Installation – Performance “The Trip”

A Creative Bridge Between Spanish and Emirati Cultures

Written by Vaida Wippermann

In a world divided by borders and differences, we long to find something in common that would bring us closer. María José R. Escolar and Fernando López Rodríguez, two Spanish artists  residing in the UAE decided to blur this fine line between countries, cultures, colors, and create installation -performance using memories and experience of their life as “artists in transit”. 

Multidisciplinary artist María José R. Escolar began her career in 1989 and since then she has been featured in numerous solo and group exhibitions. Her work (painting, sculpture, collage, installations…) is characterized by an inherent duality, contrasting concepts, and assimilation between reality and fiction.

Choreographic artist, flamenco dancer, philosopher, and dance researcher in the Dance Department of Paris VIII University (France), Fernando López, choreographed his first project in 2009, which led him to produce more than 10 works in the field of contemporary flamenco dance. His performances and teaching career have brought him around the world.

Two artists have collaborated to create dialogue following the principle of collage. An installation-performance “The Trip” is featuring their memories and elements from their journey around the world, with an emphasis on the relationship of the Spanish and Emirati cultures. The chosen concept is supported by Fernando López research about the traditional Emirati dances and music. Two artists have mixed images, movements, and sounds to create bridges between two cultures. The exhibition will feature 18-minute live dance interventions with selected Emirati and Spanish traditional folk music. 

While traveling around the world is still complex and restricted due to the COVID-19 pandemic, let’s submerge into the vivid installation-performance “The Trip” and experience the travel through the eyes of the artists. 

“The Trip” has been commissioned by the Embassy of Spain to the UAE and is hosted by Jameel Arts Centre

*Featured image courtesy of Jameel Arts Centre.

Information about the exhibition

Exhibition: 17th of May, 2021 – 31st of May, 2021

Live Dance Performance: Monday, May 17 at 4pm, Wednesday, May 19 at 11am, and Saturday, May 29 at 5pm

Where: Jameel Arts Centre, Jaddaf Waterfront, Dubai 

Tickets: RSVP For this Event here