Equestrian art draws crowd at DIHF art gallery

Sunaina Rana / Emirates Business

From sophisticated oil paintings to mammoth sculptures, artists from across the globe exhibited their fine pieces of equestrian art in front of a crowd which has an eye for purebred Arabian horses, at the 12th Dubai International Horse Fair Art Gallery.
Held under the patronage of HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and UAE Minister of Finance, Dubai International Horse Fair and Dubai International Arabian Horse Championship concluded on Saturday, at Dubai World Trade Centre.
Trixie LohMirmand, Senior Vice President at DWTC, told Emirates Business, “Horses have always been a passion and a way of life in the Middle East and as Dubai emerges as the centre of the equine industry in the region, the Dubai International Horse Fair has become firmly established as the leading platform for the industry and equine enthusiasts while offering the general public and families a thoroughly entertaining weekend.”
South African artist, Arend Eloff, showcased his array of bronze horse sculptures that range from a few centimetres in size to three metre life-sized pieces. Eloff is renowned for his horses and wild life sculptures. His work has been very popular among the Middle East art lovers and equestrian aficionados.
Another participant at the Art fair, the Frenchman Remi Bertoche has been a part of the Dubai International Horse Fair for the past four years. This would be his fifth time; however the artist exhibits one of the most exuberant pieces of his art which includes a larger than life painting of a horse racing, Arabian breeds and riders. “The experience of participation at the Dubai International Horse Fair has been incredible. I have gained a strong following in the Middle East which encompass the VIP clients who love horses.”
Known for its extraordinary production of silver-coated, exclusively handmade sculptures, Gold Line Italia also displayed their work at the show. The company is specialised in silver and gold horse sculptures with precious stones and materials that range from €100(AED400) to €50,000(AED207,000). Loredana Sandona, General Manager of Gold Line Italia said, “Our Company is recognised for its 100 percent Italian made with specialised artisans, painters and sculptors producing these bespoke pieces. About 90 percent of all the pieces we produce are sold to the GCC market is to the VVIPs and VIPs from various sectors who want to buy gifts.”
“The event draws world-renowned companies and brands, professional riders, horse owners, breeders, stables, industry professionals and horse enthusiasts from a number of equestrian activities and sports. Experts are also on hand to demonstrate the latest equipment in equine care as well as endurance equipment, paddock fencings, riding accessories, racing and equestrian apparel,” concluded LohMirmand.
Shuttle buses will transport visitors from Marina Mall and the dedicated parking areas — situated adjacent to Nation Towers — to the East Plaza on the Corniche, which will serve as the main gateway to the Festival.