An Emarati artist Khalid Al Banna

                                          

Khaleejia said: Today i would like to tell you about my friend Khalid al Banna, an Emarati artist who attempts to preserve traditional taste of the youth through his art works. This interview was prepared by him for the Kashya gallery. I asked him to show up in my blog and he happily agreed :) I love his artworks, because they feature national heritage of the khaleej and UAE partiularly. Each artwork is a masterpiece and Khalid definitely has been gifted. His artworks are absolutely unique and the most important thing, his love to the heritage gave him idea on how to demonstrate its pieces in the different way to keep it alive for the new generations.

Visit his site: http://khalidalbanna.com (We are looking for a webdeveloer support to keep his brand site up-to-date, please contact us you re interested and really willing to help khalid@khalidalbanna.com or khalidalbanna@yahoo.com)

Facebook group that reveals the past of the UAE: https://www.facebook.com/groups/431661066844904/

          Some prehistory:

 Khalid Al Banna was born in Sharjah in 1975.He graduated in 1993 with a degree in Architecture Engineering from Emirates University. This background has encouraging him to consider forms and spaces and has enhanced his sense of mass and dimension. In 2002 Al Banna began his apprenticeship with artist Yasir Al Duwaik, who inspired Al Banna to delve into the world of etching and taught him the principles and techniques of that art form.

             

 Read this inspiring interview to know what ideas lies behind the artworks and what/who motivates this talanted Emirati artist in his work.

          What inspired you to become an artist?

I started drawing since my childhood, it was as a hobby that evolved, deepened and entrenched over the time. I got encouraged that i have a talent for drawing and decided to develop it and refine.

 When you say you trained with etchings does that mean you use this technique in all of your work?

 I began  with an etching technique, It was a very difficult technique and unique in the Emirates, I used to produce art work with etching, unfortunately I did not continue with it due to lack of materials and knowledge about it, beside that it needed time to produce art works.I consider it as one of the most difficult technique in the art. 

What training did you receive that influenced your career?

 I got trained in oil, acrylic, coal, and sculpture in Emirates Fine Art Society. 

Who have been your mentors or teachers? 

Yasir Al Dweek, the a Jordanian pioneer of etching is my teacher, I have been  influenced  by different  Artists in Emirates such as Abdul Raheem Slem.

 It would appear the black and white work are more a reference to the dark politics in the Middle East the colorful sculpture work are more a reflection of the social trends that exist now. Can you expand on this.What influences your work most? Politics, Current events? 

Basically my work was influenced by the dramatic events in the Middle East such as the 1^st and the 2^nd Gulf War along with terroristic attack on 11 September in New York City back in 2000.Those periods were dark and gloomy that determined my choice of black color for the paintings as it is commonly associated with sadness and depression.

The fabric materials reflect a result of the rapid development experienced by the UAE.

Within just 30 years since establishment of the Union, lots of new things have appeared that have changed social life and the same time many of customs and traditions have disappeared.

Human behavior have been changed from a simple to complex life in the UAE as well.I tried to use raw cloth which have roots in the history of the UAE, as a way to link the past with the present. It is my attempt to revive these materials before they disappear once and for ever.This fabric works clearly demonstrate the economic impacts on the Arab Emirates nationals, showing feelings and emotions that exposure as a result of the economic crisis.

                                      

Do you work simultaneously with both series of work? (sculpture and B&W?)

 I work all the time on the idea, I may use either black or white or fabric techniques, that assist me to produce that art work which based on my idea.Sometimes I combine two techniques at a time.

  Do you feel it opens up more possibilities?        

The experience, repetition and research push an artist  to open new horizons fields  and get new ideas.

Sometimes while I am working I get an idea generated by another work of art. It is a series of interrelated ideas that are sequential.

 Do both bodies of work reflect personal experiences you have had or are they more reflective of your perceptions of change in the UAE?

Some of art work reflects personal experiences and some of them are a reflection of perception on changes in the UAE. 

                              

 Do you view your work as giving a historical context to the fast changing UAE?

My art works has their history that came through the old materials that are used used primarily in the garment of the Emirati dress (“thoub”). The row materials have historical roots which associated with the local Emirati heritage. Now a days, new generation become more interested in the modern fashion trends that leads them far away from everything that represents our local heritage and traditions. I got an idea to make this old materials as part of my art work, as an attempt to protect this fabrics from its extinction. 

