A Filipino artist, Elygraf, who is based in Dubai, was given the distinction of displaying his masterpiece, a portrait of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founding father of the UAE, at the renowned Emirates Group Headquarters’ Atrium in Dubai.
Elygraf shared the big news on social media as he is seen in a photo op with HH Sheikh Ahmed Al Maktoum, HH Sheikh Majid Al Mualla, and event organizer Rashid Omair.
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OFW Masterpiece for ‘Year of Zayed’ to be Permanently Displayed at Emirates HQ
Elygraf’s painting pays tribute to and celebrates the life and work of the nation’s founding father, as part of the festivities of the “Year of Zayed.”
The recognition was presided by HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group, as he unveiled a specially commissioned art piece of Elygraf’s masterpiece ‘From the Heart of Zayed.’
Elygraf expressed his gratitude for the distinction given to and recognition of his artwork, stating that he wouldn’t have typically shown his identity, but in the presence of HH Sheikh Ahmed al Maktoum, HH Sheikh Majid Al Mualla, together with the mastermind Rashid Omair, he wouldn’t have passed on this once in a lifetime opportunity to celebrate the life and legacy of Sheikh Zayed.
Elygraf’s painting employed a variety of art techniques and materials to encapsulate the essence of the late Sheikh Zayed in a distinguished portrait.
According to Elygraf, he used acrylic paint across a stretched canvas. The colour palette he worked with was inspired by a spectrum of earthy tones, which can be found all over the UAE. He used gold leaf to represent the regal embroidery in traditional Emirati bishts. The artwork took him 20 days to finish.
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