January 16-31, 2011 p. 26 - Tempoplanet

January 16-31, 2011 p. 26 - Tempoplanet January 16-31, 2011 p. 26 - Tempoplanet

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ARTICULATE Text by Neena rai, Photos by Ellaine FAtima Superwoman: Sumayyah al Suwaidi Every time I think of Sumayyah al Suwaidi, only one phrase, comes to my mind: ‘Never judge a book by its cover.’ Sumayyah is a petite, young woman who could easily pass off as a teenager going to school. She often refers to herself as a giant in a small body. Though, I do not think she is patently wrong, but I prefer to call her a superwoman in an abaya. Sumayyah, the superwoman, is a leading digital artist based in Abu Dhabi. She runs a successful boutique by the name of Grafika at Wahda Mall. She has a successful career with ADACH. She has five children and a husband to manage, as well as a full house to run. She curates shows as well as participates in exhibitions. She is also studying for her Masters at the Higher Colleges of Technology. And if all that was not enough, she recently published a book! Sometimes, I get the nagging feeling that she has more hours than 24 in her day. Over a period of time, Sumayyah has gathered a lot of feathers in her cap, but I was pretty impressed by the latest - her book. Titled ‘The Art of Sumayyah Al Suwaidi’ it is available on www.blurb.com for fans and followers to download from across the globe. In my chat with Sumayyah she told me “ I came out with the book because I believe I am at a stage in my life, as an artist, where I have accomplished a lot and a book represents that in someway”. I was curious why Sumayyah had chosen to have an online book and she replied “Because my art followers are from all around the world, so I wanted to give the everyone the chance to own a copy of the book, and there is nothing better than ordering it online and waiting for it to be delivered at your door step”. It made absolute sense to me. Of course, not everything is as easy at it seems. She also did a lot of research before she chose her online publisher, blurb.com. But, all the hard work and research paid off as the response has been fantastic. “People are asking for copies, and some asked me to hold a book signing in a book store, and some want to see it in libraries. Different people are coming up with different thoughts and ideas about my book.” Sumayyah right now is working on ‘Peacock Collection’ which comprises 26 new artworks, and later she plans to publish these in a book as well. There is obviously no break on the horizon, as she also plans to curate a show at Marsam Mattar Gallery in Dubai in January, a show in Paris where she will be the only Arab artist, and a solo at Art Sawa. By now, I am quite convinced Sumaya has at least 40 hours in her day, because, I cannot imagine how this is all humanly possible! Visit Blurb on your mobile phone now, for those of you interested in buying Sumayyah’s latest book. Download www.gettag.mobi to scan this tag on your mobile. 28 Tempo January 16 - 31, 2011

By randy parker Petrolhead Paradise yank in sandland Several weeks ago I went to the Abu Dhabi International Motor Show (ADIMS). This event happens only every two years which surprises me considering the car crazy culture in the UAE. I figured it would be an annual event. The show was held in the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center (ADNEC). I have always been an incurable Gearhead (US) or Petrolhead (rest of the world). At three years of age I could discern different makes and models of cars as they passed by. It is a native ability which unfortunately is not a lucrative one. Seems there is always something going on at the ADNEC but this was my first time there. I have to say I was very impressed with the facility. Easy access and parking in the garage. The venue was squeaky clean and the attendants and security personnel were pleasant and helpful. One of the first things I noticed on display was a pool table made with a miniature 1960’s Ford Mustang body. Very clever! Inside the hall, most of the major autombile manufacturers were represented. Notable exceptions were Fiat/Chrysler, BMW and Mercedes. This was curious as there is a huge market here for upscale luxury cars in the UAE. In between the factory display areas were mostly local firms with booths set up to showcase their goods. Maybe because it was early afternoon and most people were expected to attend at night, the women hired to stand by the cars looked pretty bored. One of the most interesting cars was in the Mazda area. In my opinion, easily the star of the show. While it it a concept car and most likely will never see production, it still is a great example of creative design. Hyundai had an interesting car on display also. They have come a long way from the econobox they have been known for in the past. I also saw a supercar with a US $800,000 price tag. It wasn’t new and looked like a one-off custom. Anyway, there were some activities outside, namely the white Prado obstacle course. You would think there would be nothing left to prove as most are seen doing 200KMH+ in the fast lane but here ya go! They can actually go slow too! This display was a steep up-anddown ramp which the big Toyota negotiated with ease. Then there was the Go Cart track. The concessionaire made a big deal about changing into a race suit like you are an F1 contender. I have to admit that it looked like fun but at Dh150 a pop, I had to decline. The carts sounded like they had Briggs & Stratton lawnmower engines in them but the track was tight and suitable for the speed. All in all it was a fun afternoon. I love all things automotive and this scratched my itch. The facility is top notch and things were run well. The outside activites were made even more enjoyable by the good weather. See more of Randy’s photos on your mobile phone now. Download www.gettag.mobi to scan this tag on your mobile. 29

