The pleasure of poetry in paint

One of Dubai's top artists is presenting work inspired by the poetry of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

Abdul Qader Al Rais, whose work regularly comes up at auctions here in the UAE, along with master calligraphers Hakem Ghannam and Mohammad Ozjay, have outlined across more than 19 pieces of artwork an epic Nabati poem authored by Sheikh Mohammed. The exhibition, on show display in the lobby of Building 5 of the Dubai International Financial Centre, runs until Sunday.

Recognised as a romantic poem, A Knight's Dream was translated by Al Rais as one man's declaration of love, whereas Ozjay interpreted the poem as one man's patriotic wisdom and love for his country.

Sheikh Mohammed has been composing Nabati or colloquial Gulf-based poetry since his school days and A Knight's Dream represents the broadest exhibition of an artistic interpretation of his writings to date.

Al Rais's work reflects inspiration derivative of Arab culture and tradition. His style of art work incorporates watercolour scripts that are both colourful and contemporary. In Al Rais' work, words overflow with a sense of freedom and flexibility.

Iraqi artist Ghannam's piece in the show is also inspired by the poem and rhythmic patterns, which show his acute awareness in measurements as well as an accurate understanding of calligraphic shapes and forms. Ozjay, a master calligrapher from Turkey, executes A Knight's Dream with more of a traditional approach with hand-made ink on paper. His sensibilities lie more in religious and patriotic themes than Al Rais's.

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