Have you ever lived outside of the UAE?No I have not tried this experience yet. Does your work make any reference to your own identity and any persona struggles you have experienced?

 In some works I imagined the suffering of some friends affected directly by the economic crisis and in some works I give an idea of ​​the suffering of others from the experiences of wars and crises.

P.S.Everyone who got interested, you have a unique chance to buy Khalid's artworks through his site.

With love by Khaleejia

Spirit of the Union in the way of young and ambitious Intisar Al-Ammari.

Khaleejia said: I met Intisar over Facebook, we had some activities in common, later i invited her to have lunch together and was excited to know what this amazing girl does. I asked Intisar to share that with you. I always admire those who dedicate their free time to make someone happier.

Hi, I am Intisar Al-Ammary. Currently, I am working as a Business Development Manager at Golden Crown Travels and Tourism. While I’ve been working in this field for several years I am specialized in the outbound tourism out of the UAE. This experience helped me to start my own profitless campaign that intended for those who live in UAE for years but have not had an opportunity to explore this beautiful country in its deep. I started arranging group trips and tours within UAE and Oman couple of times in a year. Mainly with my friends and people around me for us to get together, know each other have fun, talk and discover new places and areas. I was excited and happy to get positive feedback after the first trip that encourage me to keep on doing this for years.
So my next trip is scheduled on May 19, 2012. I am going to book bus to hold the transfer for everyone from Dubai To Mussandam. Then group will board the wooden dhow (traditional boat)/Speed Boat & sail through the beautiful fjords of Musandam; Pass by the Haffa Beach & Haffa Village where anyone can enjoy a relaxing swim in the Gulf of Oman and basic snorkeling. Later, we will gather for delicious picnic lunch; cruise by fishing villages, village of Zeke, spectacular White caves, cutting rocks and other beautiful bays of Musandam. After we plan to return to the port with memories of “Mystic Musandam”. Emaratis, expats, other - all are welcomed. This is unique trip, where we will meet eachother and spend a good time together while surfing & uncovering new landscapes of the United Arab Emirates and Oman. Everyone is the most welcomed to join us.
Everyone who presence in UAE may join check for more details:  https://www.facebook.com/events/293027004115500/
 Looking forward to see you all soon
 My facebook page http://facebook.com/intisar.alammary
BB PIN 21F1F3B2
EMAIL: intisar@gctravels.ae

I would add that woman in UAE started plays more and more active public & social roles. Full of ideas Intisar  keeps on self-developing  in different fields,  she has more ambitious for tomorrow. Thank you dear, ma shaa Allah aleich and I ask Allah give you more success.

"الفلم القطري "النظره - Qatari shababi film.

Get your popcorn and enjoy!

















Khaleejia said: hope you enjoyed :)

Me meeting Judith Duriez - Arabesque Sheilas & Abayas designer

The market of Abaya designing is extremely growing, we getting more and more Abaya designers who try their best in creating new lines of Abaya, but there always will be those top designers who’s creations you will dreaming to wear. Since i knew Arabesque brand, I admired the taste of cuts and that amazing taste of laces decorations. For me it is truly haut couture among local Abaya brands.

I’ve featured Arabesque brand several times every time they launched a new collection. Every time i got lots of feedback with the words of love & admiration in address to Judith -designer of Arabaeque Sheilas & Abayas
Once i got an invitation from Anne-Sophie, Judith’s personal assistant to a personal meeting with Judith herself. That honestly was a great honor for me. The meeting was nicely organized by Arabesque team and held in their new boutique in the Sunset Mall, Jumeirah, Dubai.

My friend with  a colleague accompanied me for the meeting.  We  were met with hospitality by Judith herself  and her assistant Anne-Sophie, After we had a brief introduction of each other Judith let us see and enjoy her creations. The masterpieces of Abaya couture were all around. The fabrics,laces, cuts, patterns, QUALITY -everything we touched and saw was incredible,high level, perfect choice and taste. What i really loved- everything was absolutely UNIQUE. You can understand that after you have visited hundreds of Abaya shops and dozens of different designers.

