life story, highlighting his success that earned him Arab and international awards, and analysing the details of his renowned painting ‘Amal’.
Dr Qabeel explored Al-Rais’ childhood, life journey, and education, before discussing the artist’s semi-impressionist painting ‘Amal’, which portrays a woman wearing a red dress and a white shawl, with indistinct figures in the background.
The depiction of the woman, the colours used, and the blurred background symbolise various themes, she explained, noting that the woman seems unhappy and living under a certain social system, but at the same time, continues to hold on to her dreams. Meanwhile, the figures in the background were painted with obscured facial features to indicate their absence or lack of role in reality. Despite the sombre mood of the painting, Al-Rais named it ‘Amal’ (hope), underscoring the importance of holding on to hope despite life’s challenges.
In a broader context, Dr Qabeel discussed Al-Rais’ contributions to the Emirati art movement, highlighting his prominence in heritage and landscape art. His works reflect a profound interest in traditional architecture and have significantly impacted Arab art, with his pieces exhibited in numerous Arab and international museums. A committed artist, Al-Rais remains deeply connected to the causes of his country and the Arab world, depicting regional events through various artforms.
Hadirat Baynounah is a new initiative launched by the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre as part of Al Dhafra Book Festival 2024, in line with the Centre’s strategy to link culture with heritage and recognise the role of intellectuals and visionaries promoting culture and creativity in the UAE’s development journey. The event narrates the stories of local figures who have enriched Emirati cultural and artistic movements, set within an authentic traditional atmosphere embodying the environment of Emirati society in the past.