Al Hathboor announced an online art and photography competition for its premium fine arts showroom, Artyst in collaboration with Artoze Gallery and Exhibitions on March 08, 2021, marking the significance of International Women’s Day. The contest concluded on March 28, 2021, and over 170 artists across the UAE showcased their artworks & photographs in this competition. The Al Hathboor Group’s Award Ceremony for the Art & Photography competition was held on April 12, 2021, in collaboration with Hotel Radisson Red, Dubai, as Venue Partners. The ART awards were classified into two verticals based on age groups, Kids (up to ages of 18) and Adults (of ages above 18). The PHOTOGRAPHY contest was open for the 18 and above age group. The Top 21 Finalists were recognized during the ceremony and 8 winners received accolades at the hands of our Jury – Dr Najat Makki, Mr Khalil Abdulwahid and Mr Ashok Verma in the presence of Al Hathboor Top management and Art enthusiasts from the field. The Finalists got an opportunity and a platform to showcase their artworks in the Galleria at the beautiful & vibrant Hotel Radisson Red as many watched in awe and marvel at the vast talent that exists in the UAE. Each of the 173 Participants featured on the online Virtual Gallery showcasing Arts & Photographs at www.artoze.com that was introduced on April 06 and has garnered over 20K views & is still ongoing.
The CEO, Al Hathboor Group, Mr Jaiganesh V, introduced the concept and emphasized that “It is Al Hathboor’s first event & we are happy to receive the overwhelming response. We invite genuine feedback and how to advance in the coming days as we plan several more such concepts to encourage participation & provide recognition to the deserving artists. We are thankful to our esteemed Jury for guiding us through the process. In this new world due to the pandemic, we seek more ideas and see newer avenues & opportunities concerning ART in the coming months & will pursue the same based on suggestions we receive. On a social awareness note, I encourage you to get vaccinated as that is the only way forward in the New Normal.”
Mr Khalil Abdulwahid, Director of the Fine Arts Department, Dubai Culture & Arts Authority, explained that “The process of selection was gruesome since we received a variety of submissions and each better than the other. However, we selected after a grilling process of mediums, concept, finishing and several other factors contributing to the final choice of winners. It is lovely to see Al Hathboor introducing a concept that encourages Art & Artists and am delighted to be a part of the same as Jury. I must emphasize that one must surely participate no matter what the outcome. Eventually, with persistence, you will find success as the key is to keep trying. Participation matters more for an artist to improve & eventually awards follow.”
UAE Emirati Artist, Dr Najat Makki, founding member of the Emirates Fine Arts Society, shared her experience by thanking and stating, “I thank the Al Hathboor Group for allowing me to be the Jury for this competition. I was mesmerized by the beautiful & competing artworks received by all our gifted participants. It was difficult to choose as each of them was distinct in their way. Mr Khalil & I thoroughly reviewed & discussed several times before finalizing the winners and are glad to be here today as such an opportunity encourages young & brilliant artists & provides them with a platform for their gift.”
Mr Ashok Verma, senior photojournalist for Emirates Today and Emarat Al Youm – Dubai Media Inc. Dubai Government, added that “I saw interesting work & concepts being shared as part of this competition. As shared by my fellow Jury, it was tough for me to select as well. I am glad that the photographers took the first step by participating. Taking the first step is the mantra for future victories. The Criteria followed was aesthetics, the technical aspects involving the originality, the artist’s viewpoint and the story it tells. I am thrilled to see such a competition being organized by Al Hathboor Group and boosting talent here in UAE.”
The first set of Awards was for PHOTOGRAPHY. It was awarded by the Jury – Mr Ashok Verma along with Mr Jean Philippe, Business Development Manager – Al Hathboor Group. The Grand Prize was awarded to Salem Alsawafi. The other top three finalists for Photography were – Ferdinand Bedana, Roudha Mohammad Alsuwaidi and Crisencio Bernabe who received certificates, prizes & attractive goodies.
The next set of Awards was for ARTS – KIDS & it was awarded by the Jury – Dr Najat Makki with with Mr Ramanathan T H, Finance Manager – Al Hathboor Group. The 1st Prize went to Anaishaan Sidhwa, The 2nd prize went to Carys Bridget D’souza and the 3rd prize to Muhammad Sandila. The other top four finalists were Shashank Balajiprasad, Rawan Abdul Fattah Malha, Maya Fareed and Hana Fayez that were handsomely rewarded as well.
The final set of Awards was for ARTS – ADULTS. Dr Najat Makki & Mr Deepak Bhatkal, General Manager – GMES awarded the Grand Prize went to Cresencio Bernabe. The 1st Prize for the same category went to Gomathi Shiva, the 2nd prize went to Onareen Ferdinand and the 3rd was Mirna El Osta. The other top 6 finalists were Inga Butkute, Ji-Hye Kim, Lena El Amin, Miriam Koki, Muhammed Moazam and Wafaa Jamil.
The ceremony was hosted by Namita Shrivastava, Marketing & Communications Manager, Al Hathboor Group and concluded by each participant being awarded much-deserved prizes and a chance to showcase their artworks. The artworks were admired by the Media Personnel, Art Curators, and Influencers & Artists from different walks throughout the day at the venue.
