We live in a society that defines us by our differences. Race, gender, religion, political beliefs and many other factors may separate us, but the true joy of humanity is when we can embrace and enjoy individuality and allow it to shape our understanding of life. Art is one of the few fields that gives us a chance to do this.
Good art rarely offers answers – it often leaves us asking more questions because it is, by its very nature, inconclusive. It offers us an opportunity to see from someone else’s point of view or to ponder the otherwise unexplainable or intangible elements of our existence. That’s why we can return to a piece of art again and again and find something new in it every time.
Many people don’t understand this about art. They feel intimidated or shy when they can’t make a deduction and sometimes this feeling is associated with the entire gallery environment – thus putting off a newcomer or hesitant enthusiast before they have even stepped through the door.
This is why public art is so important. Public art is more often than not interactive and striking. When you see it regularly and in a familiar place, it becomes part of your daily routine and you become fond of it. Interaction also means involvement and this leads to using other senses rather than just your eyes, and soon, you are emotionally attached.
However you feel about it, positive or negative, that is how it is supposed to make you feel – an artist’s biggest failure is eliciting no reaction at all – and with public art there is no pressure to share these reactions with anyone.
In the UAE, we have very few pieces of public art. In Dubai, there are sculptures installed on Emaar Boulevard and in Abu Dhabi, at the recently opened Yas Mall, there is a fantastic installation depicting falcons in flight by the South African artist Marco Cianfanelli.
But there could be many more.
Installing Rafael Lozano-Hemmer’s Pulse Corniche in the capital is a commendable decision by Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority and the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi team.
The interactive art piece will project a canopy of powerful light beams into the sky by some of the world’s strongest robotic searchlights. The beams’ brightness and orientation will be controlled by the heart rate of visitors. People are free to participate by holding a sensor placed in the centre of the East Plaza along the Corniche that will convert the electrical activity of their hearts into a unique lighting sequence. The intensity and direction of the lights will project the different biometric rhythms of each participant.
When asked if there is a spiritual dimension to his work, Lozano-Hemmer said it helps unite us beyond our differences and focus on our shared life force.
So go down to the Corniche to experience this artwork for yourselves and make the most of it – it is only here for 10 days.
aseaman@thenational.ae
COMPANY PROFILE
Founders: Alhaan Ahmed, Alyina Ahmed and Maximo Tettamanzi
Total funding: Self funded
Allardyce's management career
Clubs (10) - Limerick (1991-1992), Perston North End (1992), Blackpool (1994-1996), Notts County (1997-1999), Bolton Wanderers (1999-2007), Newcastle United (2007-2008), Blackburn Rovers (2008-2010), West Ham United (2011-2015), Sunderland (2016), Crystal Palace (2016-2017)
Countries (1) - England (2016)
How will Gen Alpha invest?
Mark Chahwan, co-founder and chief executive of robo-advisory firm Sarwa, forecasts that Generation Alpha (born between 2010 and 2024) will start investing in their teenage years and therefore benefit from compound interest.
“Technology and education should be the main drivers to make this happen, whether it’s investing in a few clicks or their schools/parents stepping up their personal finance education skills,” he adds.
Mr Chahwan says younger generations have a higher capacity to take on risk, but for some their appetite can be more cautious because they are investing for the first time. “Schools still do not teach personal finance and stock market investing, so a lot of the learning journey can feel daunting and intimidating,” he says.
He advises millennials to not always start with an aggressive portfolio even if they can afford to take risks. “We always advise to work your way up to your risk capacity, that way you experience volatility and get used to it. Given the higher risk capacity for the younger generations, stocks are a favourite,” says Mr Chahwan.
Highlighting the role technology has played in encouraging millennials and Gen Z to invest, he says: “They were often excluded, but with lower account minimums ... a customer with $1,000 [Dh3,672] in their account has their money working for them just as hard as the portfolio of a high get-worth individual.”
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: HyperSpace
Started: 2020
Founders: Alexander Heller, Rama Allen and Desi Gonzalez
Based: Dubai, UAE
Sector: Entertainment
Number of staff: 210
Investment raised: $75 million from investors including Galaxy Interactive, Riyadh Season, Sega Ventures and Apis Venture Partners
The biog
Favourite food: Fish and seafood
Favourite hobby: Socialising with friends
Favourite quote: You only get out what you put in!
Favourite country to visit: Italy
Favourite film: Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels.
Family: We all have one!
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Joker: Folie a Deux
Starring: Joaquin Phoenix, Lady Gaga, Brendan Gleeson
Director: Todd Phillips
Rating: 2/5
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MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League final:
Who: Real Madrid v Liverpool
Where: NSC Olimpiyskiy Stadium, Kiev, Ukraine
When: Saturday, May 26, 10.45pm (UAE)
TV: Match on BeIN Sports
RESULTS
5pm Maiden (PA) Dh70,000 (Dirt) 1,400m
Winner AF Nashrah, Tadhg O’Shea (jockey), Ernst Oertel (trainer)
5.30pm Maiden (PA) Dh70,000 (D) 1,400m
Winner Mutaqadim, Riccardo Iacopini, Ibrahim Al Hadhrami.
6pm Maiden (PA) Dh70,000 (D) 1,600m
Winner Hameem, Jose Santiago, Abdallah Al Hammadi.
6.30pm Maiden (PA) Dh70,000 (D) 1,600m
Winner AF Almomayaz, Sandro Paiva, Ali Rashid Al Raihe.
7pm Handicap (PA) Dh70,000 (D) 1,800m
Winner Dalil Al Carrere, Fernando Jara, Mohamed Daggash.
7.30pm Handicap (TB) Dh70,000 (D) 1,000m
Winner Lahmoom, Royston Ffrench, Salem bin Ghadayer.
8pm Handicap (PA) Dh70,000 (D) 1,000m
Winner Jayide Al Boraq, Bernardo Pinheiro, Khalifa Al Neyadi.
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Price: From Dh2,099