Critically acclaimed artist, Sylvain Tremblay, commissioned for painting to mark 41st National Day at Canadian University Dubai
Dubai, December 5, 2012: The Canadian University Dubai has commissioned a piece of art celebrating the culture and heritage of the UAE. Canadian artist, Sylvain Tremblay was responsible for the piece, which took him two months to complete.
The painting was unveiled at the Canadian University Dubai's annual National Day celebrations, held on December 4. Amongst the students and staff of the University at the event, Dubai's Canadian Ambassador Arif Alalani and Consulate General Ross Miller were also in attendance. Québec-based Sylvain said: ?I was honoured to create a piece for the Canadian University Dubai's National Day celebrations.
?I spent two months in the UAE absorbing its culture, religion and history which helped me create the piece. I am fascinated by the wonderfully rich Emirati culture and it was a real eye-opening experience."
During these two months, Sylvain lead a series of art activities at the University. Students had the opportunity to learn from Sylvain's unique painting style and get an idea of what life as an artist is like.
?Working with the students over the last few months really gave me an insight into the school which allowed me to put a lot of the schools vibrant personality into the piece. The students were very enthusiastic regarding when we worked on the piece and I think it really shows.? The painting, which is to be displayed at the University, depicts a world in which one side is Canada and the other Dubai. Iconic images of the Burj Khalifa and the CN Tower adorn the piece alongside photos from the University itself.
Sylvain adds:?I was struck by the idea of the globe thanks to the university. It is home to 86 different nationalities and the world theme truly reflects this. Once it was finished I got students and staff to paint on messages of love and peace in their local language, again mirroring the harmony of these different cultures at the school."
The University was transformed for the National Day event, with stalls serving local delicacies, camel rides and lights illuminating the university in red, green and white. There was also a ceremony featuring performances from the Rashid Paediatrics Therapy Centre.
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