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DUBAI: Set to run until Feb. 22, Dubai’s ICD Brookfield Place is playing host to an exhibition that explores the sense of wonder that accompanies being in awe.

“The Sublime Nature of Being” is curated by Ambika Hinduja Macker, who brought together the work of 15 international artists to lead visitors on a journey through moments of awe and reverence inspired by the grandeur of nature.

 

 

 

 

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“The sublime is an overwhelming sense of wonder, a feeling that transcends words and logic, pulling us into a moment of pure awe and connection. It’s what happens when we encounter something so profound, so vast, that it stirs both our soul and our senses, leaving us simultaneously humbled and uplifted. ‘The Sublime Nature of Being’ is my attempt to offer a tangible glimpse of this elusive feeling,” Macker told Arab News.

Is it a reimagining of her 2022 immersive art experience of the same name and the curator — who is the founder and creative director of art and design firm Impeccable Imagination — describes the experience as an alchemic sonic environment, one that “blends ancient techniques of sound healing with cutting-edge technologies to create an immersive soundscape rooted in reflection and renewal.”

 

 

 

 

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Specially commissioned artists include US contemporary artist Jacob Hashimoto, French designer Mathieu Lehanneur, Belgian sculptor and contemporary artist Fred Eerdekensm Lebanese multi-disciplinary artist Nadim Karam and Brazilian artist Janaina Mello, among others.

“As a curator, my role is to weave these diverse expressions into a cohesive yet ephemeral narrative, creating an environment where materials, mediums, and artistic visions engage in dialogue with one another,” Macker explained.

The exhibition features a celebration of the five elements — “water, fire, earth, air, and spirit permeate the venue, each with its own curated space and featured works, all within a larger, interconnected environment,” the curator noted.

Works include several sculptures by Lebanese artist Karam, including “Silent Thinker” (2024), a polished stainless steel piece.

“(Karam) has developed a distinctive artistic language rooted in memory, space, and collective identity,” Macker explained. “His work embodies profound, ongoing reflections on societal diversity and pressing global issues, yet he seamlessly juxtaposes these important themes with playful, even absurdist, touches.”

A short walk away is “The Aquifer” (2024) by Hashimoto, a wall-hanging work featuring bamboo, acrylic, paper, wood and dacron.

 

 

 

 

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Colourful, pattern-printed discs are suspended by wire between pegs in the mesmerizing work that is just one of the many emotive pieces on show.

Despite the effort involved in bringing together 15 artists, Macker says the most challenging aspect of bringing “The Sublime Nature of Being” to fruition “was transforming a vibrant public hub without disrupting its accessibility or the daily rhythms of those who frequent it.”

JEDDAH: Historic Islamic artifacts are being displayed by the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture at the second edition of the Islamic Arts Biennale currently underway in Jeddah.

Running until May 25 at the iconic Western Hajj Terminal, this year’s biennale, titled “And All That Is In Between,” explores the profound ways faith is experienced, expressed and celebrated.

Pieces on display include an edict from the Ottoman Sultan Mustafa III, who reigned from 1757 to 1774, regarding the Prophet Muhammad’s tomb; a prayer carpet fragment; a tafsir (interpretation of the Qur’an) manuscript; a folding manuscript stand; a mosque lamp; and a large wooden minbar (pulpit).

Ithra, which is renowned as a global leader in Islamic arts and heritage, will feature its pieces in the biennale’s Al-Madar section. This exhibition brings together contributions from prominent local and international institutions, emphasizing the richness and diversity of Islamic culture.

Farah Abushullaih, the head of the museum at Ithra, said: “It is a privilege for Ithra’s Islamic collection to be featured once again at this prestigious biennale, which celebrates the diversity and depth of Islamic arts.

“Our participation underscores our ongoing commitment to preserving and sharing the rich heritage of Islamic art with a global audience while expanding knowledge of key concepts of Islamic traditions that have shaped and continue to shape Islamic identities today.”

The artifacts on display, which were carefully curated in collaboration with Heather Ecker and Marika Sardar from Al-Madar’s curatorial team, reflect the theme of waqf. This fundamental Islamic concept involves dedicating assets for communal benefit, supporting religious, educational, or charitable initiatives.

Ithra’s participation aligns with its mission to inspire, enrich and foster appreciation for Islamic heritage through various initiatives, including its triennial Islamic Art Conference and major exhibitions. Its current “In Praise of the Artisan" exhibition showcases over 130 historic and contemporary works, many of which are on public display for the first time.

With its robust programming of lectures, workshops, and live demonstrations, Ithra continues to honor the past and present, positioning Islamic craftsmanship as a living tradition. Its efforts underscore the institution’s role as a global champion of cultural exchange and creativity.

The Islamic Arts Biennale, hosted by the Diriyah Biennale Foundation, provides a platform for exploring Islamic arts and traditions.

The event’s first edition in 2023, at which Ithra also participated, attracted more than 600,000 visitors.