Like art, life can be transformed with a single stroke – sometimes called the defining moment. And that moment happened for me in the first month of 2003.
On a sabbatical from my advertising and technological career for about a year, I would often go to Sharjah Art Museum in the close vicinity of my flat, to browse their small but well stocked art library.
After one such immersive session, I asked the taxi to take me to industrial area where I had noticed a bunch of carpentry shops while passing by. Once there, I ordered a hundred wooden frames in size 80 cm x 80 cm, with the one who looked most organised and neat. On the way back I bought 40 meters of raw canvas, a box full of paints and half a dozen large sketchbooks.
That was the beginning of the journey without a destination, route map or the resources.
Fifteen Years later, what matters is that I am still travelling, and trying to discover viewpoints and insights into what lies within. Looking forward to the best which hasn’t been realised as yet.
Fragrance of Faith is a solo exhibition of paintings by Art Noor on the divine subject of 99 beautiful names of Allah. Being held at St Regis Dubai until July 2, the exhibits consist mainly of large scale works both in size and depth. Emphasising the need for learning to love one another, Art Noor’s current theme is all about fragrance, which not only looks beautiful but also feels beautiful. “The composition and texture of my work lends an unexpected dimension, alongside the rhythmic use of gestural strokes, shapes and spaces,’’ Art Noor told Panorama. More from the interview…
Mar. 5 sees the opening of an art exhibition titled ‘Light & Love in the 99 Names of Allah’ by Noor, or Art Noor, as he is also known. Consisting of 33 abstract expressionistic works inspired by the 99 Names of Allah, it will be held until Apr. 16 at Sofitel Dubai The Palm Resort & Spa, organised by MONDA Gallery, Dubai. Art Noor is a well-known Indian artist and author based in Sharjah. Of Muslim faith and originating from the advertising world, Art Noor broke away from his highly successful corporate career in advertising in 2002 to dedicate his time to art, and more particularly, to all topics related to the Creator, and Love.
I heard back from them about 10 days later, informing me that they have shortlisted the entry but they wanted a version which would fit in exactly with their technical specifications. What followed was a very technology intensive exercise from my side, to go through the learning curve and come up with a final version ready to be played on the Burj Khalifa’s LED display system.
Light N Love is an exhibition of paintings by Art Noor at Sofitel, the Palm Dubai, in collaboration with Monda Gallery. The event that will run until the end of August has some of the artist’s favourite pieces, which the artist says, he “will miss dearly once sold out.” Noor speaks to Panorama about his work and current exhibits.
Ruminiscence is a solo exhibition of thirty lyrical paintings by Art Noor, reflecting his admiration for the celebrated poet Rumi. What is clear from this collection is his extraordinary artistic ability to explore the mystical and the sacred, while using this creative exercise to connect with the divine.
The paintings demonstrate the diversity of his artistic endeavours and the universality of his appeal. While the muse has been Rumi’s verses, Art Noor’s work also depicts his personal reflections on life, art and identity.
The exhibition is being held at Z Gallery, Four Points Sheraton, Dubai and will run until the end of next month.
In the following interview, Art Noor talks elaborately about his work.
Art Noor is an Sharjah-based artist who currently has an exhibition at the World Trade Centre Souk in Abu Dhabi of his calligraphic works that depict the 99 Names of Allah. The show will be up during Ramadan. Here we catch up with him for a quick chat.
A: Although I tend to experiment with various styles and techniques depending on the subject, medium and the situation, a substantial body of my work is in the style of what I call “Lyrical Abstraction”. Spontaneity and movement is what drives my work and it usually evolves into something meaningful with the inspiration of the moment. Many times in the past my work has been interpreted as emotionally charged melodies.
Comments
Sarwat Abdul Razzak
Director, ARY Group “We commissioned a series of Paintings for our chairman, late Haji Abdul Razzak’s corporate office. Even after a decade, they evoke a lot of appreciation both from international and local visitors.”
Sana Qayyum
Owner, Clothing Art, “I was lucky to have picked up a thousand art books , . We have used those as a memorable corporate gift, to spread the love and light. That’s what Noor and his art means much more to the connoisseur.”
Bregie Horsten
Contemporary Artist “The art of Noor is a mirror to the mind. The energy in strokes and texture makes it unique. Noor plays with the contrast of light & dark, soft & sharp, contemplation and expression.”
Erik Vedsegaard
GM Four Point Sheraton“It’s the first time I met with Art Noor, and I had the chance to walk with him in the exhibition, I was really surprised, when I had the artwork explained. I think its fantastic work. ”
Etienne Peereboom,
Founder, Monda Gallery“Noor’s work has been exhibited in high profile locations, and recognition has been strong from professionals and public alike.”
Khalid Al Owais
Entrepreneur “I have known Noor for many years and his evolution and art has always opened new door in my thinking and approach to life.”
Bopanna Bops
Marketing Manager & Art Collector“Over the years I landed up becoming a collector of his works. Fascinating and truly Inspiring Journey Indeed !”
Azam Khan
Director, Environ Interiors“I used Noor to provide a solution for a requiring a large number of artworks. His grasp of the subject made a complicated job look easy.”
Muhammed Yusuf
Art Critic, “Noor has the ability to condense immense subjects like ‘Nothingness’ & ‘Love’, into a few metres, feet or inches. Even after many rigorous years of work and meditation, he is still on his Journey. This humility is a shining aspect of his work, as it is of his person.”
Vanessa de Caires
Owner, Sulty Events, “We are delighted to bring the new set of paintings by Art Noor to The St. Regis Dubai. Each painting has a meaning and we hope to further enrich visitor’s knowledge of the beauty behind each of the names portrayed in the art pieces.”
Shereen Shabnam
PR Manager “Tonight I’m heading to the opening of an art exhibition at , celebrating “Light and love in the 99 names of Allah” through a series of works by well-known and long-standing artist & author Art Noor. My favourite Art Noor exhibition is called – Ruminiscence”
Manjula Ramakrishnan
Editor & Journalist, “A combination of artistic interpretation coupled with a spiritual concept, his show is being received with overwhelming response by both live and online audience. “