With a combination of digital technology and cultural creativity, the first-of-its-kind exhibition organised by Dubai Culture & Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) titled ’50/50′ in cooperation with MORROW collective, was an innovative platform showcasing 50 NFT artworks by Emirati and UAE-based artists presented in an enjoyable visual experience, inspiring from life and celebrating Emirati culture, heritage and arts in commemoration of the UAE’s fiftieth anniversary.
In line with Authority’s role of supporting Emirati and UAE-based artists, the exhibition brought together distinguished artistic talents, including Emirati artist Khalid Al Banna, Lebanese artist Magda Malkoun, Australian artist Nevine Meguid, and British artist Matt Ryder.
Al Banna said: "I participated with two artworks, ‘Earth’s Gravity’ and ‘Intersection Colour and Gravity,’ which are a series of abstract works comprised of paper that I tore and rearranged at random as a means of exploring the possibilities and limitations of colour and size in geometric shapes.
Al Banna added: "The UAE’s art ecosystem has grown significantly since the onset of the pandemic, and the transition to the digital world has attracted more art lovers online. We have already seen a wave of young emerging artists catch the eye of curators, collectors and institutions through Interactive programming, digital exhibitions and more. Exhibitions of this kind accelerate this process by creating an ideal environment and infrastructure for artists looking to build a network of collaborators and collectors, regardless of their current presence in the traditional arts market. As such, the UAE has become an important hub to culture in the Middle East."
Magda Malkoun stated that her artwork explores the psychology behind the struggles and connections one creates with the places, events, and faces they encounter while abroad. She said: "This is the first time that I participate in such an exhibition; it gave me a great opportunity to explore different dimensions of expression through art. Being a traditional artist, I strive to portray movement in my art, which is a major component of my composition, and the animation brought the artwork to life and further evoked these feelings."
Malkoun continued: "Dubai Culture and Arts Authority’s support during this exhibition has been wonderful. As an artist, it instilled me with the enthusiasm to create art in an environment where we are fully supported, trusted and reassured. I am truly honoured to be in the right place where art and innovation are a priority, with plans that are being developed to advance the sector."
Nevine Meguid confirmed that her experience at this exhibition with Dubai Culture and Morrow Collective opened her eyes to a new and exciting world of augmented reality and non-fungible works, noting that it built bridges between the traditional fine arts community and the NFT business community towards a new world of creative expression.
On the artists participating in the exhibition, she said: "‘Praise’ is part of the series of divine messages, exploring the enormous symmetry found in the Qur’anic Surah Al-Muddaththir, specifically the third verse: ‘Your Lord is Greatest,’ which, in its original Arabic form, is a palindrome."
Matt Ryder said: "As a traditionalist painter, my inspiration to create artwork is reflected through the authenticity of my current collection. I am mostly a landscape painter, so when I partnered with 50/50, I knew that my subject of choice would be the Fujairah mountain range. In a more literal sense, the painting is divided into 50% land and 50% sky."
Matt added: "It was a great opportunity to explore the world of NFTs and see my work in motion. My artistic career began when I moved to Dubai, and the lands beyond the city were a great inspiration for my work, helping me carve a clear path for myself."
