SHARJAH: Humans engage in numerous environmentally damaging actions every year, including deforestation, climate change, and animal extinction. Despite the fact that we should protect and preserve the environment every day, we use a specific day to give our campaign a worldwide platform — the World Environment Day. Art4you Gallery celebrated World Environment Day where an artists’ group contributed to the preservation of Mother Earth.
This year’s theme ‘Beat Plastic Pollution’, emphasised the crucial role that trees play in improving our planet’s health and stability. The event was supported by the UN Environment Programme, Republic of Cote d’Ivoire, with renowned artists of UAE. Throughout the event, Art4you gallery explored the multifaceted benefits of trees, discovered how to plant a tree, and discussed ideas to inspire ‘Reduce, Reuse and Recycle’. The event was titled ‘No Green – No Life’. The Go Green art event to celebrate World Environment Day took place on June 10 at Ark Coffee, Sharjah — a place sustainability meets coffee overlooking the corniche — in collaboration with and support from Ark Coffee Founder Chef Fatema Abdulla Showaiter, who is committed to social and environmental activities.
PLANT A TREE:
‘Planting a tree’ was the best way to tackle climate change, according to a recent study on world reforestation. By planting a single tree on World Environment Day, we contribute to a healthier, more sustainable future for our planet. Engaging in tree planting initiative on this day encourages community involvement and raises awareness about the importance of environmental conservation. World Environment Day provided an opportunity for people all around the globe to unite in their efforts to create a greener, healthier planet.
We are grateful to H.E. Laila Rahhall, our chief guest, and our guests of honour Mr. Abdul Aziz Ahmad, Ms. Chef Fatema Showaiter, Ms. Jesno Jackson, Ms. Latha Palthi and the 16 artists who took part in the Art4you tree planting programme, where each one actively contributed to preserving our environment for future generations. As we observe World Environment Day every year, it is crucial to recognise the significance of this international occasion. To that end, Ms. Bhumika Maniyar, sustainability mentor and founder of The Green Revolution LLC, partnered with Art4you Gallery as sustainability partner and provided the event with lovely terracotta pots and plants. ‘Together we can make difference’ is the motto of TGR. Their vision is to support communities towards building green and healthy life spaces.
LIVE PAINTING BY 16 INTERNATIONAL ARTISTS:
When it comes to environmental restoration, we must first discover what to do in order to protect the ecosystem. The artist painted and shared artwork with the themes of ‘Go Green’, ‘Beat Plastic Pollution’, and ‘Save the Earth’. We had 16 artists who painted live to share and spread the awareness by embracing sustainable practices through their paintings. They created art that not only inspires but also reflects the commitment to preserve the beauty of our planet.
The participating artists were Lama Lahham – Syria, Yasmine Mohammed – Egypt, Maria Komal Abie – India, Natalia Vitiougova – Russia, Nirmeen Hashim – Egypt, Jesno Jackson – India, Saida Banu – India, Mussarat Fatima- Pakistan, Ira Palthi – India, Ishrat Ara Keyani – Pakistan, Latha Palthi – India, Veinna Fouad – Syria, Reshma Parikh – India, Manjari Vaibhava – India, Shazia Malik – Pakistan and Alia Amin – Pakistan.
ART TALK & DISCUSSION:
Curator Jesno Jackson held an art talk on nature with a discussion on ‘Reuse, Reduce, and Recycle’, with all creatives. Art4you gallery was founded by Jesno Jackson & Rengi Cherian. Art4you’s fundamental aim in celebrating this environmental event was to encourage and nurture creativity through this networking session connecting the subject ‘Nature’.
Conclusion:
“We need to remind ourselves that we’re not separate from nature or the planet! We have this concept as a modern society that it’s not our responsibility, or relevant to us. But ‘nature’ isn’t something out there that we should protect out of context – ‘We Are Nature’. We rely on nature to nourish us, to keep us alive. It seems we forget that. So, I think we were able to spread this message through our community event, to the everyone,” says Jesno.
World Environment Day 2023 provides an opportunity for individuals, communities, and organisations to work together and make a positive impact on our environment.
