Lasting Impressions: Abdulqader Al Rais

Lasting Impressions’ is an annual artistic event, held in the emirate of Sharjah in the UAE, which hosts works of prominent fine artists and highlights their outstanding contributions to the art movement in the region.

Hosted by the Sharjah Museums Department (SMD) and held at the Sharjah Art Museum, lasting impressions 2012 was dedicated to showcasing the artworks of Abdulqader Al Rais, one of the most important and highly celebrated artists of the UAE.

The exhibition highlights the outstanding work of Al Rais who draws his inspiration from the region’s landscape including its heritage society, environment, and architecture. Al Rais’ work are multi-layered and complex, often featuring traditional doors and windows and invites viewers to explore the varied meanings and messages he has imbedded in his visually arresting pieces.

Born in 1951, in Dubai, Al Rais has exhibited his work around the world in many exhibitions from 1965-2006. He has taken part in numerous exhibitions in Kuwait, Geneva, Madrid, Vienna, London, Sydney, Tripoli, Sharjah, Seoul, Bologna, Paris, Cecilia, Dubai, Riyadh, Rome, Chine, Beirut, Venezuela, Armenia, and Abu Dhabi and has also occasions. The current Lasting Impressions exhibition will bring the total numbers of his personal exhibitions to 36.

He has won numerous prizes, including the first Prize at the 1st Youth Exhibition-Dubai in 1975, the first Prize ate 3rd spring Exhibition – Abu Dhabi in 1988, the Second Prize at 4th spring Exhibition – Abu Dhabi in 1989, the first prize at 6th Emirates Exhibition – Abu Dhabi 1990, the First Prize at 1st Emirates Exhibition – Al Ain in 1991, 1992, 1993 the Golden Dana Award –Kuwait in 1993 the Jury’s Award at the Sharjah Bennial – UAE, in 19992,1994 7 1996 the First Prize of Sultan Al Owais Award for Scientific Studies and Creativity – UAE, in 1995 Award Lataki Biennial – Syria, the first Prize at the Exhibition of “ Emirates in the Eyes of its people” in 1999, in 1999 the Golden Soafah (Palm Leaf) at the GCC Exhibition, Emiraes Appeaciation Award (first session) and many others.

'Lasting Impressions' is indeed a unique art event dedicated to emphasizing Sharjah’s pioneering role and enhancing its culture reputation in the country and region. The exhibition honours all outstanding people who spare no effort to raise the raise the status of art and artists in line with the directives of His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, who closely follow up all efforts aimed at developing the cultural and art scene in manner that helps boost Sharjah as prominent national cultural hub.

The exhibition also aims to contribute to developing the culture of a nation capable of coping with its changes and developments, as well as creating a conscious generation worthy of conveying its message to the entireworld – a generation who can serve as a bridge that links its nation’s past to its present and bright future.

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