It is his first trip to Bahrain, he was introduced to pioneer artists such as Abdul Kareem Al Orrayed. He visited diverse places like the Bahrain National Museum, Beit Al Quran, Bahrain Contemporary Art Assosiation, La Fountaine, and Riwaq Gallery. He wrote his experience by way a diary and produced several drawings.

WOMAD and Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture & Heritage have invited Wasel Safwan to carry out workshops and lectures in Al Ain and Abu Dhabi for students at the Higher Colleges of Technology, U.A.E. University, British School Al Khubairat, and the Talents and Creativity Centre. There will be an interaction between the students and Wasel as he presents for about a half hour. Then, he will do an ink drawing, after which, the students remain in the class without Wasel for inspiration, to draw on their own. Then he will come back to discuss their work with them. A psychological lesson to observe and learn from all the participants will take place inside every classroom.

M&N communication is organising the Places for People schools competition in Abu Dhabi on behalf of international building design practice BDP – ranked one of the 10 top architects in the world -, which has recently opened an office in Abu Dhabi. Wasel Safwan has been selected one of the Judging Panels to judge on the artworks which will be displayed at the Cityscape Abu Dhabi 2010. The judging panel will take place at Mubadala office, Liwa Meeting room, 4:30pm, on April 11 2010.

The Vocational Education and Training Institute, VETI, faculty of Design, has invited Wasel Safwan to educate twenty students at 10:30am, he will give drawing lesson and the students will look at the art piece to observe it from their own view and draw what they can, then a discussion will be open between Wasel Safwan and the students. The students are required to study ‘general design’ before they progress to the next semester where they specialize in graphic, fashion or interior design. VETI is an institute set up by the Abu Dhabi government to provide vocational training to Emiratis.

ALHOSN University’s Department of Architectural Engineering hosted a Forum on February 11, 2010 to facilitate a dialogue between industry professionals and academics to better prepare our students when entering the field. Wasel Safwan was participating to the panel entitled "Educating Future Architects". Among the participants, Dr. Abdul Rahim Sabouni (Vice Chancellor, ALHOSN University), Mr. Ahmed Al Ali (X-Architects), Mr. Fariborz Hatam (Aedas), and Mr. Ivar Krasinski (Principal/Design Director – MENA Region, Burt Hill).

Brand Dubai /Dubai Media Affairs Office, in cooperation with The Cooper Union planned an architecture forum which was held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates on January 4 and 5, 2010, and Wasel Safwan was invited to participate in one of the panel discussions of the symposium, entitled "Architecture and Natural Forces". The theme of the Forum was Architecture’s Role in Creating a Sustainable Future. The event was scheduled to coincide with the opening of the new building, Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest, and the fourth anniversary of the ascension of HH Sh. Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum as Vice President and Prime Minister of the U.A.E., and Ruler of Dubai. Among the participants were: Chris Cirgenski, Inson Dubois Wood, and Paul Spencer Sochaczewski.

Wasel painted for the tallest tower on Earth - Burj Khalifa, 818 m (2,684 ft). He was given Level 84 and was asked to fill this with his inspiration of the tower. Four artworks were produced, one had to contain the number 84 both in Arabic and English. This is the highest level that Wasel has had to work and display ever.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wasel had an inspirational 12 days travelling to Ostrava, Vitkovice, Pustevny, Štramberk, Wallachia, & Prague. In Ostrava, he participated in Smalt Art at the Vitkovice factory with very good artists, such as Václav Malin & Aleš Lamr. Also he visited the Dům umění and the opening ceremony of three books by artist Zdenek Sklenar. Wasel went to Štramberk, nice small unique collection of timbered houses. April 30, he went to Wallachia Open-Air Museum (Valašsko), the houses were about 500 years old. The new timbered houses, take about two years to completely dry, because when you finish building the houses, the wood is still alive, which means the whole house is growing which leaves gaps at windows and the door areas. May 1st, Prague, each building had a story to tell, such as the St. Vitus Cathedral. Also he visited The National Gallery in Prague, he saw artworks from 17th to 20th century of European art by František Kupka, Mucha, Gogh, Klimt, Zdeněk Sýkora, Josef Šíma, and many more. During this trip (April 22 - May 3, 2009) he produced 1255 photo, 9 drawings and 6 paintings.

