DAR Art Fair brings colour to art scene in Amman

AMMAN —  In 500 square metres, 160 established and emerging artists gathered to showcase their talent at DAR Art Fair in Swefieh in Amman.

"We thought that it is time to have a platform for artists to showcase their art and show their talent here in Jordan," said Dina Dabbas Rifai, cofounder of DAR Art, in an interview with The Jordan Times.

The concept behind DAR Art, which stands for Dina And Rania Art, first started when both Rifai and Rania Omeish, cofounder of DAR Art, planned to hold an international art fair with collectors from abroad in Jordan.

"Local talents are always our top concern. We have 85 per cent local artists and 15 per cent Arab artists at this year's fair. We will have an open call next year and hopefully reach out to more artists," Rifai mentioned.

"We want families and their children from all ages to get exposed to visual art and notice it," commented Omeish. 

"There are music, film, dance, and design festivals in Jordan. However, the light is not usually shed on visual art," noted Rifai.

When asked about DAR Art's plans, Dabbas hoped for this to become an annual art fair. In addition, they are looking forward to reviving the art scene in Jordan.

 Randa Abu Rahmeh, who painted a mural at the gates of DAR Art Fair among other works and digital prints in the fair, told The Jordan Times that she sees a lot of support towards mural art.

"The artists that make up the street art community support each other and there is a great air of camaraderie among us," she added. 

Abu Rahmeh mentioned that although there is a slight difference in terms of appreciation in comparison with global standards, yet street art is a booming industry as more people come to appreciate the attraction it brings.

Razan Sharia, one of the artists participating in the DAR Art Fair, told The Jordan Times that she relies on art in terms of self-expression as it enables her to filter out everything she has learned and developed from her daily life.

 On her participation, Sharia told The Jordan Times that "It was a beautiful experience that enabled both emerging and established artists to develop a conversation together that builds a bridge between their collective experiences, insights and backgrounds."

The art fair runs through July 4.