World Earth Day, which is all about demonstrating support for environmental protection, is fast approaching. If you live in Dubai and haven’t had the time to think about an interesting and innovative way to mark the annual event, visiting the two-phased “Let Live or Let Die” exhibition may be just the ticket.
The Giving Movement, which taps into the eco-friendly ethos and charitable purpose just like Earth Day, launched the exhibition that is ongoing until May 10 to pay homage to the globe. The region’s first sustainable athleisure brand, which has joined forces with Bayt Al Mamzar Art Gallery, is putting its eco-vision of the world into ‘Let Live or Let Die,"standing for change.
“We want to put everything we represent into an artistic expression of who we are. We want to instill the same sense of passion in the hearts of the community – we are proud to be a part of a change, to better our world, the next generation’s world and that of the generations after,” Dominic Nowell-Barnes, Founder & Chairman of the UAE-born streetwear label, said. “With this, every listener, dresser and member of the community is invited to be a part of this altruistic exploration and learning. We are part of a global movement, we are The Giving Movement.”
For the exhibition, the brand that was launched in 2020 to alter the way fashion is consumed and shed light on conscious consumerism has partnered with multiple homegrown talents such as poet Salem Al Attas and Mariam A. Ismail to bring this exhibition to life. Al Attas has collaborated with The Giving Movement to write and voice-over a poem made for the campaign. It’s aimed to describe the world we live in, its impact on humanity and the need to change, leading up to being a part of the movement. Local establishments Gosha Flowers and the Mawaheb Art Studio, which is dedicated to People of Determination, are involved too.
Phase one of “Let Live or Let Die,” taking place until April 24, focuses on creating an impactful set. Floral arrangements are the overpowering natural elements as a 3D form set. The bright, clashing colours, mixed with texture, express the idea that the blooms will slowly degrade over time, highlighting the key message of bringing the earth back, a metaphor for the destruction humans have created. TV sets from the 70s and 80s are also an element that stands out in this phase, showcasing green screens to display images, and short clips of world environmental damage. Subtle hints of the Palestinian and Ukrainian flag colours are hidden throughout the set.
Taking place from April 26 until May 10, phase two features interactive art installations by Bayt Al Mamzar Art Gallery, consciously ensuring the brand is in line with sustainability. The students of Mawaheb studio will be a part of this project by exhibiting their drawings and paintings of flowers in the gallery as art hanging from the students whilst the time lapse is exhibited. The flowers will be donated to Bayt Al Mamzar and Mawaheb to collaborate on a workshop to work with the flowers in art form. It will serve as a symbol of the tangible impact we’re making and creating an collaborative art community together. The students' work was also showcased on the invites of the exhibition.
