In 2013, what began as a small gathering of 30 emerging artists in Ras Al Khaimah has blossomed into the Emirate’s cultural event of the year. This transformative journey has now led to the rebirth of the renowned Ras Al Khaimah Fine Arts Festival, now known as Ras Al Khaimah Art. Beyond the confines of a traditional festival, Ras Al Khaimah Art stands as a beacon of creativity, offering year-round programs that ignite dialogue and empower emerging creatives and the community.

As the Emirate’s cultural flagship, Ras Al Khaimah Art provides an immersive and sensory experience for local and international visitors. The festival seamlessly merges the modern with the ancient, bringing together various art forms to stimulate dialogue between artists, authors, creatives, and the community. Rooted in over a decade of heritage, Ras Al Khaimah Art has become a vibrant, authentic, and culturally rich celebration.

At the heart of this transformation is the theme “In Motion,” a concept that challenges the notion of a new “normal” and encourages participants to embrace the constant evolution of our diverse world. This theme comes to life through a range of artistic expressions, from generative AI and NFTs to space journeys and environmental movements. Ras Al Khaimah Art 2024 Festival celebrates and critiques the power of motion and change, inviting attendees to explore the limitless possibilities inherent in the constant flux of our global society.

While the COVID-19 pandemic forced a global pause, it also revealed the beauty and resilience of nature in stillness. This pause has been a catalyst for change, prompting a transformation in the festival itself. Formerly the Ras Al Khaimah Fine Arts Festival, the rebranded Ras Al Khaimah Art signifies not just a new chapter but an invitation for participants to reimagine the possibilities for the next decade.

The festival has garnered the steadfast support of a network of esteemed partners, each contributing to the richness and diversity of the event. Their commitment enables a broad spectrum of workshops, performances, and exhibitions, enhancing the festival’s impact and outreach. These partners play a vital role in promoting art, culture, and community engagement, making Ras Al Khaimah Art a symbol of creativity and collaboration woven into the cultural fabric of Ras Al Khaimah.

As we embark on this revitalized journey with Ras Al Khaimah Art 2024, the festival beckons attendees to witness the power of motion in all its forms. It is an opportunity to immerse oneself in the creative energy of the Emirate, celebrate diverse artistic expressions, and actively engage in the ever-evolving conversation about the transformative potential of art. Ras Al Khaimah Art is more than a festival; it is a dynamic force that propels the cultural scene forward, inviting all to be part of the ongoing narrative of artistic innovation and expression in Ras Al Khaimah and beyond.

ARTIST TO LOOK OUT FOR

Indira Urrutia Zuniga, both curator and artist, embodies the essence of a global citizen artist hailing from Chile. Her creative endeavors seamlessly incorporate a variety of cultural influences, reflecting her journey from adolescence in the US to her current residence in Barcelona, Spain. Urrutia’s artistic repertoire spans across mediums such as photography, mixed media, video installations, and metalwork. Rooted in a natural ethnographic perspective, her art intricately weaves together personal experiences, memories, and cultural insights into profound artistic expressions. Urrutia’s works have graced esteemed international venues, including museums, galleries, and cultural centers in the USA, Chile, Spain, Italy, and China.

Threads That Connect: Exploring the Interwoven Narratives unveils the artistic journey of Indira Urrutia during her residency in Ras Al Khaimah. Deciphering the Aesthetics of Minaret Tops delves into her fascination with minarets, inspiring innovative dimensions in the realm of knitting. Blossoming Tears: Every Decade serves as a poignant representation of the recurring struggles faced by Palestinian children. Beneath the Gulf Waves: Honoring Generosity and Advocating Sustainable Practices passionately advocates for the preservation of the UAE’s historical connection with the sea, emphasizing sustainability. Each installation presents a narrative intricately woven with diverse stories, encouraging viewers to unravel the complex tapestry of interconnected experiences within Urrutia’s profound artistic vision.

Ismail Odetola is an independent photographer, writer, and filmmaker with a notable list of accolades. He achieved success in various prestigious competitions such as the UNESCO 2017 Global Youth Photo Contest, EU/OECD 2018 Development Center Youth Photo Contest, FIBA 2018 Photo Contest, and the 2018 NASSER BIN HAMAD International Youth Creativity Award. Additionally, his short documentary film garnered recognition from UNAOC in 2018. Furthermore, he was shortlisted for the 2018 Youmanity Photo Award, FIBA 2019, 2019 German Peace Prize, and Siena Creative Photo Award 2020.

Regarding his artistic philosophy, Ismail Odetola delves into the unspoken emotions that permeate human experiences. He reflects on the invisible struggles that people endure silently, juxtaposing the visible with the intangible, emphasizing the significance of what can be felt deeply and poetically. He contemplates the intricacies of human memory, pondering whether it holds onto the goodness that remains untainted or the darkness that fades away. Through his lens, he captures the essence of human consciousness, shaped by a multitude of impressions, distortions, and associations, embodying the poetic essence of existence.

Fascinated by life on water and the resilience of those who depend on it, Odetola explores the profound connection between humanity and the natural world. He finds inspiration in the abundance and tranquility of water, symbolizing both sustenance and hope. His portraits often feature a juxtaposition of man, nature, landscape, and symbolic materials, inviting viewers to contemplate the complex interplay between human existence and the environment.

The artist and architect Avner Sher, based in Israel, express a continuous fascination with the intricate relationship between construction and deconstruction. Early works consisted of vibrant, cubistic-inspired oil compositions on canvas, yet a shift towards deconstruction emerged. Utilizing cork boards, whether left blank or manipulated with maps, tools like wood scorching pens, screwdrivers, and hammers were employed to scratch, tear, engrave, and burn the surfaces. Splashing wine, ketchup, mud, or iodine added layers of complexity.

Surrounded by grand narratives, Avner Sher’s primary drive remains a simpler, childlike desire—the ability to demolish and rebuild. Originating from a realm without rules or established knowledge, this instinctual expression is authentic.

The creative process initiates without conscious thought, relying on intuition to relinquish control. The journey involves losing control and creating through internal, intuitive drives. Only in the final stages Avner Sher’s conscious message and perspective emerge.

The trajectory of Avner Sher’s work focuses on unveiling beauty within ugliness and abomination, evoking emotions anticipating a better world. The art hints at humanity’s strength, belief, and will to create wholeness, serving as a manifestation of hope among chaos.

Avner Sher’s art possesses a universal quality, blending prehistoric motifs and elements with child-like symbolism and style. His fascination with the Middle East’s history, archaeology, ancient scripts, and languages is evident. Rooted in the graffiti and iconography of the Levant, Avner Sher’s creations merge contemporary art aesthetics with reflections on the status of humanity in the universe. Each layer in his works reflects personal experiences, cultural background, both personal and collective history, and the nuances of the neighborhood.

As a visual artist, I also took part in the event, presenting two paintings from my Emotions series. Through my art, I strive to capture the raw essence of our shared human experience, offering a glimpse into the intricate tapestry of emotions that shape our lives. Drawing inspiration from the beauty and complexity of the human psyche, my work seeks to unravel the subtleties and nuances of emotions that often go unnoticed or unexpressed. I believe that emotions are the purest expressions of our inner selves, acting as windows into our thoughts, hopes, fears, and vulnerabilities. For my work Fear, I was honored to receive 3rd place in the Visual Arts category.