The meeting was continued by interview as i had really prepared some very special questions which were based on “Khaleejia’s life” blog readers comments and likes. So i hope you find the answers on the questions you were really looking for.
-Judith, thank you very much for inviting us today to your Arabesque boutique and have this chance to meet with you in person. What a great honor!
( here she was complementing me back….blushing me ^_^)
- So, my first question to you is:
- What do local women like the most in your Abayas?
J.-Women here in Dubai and UAE generally are very well aware of quality and fashion in the market. Here at Arabesque we focus on Quality, and innovative designs. That is what people like us for.  Here people say-
“After we forget its price we just  keep enjoying the quality for longer”.
-By the way, what is your opinion on eastern and western fashion trends?
J.-Fashion in East and West is changing frequently. Every other day there is something new in the market. To keep up with the fast pace, we need to penetrate in the market to get the knowhow of new fads and trends. Compared  to western, eastern fashion is more alleged to religious norms, so the design of product should not be contradicting with the same.
What do you think is the future of Abaya designing in Dubai?
J.-The future of Abaya designing is growing as people are becoming better  aware of fashion and are getting more quality focused. Dubai Abaya brands are becoming famous around the world and Arab fashion in penetrating through the European and American markets, attracting more and more people but its capital lies in the most fashionable and luxury city of the world Dubai.
-What will you never do with your Abaya designs?
J.-I don’t want it to be look like anything other than an Abaya. As a designer I do get inspiration from the European trends and fashion, but mixing the religious and cultural norms with the fashion now a days can be a challenge for some designers. So, that is the only thing I will try to avoid.
- Judith, what are your goals?
J.-The market of Abaya designers is extremely growing all over the world. Everyday competition is increasing.  So, me main focus here is to give the very best of what I can bring in the market, as this is what my clients are expecting of me.
- Here is one interesting question, What can you design for ladies who live outside GCC but adore Abaya yet can’t wear it due to cultural difference?
J.- Yes, it is not welcomed to wear Abaya in some western countries due to cultural and religious constrains. Now I am focusing on creating some designs with different colors, other than the darkest shades, specifically black to change the look. Also i think to use different kinds of materials and shorter  length to be able wear them in colder weather conditions.

- Would you launch the economy line for those who can’t afford to buy your main collection Abayas?
J. -Yes, surely we are thinking of launching the Abaya not that expensive as our main collection is. You will see the new Economy collection in the market very soon.
- Well, it is actually a great news for your brand fans !  I have seen many comments on the price issue, and yes, you have some really costly Abayas but i also noticed that you also have a very average pricing of Abayas. Let me mention that , price is not higher than 1500 Dhs. but same  quality  maybe with less decorative laces.

J. -Oh, it is a major misconception as actually  we have a wide range of prices also i must mention that price of the same Abaya cut  can impressively vary and it is a very flexible issue. As we can make Abaya for less price by replacing expensive laces that i personally design and order from special factories in France where Chanel, Dior and other world famous designers  do their orders as well. We only need to know your preferences and expectations and the rest is our job to do our best to fulfill them.

Merci beaocoup! Dear Judith that's all my questions to you  for today. Thank you for your time and it was a great pleasure to meet you. You are unique, very talented and amazing person i’ve met. Thank you for having us as your guests today.
J.-That was my pleasure as well…

Judith allowed me to do some special photos in her boutique. Having now camera exept the one on the blackberry phone,  I only  hope they still can represent hospitality and  the exclusivity of Arabesque brand Sheilas & Abayas.

 

          

with love from Khaleejia.

5 Gorgeous khaleeji eye-liners types

I am so delighted to share with you this so exclusive made just for you Khaleejia’s life readers and followers 5 gorgeous types of khaleeji makeup eyeliners-just as good as for everyday as for party event or photography session. You choose and enjoy!
The makeup done by one very talented, based in Dubai makeup artist who used to work for VIP ladies and you gonna know about her more in my nearest post.
I gave each of type  some names or descriptions to let you better understand their beauty.
Here we go..
1.Classic eye of gazelle.
2. Classic with open inner arrows
3. extravagant Falcon eye
4. khaleeji lines & shades5. Alwani  or colorful eyeliners
Plz comment and share your opinion. One more good news..more types will be made soon so to be continued.

Pure Khaleeji Make-up CATALOGUE

Khaleejia said: Pure Khaleeji makeup it is when: there are lots of varieties of bold black eye-liner shapes mixed with crazy colors and arrows giving effect of  unique and dramatically big eyes which is the main icon of a beauty here.