Artists showcase the heritage and beauty of Arabian Horses

In the midst of high stakes horse competitions, horse auctions and the latest technologies and products offered at the Dubai International Horse Fair (DIHF) and Dubai International Arabian Horse Championship, artists specialising in equestrian art are showcasing their works to much fanfare. As the event draws to a close today (Saturday), these artists have been demonstrating the beauty, agility and heritage of Arabian horses to discerning art connoisseurs, horse owners, breeders, equine professionals and leisure riders across the region. Iraqi artist to launch equestrian book at 10th DIHF Ali Almimar, an Iraqi artist who participated for the sixth time in DIHF, said: “I think the show is no longer just an exhibition of horses and industry products but has now become a demonstration of cultural and artistic heritage. It is very important for both artists and specialists in the equestrian field to be present at this crucial event,” said Almimar, who dedicates time to produce artworks to be exhibited only at the show. “That time devoted is spent for those loyal customers who come to Dubai International Horse Fair to meet me and buy my paintings.” “The next Horse Fair will be a platform to launch my upcoming and most-anticipated book that will be a historical archive to document all the works I presented in 25 years,” Almimar announced. “I take part in many horse-related exhibitions and events all over the world, but Dubai International Horse Fair remains the most important of these. Although my paintings are all about horses, there is a story behind each one with a cultural, political or humanist dimension,” added Ali. Saudi painter returns to DIHF Saudi artist and art lecturer Nasser bin Ibrahim Al-Dibeahy was the first artist to participate in DIHF. “Nine years ago I exhibited for the first time at Dubai International Horse Fair. I was the only artist there and since then I haven’t missed a single edition,” said Nasser, who holds an art degree and teaches the subject at Ha’il University in Saudi Arabia. “Last year I sold two paintings at the show and this year I brought seven abstract paintings hoping to sell more. It takes me 10 to 15 days to draw a mural,” said Al-Dibeahy. French artist conducts live painting demonstrations Renowned French painter Remy Bertoche, whose speciality is interactive live painting in public, said, “I always create ‘fresh’ paintings and I have received visitors interested me creating special paintings privately for them”. Bertoche, whose webpage enjoys significant traffic and a large Facebook following, has his artworks displayed in five-star locations such as the Radisson SAS Yas Island Hotel and the Westin Abu Dhabi. Bertoche added: “This is the first time I have participated in DIHF and I’ve several equestrian fans from around the region - some of them knew me and are already connected on Facebook. I participate in about 100 events worldwide each year, between art exhibitions and public occasions, and like drawing directly in front of the audience. This demonstrates the credibility and honesty in my performances and it is the difference between me and other artists.” Wood sculptor creates unique pieces Beautiful equestrian wooden artworks were also on display at the show. Chaminda Pereira, a Sri Lankan artist who lives in Saudi Arabia, creates unique wood carvings that have drawn keen interest. He said, “Carving wood is a hobby that I love to spend time on. I carefully select the best pieces of natural wood like teak from Kenya and mahogany from other parts of the world, to make these artworks come alive with creative horse sculptures and equestrian themed pieces. The normal woodwork around 60x40cm in size can take up to 20 days - eight hours a day - depending on the complexity of the idea,” said Pereira. Dubai International Horse Fair showcases the full range of international equine products, for horse owners, breeders, equine professionals and leisure riders in the Middle East. The three-day event comprises the Dubai International Arabian Horse Championship, a showcase and competition of the heritage, beauty and agility of the world’s finest Arabian horses, with USD4 million (AED15 million) in prize money and the Dubai International Horse Fair, the region’s leading equine exhibition with more than 200 exhibitors and brands.