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Art curator brings her immersive art experience to the city
Art can mean different things to different people. It is impossible for two people to appreciate the same work of art in similar ways. To some, a seemingly over-imaginative mind may be seen as an inflated indulgence, but to others it is a work of art. This is what makes art so subjective and equally difficult to define.
In a world scrambled by a sudden hostile virus that forces us to seek the safety of a sterile environment, where every breath we take and every tactile connection we try to make is fraught with potential harm, art can Like a savior. It shows us the beauty in simplicity, and we can escape the uncertainty around us through the reassuring aesthetic inherent in the creative work around us. Art tells us that what matters is not what we see often, but how we feel.
Interdisciplinary art and design firm Ambika Hinduja Macker brings her first project. The Sublime Nature of Being, an immersive art experience showcasing the work of ten internationally acclaimed artists, will be on display at the Summer Garden at DIFC ICD Brookfield Place from 23 January to 27 February.
Ambika is known for curating ethereal environments and multi-sensory experiences that enhance the beauty of the natural world around us.
As a resident of Dubai, she’s “constantly inspired by the refined quality and creativity that this vibrant city exhibits. It attracts a diverse and international audience from around the world, especially art collectors and art lovers , so it’s an honor to create and curate in Dubai,” she said.
Excerpts from an interview with the artist and art curator ahead of the launch of her first project in the city.
How do you feel about launching your first art project during the pandemic in Dubai?
During these challenging times, I am fortunate to be so deeply immersed in the process of bringing the sublime essence of existence to life; it allows my mind to focus on creative work and my soul to be inspired by those who display the wonder and harmony of nature Inspired by inspiring artwork. I hope the upcoming exhibition will transport the audience into an oasis of tranquility and beauty. I am grateful that the UAE government has done so well in ensuring the health and safety of its people, which has made it possible to have art exhibitions in public spaces.
Do you think art can play a special role in enhancing our aesthetic senses at a time when the world as we know it is losing its luster?
I believe certain arts and spaces can not only elevate our aesthetic sense, but also bring about a sublime state of being. When nature-inspired artwork, lighting and design come together harmoniously, a magical exchange takes place in the space, like a dance between earth materials, textures and tones. I design such spaces consciously because alchemy produces more than just a luxurious and beautiful environment; it simultaneously inspires positivity, relaxation and contemplation.
Today, we live in a world where we are warned not to touch anything, and our every breath is filled with fear. So how can immersive art installations like The Sublime Nature of Being help us?
The Sublime Nature of Being is an alchemical sound environment that provides an opportunity to feel harmony by resonating with flora, fauna and elements. When several of our senses are gently activated at the same time, our attention is focused, our thoughts are present, our hearts are at peace, and we can live in the moment (as the Japanese term “floating world” suggests) . We could all use more moments of happiness…
How would you like your art to lift people’s moods at this time?
I designed the exhibition with the hope that the immersive journey would inspire a sense of optimism, harmony and calm. The concept of the exhibition stems from my fascination with the shared human experience of awe and reverence inspired by nature, imagining how this translates into a delivery space that evokes emotional understanding beyond words or language.
Your Dubai project features artists from all over the world – a true reflection of the multicultural space the city occupies. Art transcends borders – is that why it’s so common?
The poetic beauty of exploring nature-inspired art in The Sublime Nature of Being is that it blurs any audience category. It touches on a shared experience and invites the audience to engage emotionally, imaginatively and sensually. The exhibition features work by internationally acclaimed contemporary artists, including large-scale sculptures, sonic landscapes, light and shadow installations, modular components and natural materials.
“Find beauty in simplicity” is your guiding philosophy. Why is simplicity so important to you in a world that transcends itself in creating the most extravagant items for all to enjoy?
I believe in a space free of distractions, designed to evoke the divinity of nature, to help balance the mind, feel connected to yourself, and truly discover beauty in simplicity. Nature is fleeting, and it prompts us to focus on the fleeting moments of grace, and it is this sublime moment that I try to guide in everything I create.
You are also a fan of Scandinavian and Japanese minimalist concepts. Do you believe that after the pandemic, given our willingness to spend more time at home, we’ve all realized that less is more?
I can only talk about my personal philosophy, I believe that home is a reflection of myself. My journey on the path of naturalistic minimalism made me think about my true value to the spaces I live in. The Japanese and Scandinavian design aesthetic draws inspiration from nature in its purest form, showing a minimalist environment that has nothing to do with the number of objects in the space, but in the energy flowing through it; a harmony that feels Zen and sublime.
How do you see Dubai as an arts hub? In what ways does the city reflect your ethos?
Dubai is progressive, innovative and safe, so it attracts top artists and designers from around the world, making the city a prime destination for experiencing and collecting incredible art. The visionary imagination associated with Dubai is in line with my ethos, and I am continually inspired by the refined quality and creativity exhibited by the city I now call home.
Art is considered elegant and out of reach for the common man. How would you describe the importance of art to someone who is skeptical of all this?
To me, art is all about expressing genius through creative thinking, and the energy a particular artwork brings to your space. My portfolio is about making people aware of the elegance of nature and curating art that can have a profound emotional impact.
From January 23 to February 27, a roster of regional and international artists will present their mixed media for “The Sublime Essence of Being”: Lebanese sculptor, painter and artist Nadim Karam; Jacob Hashimoto, American contemporary artist; Fred Eerdekens, Belgium Sculptor and contemporary artist; Mathieu Lehanneur, French designer and artist; Hadieh Shafie, Iranian visual artist; Rowan Mersh, British multimedia sculptor; Xavier Lust, Belgian furniture designer and sculptor; Janaina Mello, Brazilian contemporary artist; Michelle McKinney , British contemporary artist and Satya Hinduja, Indian composer, sound artist and producer.
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