Dubai: A three-day art workshop titled “Art as a Humanitarian Response” recently concluded at the Mohammed bin Rashid Library. Organized to commemorate World Humanitarian Day as part of its Visual and Digital Arts program, the workshop targeted participants aged 16 and above, combining theoretical and practical learning. Participants had the opportunity to showcase their artwork in a closing exhibition at the library.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the workshop was led by artist Ahmed Al-Waari and explored visual art as a universal language, tracing its origins from ancient cave paintings to its role in expressing human issues and documenting wars, poverty, and suffering. The workshop highlighted prominent artists who have influenced human consciousness through their work, including Pablo Picasso, Francisco Goya, Gustave Courbet, Keith Kollwitz, Diego Rivera, and Jos© Clemente Orozco. It also provided examples of art’s use in humanitarian work, initiatives, and charity auctions.

The workshop focused on the concept of “the artist as a human conscience,” emphasizing the role of art in giving humanitarian issues and marginalized groups a platform to express themselves. It aimed to transform numbers and statistics into stories and experiences capable of stirring empathy and awareness.

On the practical side, the workshop addressed the symbolism of the “outstretched hand” as a visual expression of giving, support, and communication. Participants were trained in drawing hand anatomy and introduced to the fundamentals of oil painting for different skin tones, including color composition, blending techniques, transparency, and avoiding common mistakes.