Modhesh Art Project at Ibn Battuta Mall bows out in a riot of colors

Issued by the Media Centre of the Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment
29 August 2014

It’s not often that parents turn a blind eye - even actively cheer on – when their kids get all messy and smear themselves unrecognizable with a multitude of colorful paints. But this scenario that is often faced by parents at home was turned on its head this Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS), when parents visited the Ibn Buttuta Mall with their little ones to let their creative talents bloom at the Modhesh Art Project.

Set in the Tunisia Court of the popular city mall, the Modhesh Art Project, which concluded on 27 August, had proven to be one of the signature attractions for children across various age groups this DSS. For two weeks children were provided a lively creative space in which to unleash their inner artist, while fostering a sense of community and kinship that transcend all barriers of language, culture and ethnicity – reflecting the true spirit of DSS, as well as the multicultural character of the mall itself. 

“We were just strolling through the mall when this place caught our attention, and my daughter just dropped everything and jumped right in. It’s just so lovely to see her enjoy herself. And it’s rather sad that today happens to be the last day of the event. I wish we could enjoy more of it,” said Fatima Duka, a Palestinian national holidaying in Dubai with her family.

Russian Vladimir Kozlienko, father of six-year-old Yuri, said: “Yuri just loves to color, but I guess he was a little shy initially to join in. It was only a matter of time, though, and before we knew it, he was out there splashing about with the other kids. This is what events such as this do eventually, I guess – help break the ice and bring people closer together.” 

In a set themed around a colorful children’s bedroom, the budding artists were seen dabbing merry splashes of color on assorted pieces of furniture that doubled up as their canvas for the day - bunk bed, bedside tables, picture frames, drawers, sofa and more. 

Farah Siden, a four-year-old from Algeria who was seen thoroughly enjoying herself at the venue, said: “We live very close to the mall, so I often get my mom to bring me here. I really like being here. It’s so much fun.”

It’s a sentiment shared by Indian national Mahira Aga, her little brother Kidash and sister Maliha. “We’d heard about this event from friends at school, and couldn’t wait to get here ourselves. I’m glad we finally did. It’s the most fun we’ve had this DSS,” Mahira said.

The 17th edition of DSS is organized by the Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment (DFRE), an agency of the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM), and will run until 5 September this year, under the theme, “The Fun Side of Summer.”