Dubai's success is inspiring for artists of Emaar International Art Symposium 2005

This was the view of Kemal Tufan from Turkey, a participant of the sculpting contest at the Emaar International Art Symposium 2005 which kicked off on January 12. Tufan's composition titled 'Sailing of the Soul' features a sailing boat with intricately carved bows symbolising a man's journey through life and can be seen at the specially created area next to the Dubai World Trade Centre

Caroline Ramersdorfer from Austria expressed her delight at the high calibre of talent which she has witnessed around her. The Austrian artist is busy working on 'Inner View', a composition of 4 stone slabs with columns sculpted in a row in such a manner that one can look right through to the other end. Describing the variations of space and light as her interpretation of truth, the Austrian artist invites the spectators to draw their own views about her work.

Taher Shaykh Hokamaii, who participated last year, is working on creating a 'Place of security' - an imposing structure created by four tall columns of stone and envisioned as a sanctuary for flora and fauna. A member of the faculty of art at Tehran University in Iran, Hoamaii is a prominent sculptor having participated in leading art symposiums in the region and worldwide since the last three decades.

Roland Mayer's sculpture depicts 'breeze' in both its tender and harsh elements, and has been inspired by the local topography replete with sand dunes and the desert wind. For Mayer, who hails from Germany, it marks his first opportunity to work with artists from the Middle East region

Sami Basbous from Lebanon has drawn inspiration from Emaar to create his fascinating artwork. The three separately sculpted pieces can be set in innovative ways to create different forms. The changing forms, according to Basbous, are reflective of the new developments which have been launched by the property major in quick succession over the last two years.

All artists are busy putting finishing touches to their creations as the contest draws to a close on February 6 (Sunday), which will be marked by an exclusive prize giving ceremony at the Burj Dubai site. The ongoing painting competition, being held at the Dubai Marina promenade, concludes on the same day. Winners of both the contests stand to win grand cash prizes totalling US$ 90,000.

Emirates is the official carrier for the Symposium, and flew in 70 artists from more than 50 countries to participant in the event, which forms part of the ongoing Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF). This year's Symposium has been supervised by a panel of prominent artists including Dr. Najat Makki, Obai Hattoum and Ayoob Al-Balooshi.