Art is Life by Hayat Arts opens at Cross Borders Art Gallery, Dubai

Dubai witnesses one more celebration of art and expression by Hayat Arts as the art promotion body, in collaboration with Cross Borders Art Gallery, has launched its group exhibition, Art is Life (July 5-19).

- Muhammad Yusuf, Features Writer

Curated and led by Safa Peshimam, Co-founder of Hayat Arts, the event projects a powerful connection between creativity, culture, and community. The exhibition serves as a bold testament to the enduring relationship between human emotion and artistic expression. Walls are adorned with evocative brushstrokes, compelling textures and remarkable forms, each piece echoing the truth that art is not merely decoration or ornamentation, but is the very fabric and spirit of life.

On inaugural evening, the gallery was filled with a mix of artists, collectors, media and VIPs, who were brought together through their shared commitment to art and culture. Distinguished guests included Yaqoob Al Ali, Sultana Kazim, Ahmed Al Awadhi (Rukni), Nada Al Barazi, Atul Panase, Mohammed Ali, Anjani Prakash Laitu, and Reema Alwawi, whose presence underlined the significance of the occasion. The evening commenced with the announcement of winners from MUSE 2025, Hayat Arts' global online art competition. Jury member Nada Al Barazi's contributions were particularly acknowledged, for her thoughtful curation of winners from over 30 impactful entries.

Winners of MUSE 2025 were third place (Abstract) Khushboo Mishra; (Nature) Andleeb Khan; second place (Abstract) Fatima Ahmed; (Nature) Nandana Suresh; (Pen Art) Radha Bhatia; (Portrait) Daria Adveena; first place jointly awarded by Yaqoob Al Ali, Nada Al Barazi and Sultana Kazim (Abstract) Silvia; (Nature) Yamuna Menon; (Pen Art) Jaimee Reyes; (Architecture) Edcel Cabalan; (Portrait) Avigyan; (Sculpture) Ratna Pattik and (Photography) Yashi Khatanhar.