By randy parker<br />

Petrolhead Paradise<br />

yank in sandland<br />

Several weeks ago I went to the Abu Dhabi International<br />

Motor Show (ADIMS). This event happens only every<br />

two years which surprises me considering the car crazy<br />

culture in the UAE. I figured it would be an annual event.<br />

The show was held in the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition<br />

Center (ADNEC).<br />

I have always been an incurable Gearhead (US) or<br />

Petrolhead (rest of the world). At three years of age I<br />

could discern different makes and models of cars as they<br />

passed by. It is a native ability which unfortunately is not<br />

a lucrative one.<br />

Seems there is always something going on at the ADNEC<br />

but this was my first time there. I have to say I was very<br />

impressed with the facility. Easy access and parking<br />

in the garage. The venue was squeaky clean and the<br />

attendants and security personnel were pleasant and<br />

helpful.<br />

One of the first things I noticed on display was a pool<br />

table made with a miniature 1960’s Ford Mustang body.<br />

Very clever!<br />

Inside the hall, most of the major autombile<br />

manufacturers were represented. Notable exceptions<br />

were Fiat/Chrysler, BMW and Mercedes. This was curious<br />

as there is a huge market here for upscale luxury cars<br />

in the UAE. In between the factory display areas were<br />

mostly local firms with booths set up to showcase their<br />

goods. Maybe because it was early afternoon and most<br />

people were expected to attend at night, the women<br />

hired to stand by the cars looked pretty bored.<br />

One of the most interesting cars was in the Mazda area.<br />

In my opinion, easily the star of the show. While it it a<br />

concept car and most likely will never see production, it<br />

still is a great example of creative design.<br />

Hyundai had an interesting car on display also. They have<br />

come a long way from the econobox they have been<br />

known for in the past. I also saw a supercar with a<br />

US $800,000 price tag. It wasn’t new and looked like a<br />

one-off custom.<br />

Anyway, there were some activities outside, namely<br />

the white Prado obstacle course. You would think there<br />

would be nothing left to prove as most are seen doing<br />

200KMH+ in the fast lane but here ya go! They can<br />

actually go slow too! This display was a steep up-anddown<br />

ramp which the big Toyota negotiated with ease.<br />

Then there was the Go Cart track. The concessionaire<br />

made a big deal about changing into a race suit like<br />

you are an F1 contender. I have to admit that it looked<br />

like fun but at Dh150 a pop, I had to decline. The carts<br />

sounded like they had Briggs & Stratton lawnmower<br />

engines in them but the track was tight and suitable for<br />

the speed.<br />

All in all it was a fun afternoon. I love all things<br />

automotive and this scratched my itch. The facility is top<br />

notch and things were run well. The outside activites<br />

were made even more enjoyable by the good weather.<br />

See more of Randy’s photos on your<br />

mobile phone now.<br />

Download www.gettag.mobi<br />

to scan this tag on your mobile.<br />

29

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