Art reaches new heights at At the Top, Burj Khalifa
Winner of the ‘Art At the Top’ competition announced
At the Top, Burj Khalifa to display the winning work for six months
Dubai, UAE; September 18, 2012: An architectural masterpiece and home to an exquisite collection of artworks by global artists, Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, has now inspired Emirati artist, Hamad Al Falasi, to present a creative interpretation of what the tower means to him.
Dubai-based The Ara Gallery’s ‘Art At the Top’ competition gained strong participation from Emirati artists, with all the artworks submitted bringing personal insights on how the ‘Global Icon’ and ‘civic pride of Dubai’ is perceived by the creative community of the UAE.
From several submissions received, five works – all by Emirati artists – based on the theme ‘What does Burj Khalifa mean to you?’ the winning work by Hamad Al Falasi was announced at a special ceremony held at the reception of At the Top, Burj Khalifa, the world’s highest observatory deck with an outdoor terrace.
Following this, At the Top, Burj Khalifa will showcase Hamad’s work for six months, bringing to art-lovers for the first time an exquisite creative expression of the influence that Burj Khalifa has on the artistic community.
Ahmad Al Falasi, Executive Director, Property Management, Emaar Properties, said: “Burj Khalifa is now an integral referral point for residents and tourists to Dubai, with the magnificent presence of the tower in the city’s skyline reminding them of what humanity can achieve through team work. The tower’s majestic architecture is also an inspiration for the creative community, bringing out not just figurative artistic responses but also abstract concepts that build on the tower’s varied facets including its height. The submissions received for The Ara Gallery’s initiative present several impressive insights on how our artists perceive the tower.”
Moza Alabbar representing The Ara Gallery, said: “As an art institution, we could think of a better benchmark for inspiration than Burj Khalifa. It is a sterling example of Dubai and its accomplishments, and through this contest, we captured the creative association that our artists make with the tower.”
Dubai-based Hamad Al Falasi’s ‘Historical Moment… Historical Monument’ examines the relationship between stillness and mobility attributed to Burj Khalifa. The digital photograph analyses the journey that people from around the world make to experience the marvel of Burj Khalifa, until they find themselves standing in front of the tower, only to find both time and their admiration at a standstill.
Burj Khalifa already has a rich history in promoting arts. Over 1,000 pieces of art by prominent International and Middle Eastern artists adorn the interiors of Burj Khalifa and the surrounding Emaar Boulevard. Many of the pieces have been specially commissioned by Emaar as a tribute to the spirit of global harmony.
One of the compelling art pieces in Burj Khalifa is Jaume Plensa’s ‘World Voices’ which is composed of 196 cymbals that represent 196 countries of the world. Horizontally suspended onto titanium rods anchored at the bottom of two pools, symbolizing reeds in a lake, each gold-plated cymbal is embossed with the name of a country. Cast in bronze and brass alloy and plated with 18-carat gold, the cymbals are finished by hand to create a distinct timbre as they are struck by dripping water.
Anchoring Emaar’s flagship development, Downtown Dubai, Burj Khalifa is a mixed-use tower featuring luxurious residences, commercial suites and the world’s first Armani Hotel and Armani Residences. The tower also has a rich array of luxurious amenities including four swimming pools, a private library, an exclusive residents’ lounge, health and wellness facilities, and At.mosphere, the world’s highest fine dining restaurant at Level 122.
At the Top, Burj Khalifa, a must-visit tourist destination, offers visitors sweeping views of the city of Dubai, across the Arabian Gulf. An educational and inspirational journey, visitors can learn all about the grandeur of Burj Khalifa, and the history of Dubai and its evolution through impressive sight and sound displays. High speed express elevators take visitors to Level 124, transporting them to a world of scenic vistas.
Hamad Al-Falasi - Historical Moment, Historical Monument
The entrance to At the Top, Burj Khalifa is located in The Dubai Mall’s lower ground level. For further information, contact www.atthetop.ae or 800 AT THE TOP (800 28 843 867).
About Emaar Properties PJSC:
Emaar Properties PJSC, listed on the Dubai Financial Market, is a global property developer with a significant presence in key emerging markets in the Middle East, North Africa and Asia. In addition to building residential and commercial properties, the company also has proven competencies in shopping malls & retail, hospitality & leisure and financial services sectors. Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, and The Dubai Mall, the world’s largest shopping and entertainment destination, are some of Emaar’s trophy developments.
Emaar has launched a new wholly-owned subsidiary, Dawahi Development, a next-generation developer of ‘value housing’ projects within full-service community developments. Dawahi Development will develop ‘value homes’ at attractive price points in key emerging markets across the Middle East & North Africa region, while also creating robust employment and business opportunities for the local population.
In Saudi Arabia, Emaar is developing King Abdullah Economic City, the region’s largest private sector-led project in Saudi Arabia, featuring a Sea Port, Central Business District, Industrial Zone, Educational Zone, Residential Communities and Resort District. www.emaar.com.
About The Ara Gallery
Founded in April 2011 by Moza Mohamed Alabbar, The Ara Gallery is located in the burgeoning cultural district of Downtown Dubai. The gallery is a dedicated platform for Emirati artists where they, as artists, will be showcased to the region and the world to further their opportunities in the ever-growing Middle Eastern art market. Cultivating young and aspiring Emirati artists, The Ara Gallery provides a place for art-related dialogue and inspiration to the country’s creative minds.
The gallery is open Sunday – Thursday 10am-9pm, Friday 3-9pm, and Saturday 12-8pm.
Please credit The Ara Gallery to: The Ara Gallery – Burj Plaza, Emaar Boulevard, Downtown Dubai – T: 04 454 2784 – W: www.thearagallery.ae
