SHARJAH: This week Sheikha Bodour Al Qasimi, founder of the Tanweer Festival, inaugurated a groundbreaking exhibition titled “Prototypes for Permanence: Tanweer Festival Art Commissions Off-Site” at the 1971 – Design Space.
Running from 20 November 2024 to 3 April 2025, the exhibition offers an in-depth exploration of the creative processes behind 10 large-scale art installations designed for the inaugural Tanweer Festival, set to take place from 22 to 24 November 2024 in the Mleiha Desert.
“The exhibition encapsulates creativity, resilience, and human connection,” said Sheikha Bodour during the event.
Creativity meets heritage
The exhibition features prototypes, sketches, and models that document each stage of creation, offering visitors an intimate look into the evolution of installations inspired by Mleiha’s geological and archaeological history and the poetry of 12th-century Persian poet Jalal ad-Din Rumi.
Curated to mirror Mleiha’s desert landscape, the design space recreates winding pathways through rust-hued dunes, inviting visitors to reflect on themes of nature, wisdom, and aesthetic beauty.
Spotlight on artists
Highlighting the contributions of 10 internationally renowned artists, the exhibition showcases diverse interpretations of the festival’s 2024 theme, “Timeless Echoes of Love and Light.”
- Karim + Elias’ “The Desert Relics” examines historical continuity.
- Azza Al Qubaisi’s “Rumi’s Path” provides a spiritual journey through poetic exploration.
- Khalid Shafar’s “Palm Oasis” offers an interactive ode to nature.
Other notable works include Patricia Millns’ “star circle”, inspired by celestial phenomena, and Zeinab Alhashemi’s “Toroid”, which juxtaposes terrestrial forms with cosmic concepts.
Each piece captures unique artistic perspectives, resonating with Rumi’s themes of enlightenment and connection.
A timeless cultural celebration
While the Tanweer Festival concludes on 24 November, the exhibition extends its cultural dialogue into 2025, ensuring that visitors can continue to explore the intersection of art and nature.