The new creation of Brand Dubai, a division of the Government of Dubai Media Office, that overlooks public art installations to reflect Dubai’s progress and the UAE’s founding fathers, is a massive art piece at the DIFC Gate. The artwork forms part of the #ZayedAndRashid campaign conducted to mark key national events such as Flag Day and Eid Al Etihad showing the public’s continuing appreciation for the visionary leaders who presided over the country’s transformation.
The key concept of the installation is illuminated by the large monumental portrait measuring 50 meters, which portrays the Founding Fathers against the background of the contemporary UAE that marks their vision of the young state. This towering artwork uses photographs by acclaimed photographer Ramesh Shukla who has been chronicling the UAE’s incredible story. Shukla’s photographs are memories of leaders with their spirit and intention, the vivid portrayal of the great achievements and the history of the country.
Photographic art created specifically for the artwork background came from Emirati artist Maitha Demithan who uses photography merged with art to create a dimensional view. Today, known worldwide from Dubai to Paris and South Korea, Demithan’s work adds a conproper wavelength to the artwork giving the country and artwork a tradition and a future feel.
The director of Brand Dubai, Shaima Al Suwaidi, said that DIFC installation reflects the unity of purpose at the heart of the UAE’s formation process. She applauded every citizen’s pride witnessed as everybody celebrates one day in preparation of the Flag Day and Eid Al Etihad with the artwork being a source of inspiration to the next generation.
According to Saleh Al Akrabi, the Chief Real Estate Officer at DIFC, the installation also shows how leadership has remained constant and offered direction to DIFC in order to rank itself among some of the best financial centres globally. Speaking to attendees, this, he said, was a way of celebrating the ideals of innovation and patriotism that defined the founding of the country.
