Monday, December 20, 2021: Canadian artist and former faculty member of Canadian University Dubai (CUD), Sylvain Tremblay, recently unveiled a limited-edition print entitled “Falcon’s Flight”. The original artwork was commissioned by the Embassy of Canada to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to celebrate the UAE’s 50th Anniversary. The unique work is rich in symbolism, inspired by the culture and the noble vision of the nation.
The piece contains the falcon, a majestic bird that is the emblem of the United Arab Emirates, holding a maple leaf reminiscent of the one depicted in the Canadian flag to symbolize the close relationship between Canada and the UAE.
Shown in the background are Arabian Oryx, which is no longer an endangered animal thanks to the conservation program launched by the late H.H. Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, Former Ruler of Abu Dhabi and Founding President of the UAE.
The landscape represents the Liwa Desert which lies in Rub al Khali, the largest expanse of sand in the world with its high and rugged dunes. It was after a most inspiring trip to this desert that Sylvain had the creative idea to mix his plaster with grains of sand brought back from his desert adventure.
The shell evokes memories of the pearl trade, an important part of Emirati history, while the red stripe represents a common color of the flags of both Canada and the UAE. The golden colour represents the UAE’s Golden Jubilee.
Speaking to his latest work, Sylvain said “It is an honor as an artist to create a piece of art to represent the beautiful relationship between the UAE and Canada. Creating artwork is always a special moment, and my heart has been with these two countries for 10 years. Canada is my country of birth, and the UAE is my second home. To create this piece while celebrating this relationship between us means a lot to me.”
Sylvain’s masterpieces have been displayed internationally, in Canada, the United States, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. He is represented by several galleries on three continents, including the Opera Gallery, Galerie d’art Iris, and the Thompson Landry Gallery.
In addition to creating works for gallery presentations, Sylvain takes part in live painting events and projects that bring art outside the walls. Examples are his participation at the 10th anniversary of the Thompson Landry Gallery in 2016 and in the Arab Fashion Week in Dubai in 2015.
Based in Dubai from 2012 to 2016, Sylvain taught modern art history at Canadian University Dubai. His accolades in the UAE include creating a grand fresco in the Dubai desert of Sheikh Zayed that earned him a world record in 2014 and presenting a live performance at the opening of the Canada Pavilion as part of the Expo 2020 Dubai in 2019.
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