Floating clouds .

'ukigumo - floating clouds' is an art installation by japanese architects fumiaki nagashima
and mami maruoka nagashima of mono for the 5th festival of lively architecture in
montpellier, france. the event called for 11 teams from all around the globe to transform
the old town in to a gallery by creating art pieces for 11 courtyard.

mono's project is developed around the theme of 'japanese independent space sense',
which consciously contrasts the western european exhibition site with ukigumo's japanese
sense of space. the clusters of spindly fiber-glass pipes stand out against the stone columns
of the courtyard, while the 'floating cloud' element of the draped mesh net, balloons
and non woven fabric allows the two different worlds to exist on one stage. the floating clouds
also serve as a device of connection, a visual motif that has been traditionally used in japanese
medieval paintings to tie two different scenes together.

Art Dubai

Now in its fourth year, Art Dubai comes back even stronger with an impressive exhibition featuring 70 galleries from 30 countries all over the globe. Specifically focusing on contemporary art, the festival hosts a diverse mix of established as well as up and coming artists and creative curators.

Art Dubai is not just about showcasing and admiring art. The Global Art Forum is the Middle East's leading platform for cultural debate and discussion, key issues include how to expose the arts scene of the region and how to bring it together with the other art establishments around the world. Under the banner ‘Crucial Moments’, the 2010 Forum explores evolving aspects of contemporary culture including education, mapping modernism, art writing, and patronage.

Encouraging and promoting emerging contemporary artists is what the Abraaj Capital Art Prize is all about. Founded by Abraaj Capital, it's only art prize specifically for the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia (MENASA). Boasting the world's most generous art prize, the winners get to exhibit their artwork at Art Dubai and the lucky public would be the first to see it.

Students also get to experience Art Dubai in their own special way. Students interested in working within the art world can apply for an internship with Art Dubai and get to work on all aspects of planning and strategy with leading international galleries and artists alike. Naturally, the experience would be hectic but surely invaluable!

So what is in it for the public? Families and art fanatics can pay an entry fee of 50AED and get to marvel at the artworks and take part in the several events, workshops and programmes featured during the different days.

There is literally something for everyone and Art Dubai 2010 is surely going to be a high-paced, exciting event buzzing with creativity from all corners of the world.

PUBLIC DAYS

Thursday 18 March | 16:00 - 22:00

Friday 19 March | 12:00 - 22:00

Saturday 20 March | 12:00 - 18:00

For more information and to view the event timetable, visit www.artdubai.ae

P2BK , remember the dates .

Amira Behbhani March exhibition @ Bahrain-Courtyard