Karen Oremus, Co-ChairIn 2007, Mr. Georgi Kolev provided a valuable platform for the first generation of UAE printmakers to debut their work on a global stage. Since this time, it has become an annual tradition for students and alumni of Zayed University to participate in the Lessedra World Art Print Annual.
This exposure of the work by Emirati artists at the exhibition, and through the wide dissemination of the catalogue that is distributed to over 500 artists in over 50 countries worldwide, has created new opportunities for future international projects for these young artists, from this young country.
The UAE as Country of Representation at the 2007 annual, in conjunction with the Zayed University student trip to Bulgaria, also grabbed the attention of the UAE media, resulting in an important printmaking exhibition at the Jam Jar Gallery, Dubai (2007). The exhibition entitled, First Impressions, not only brought to light the work by local artists, but also demonstrated and educated to the local community the medium of printmaking. Since this time, the use of printmaking as a creative vehicle by local artists has drastically multiplied.
The Department of Art and Design at Zayed University would like to extend their sincere thanks to Mr Georgi Kolev for inviting us to have this special feature for the 10th anniversary of the World Art Print Annual. Over the years this venue has provided an immediate rostrum for young UAE artists to share and exchange their stories in a widespread manner and to collaborate with individual artists and groups on an international level; proving itself beneficial to the artistic development of emerging Emirati artists. The portfolio of prints by Zayed University students and alumni featured in the 2011 Lessedra World Art Annual are a collaborative atlas of works illustrating various subject matter ranging from cultural identity, religion and heritage, to politics and cultural stereotypes.
We are grateful for our partnership with Lessedra Gallery and Contemporary Art projects, and we look forward to fur- ther collaboration as the next decade unfolds.