 

 

 

 

 

On the last day of Emirati Expressions on April 16th, 2009, Wasel Safwan did showcase his art movement, UAEism, with a live painting demonstration on a 210 X 200 cm canvas. His piece, which was called: UAEism - Emirati Expressions, was painted from 5pm - 10pm in the Gallery One in Emirates Palace. Usually it takes two weeks to one month to paint one piece, at this event he could take the risk to create one piece in five hours.

 

 

 

 

Wasel Safwan gave speech at the Zayed University, March 10th, 2009. The lecture covered his background, qualifications, exhibition experience, style, workshop series, difficulties and achievements as a professional artist. He also demonstrated his method of painting on a 180 x 180 canvas in oil within 5 minutes. The artwork was dedicated to Zayed University.

 

 

 

 

 

Wasel Safwan has been invited to grade the first students from the Department of Architecture & Engineering, at their jury in Thursday, Jan. 15, 2009, Al Hosn University, Abu Dhabi. This opportunity was given to Wasel by Dr. Naima Benkari, an art enthusiast and an Assistant Professor and Chairperson of Architecture Engineering Department.

 

The students presented their work from 10:30 in the morning to 2 afternoon. This brings back memories for Wasel as it was only a few years ago that he used to submit his work for grading and therefore understands what the students will be feeling. This is not an easy job and only took this on after some reluctance following the invitation from Dr. Benkari.

 

Ref.: ML/5665/NO/kh/08
Date: 8 November 2008

Dear Wasel Safwan

We kindly thank you for agreeing to exhibit your works at the Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak Private Event in the honour of the Arab World States First Ladies.

 

The aim of this exhibition is to send an artistic message from Emirati Artists to the Arab world and to share the Beauty of Emirati talents through Art.

 

The works you have submitted will be displayed from November 9th to November 10th in one of the Emirates Palace venues that has been designed, secured and insured to exhibit your works in the best artistic conditions.

 

For security reasons, the hotel will be completely closed during this period and general public will not have access to the Emirates Palace.

 

Yours Faithfully

 

Private Office of
H.H. Sheikh Hamdan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan

 

Dear Wasel Safwan

DUCTAC OPEN DAY: 1 November 2008

On behalf of all of us at Dubai Community Theatre and Arts Centre, I would like to thank you for giving up your time to again join the team here at DUCTAC for the 2008 Open Day.

Your interactive mural painting was a real highlight of the event and was particularly popular with members of the public - of all ages!  Your participation and dedication to the event enabled Open Day to be a resounding success and is very much appreciated!  I trust you enjoyed a well earned supper afterwards!

We have received many comments from members of the public who visited us - all of them very complimentary!  I include some below:

 

- “This is the first time I have seen community cohesion in Dubai”

- Today is a genuine example of what the word ‘diversity’ really means”

- “Awesome!”

- “This is really what we really mean by ‘community’. Thank you DUCTAC. Great job!”

- “Nice work. It’s lovely to see young and old coming together”

- “Can’t wait ‘til next years Open Day!”

 

So again, my personal thanks for your very valuable contribution, we certainly could not have done it without you.
You are a true friend of DUCTAC, and I also love your idea about a piece of work for each Open Day.

Thank you Wasel

Kind regards

Alison Fordham
Chief Executive

 

ADACH invited Wasel Safwan to share his artworks, bio and studios works in the Arabic and English versions of the Cultural Program small-book, (3rd Edition) Sept. 1, 2008. The initial print run of 6000 was distributed in different government, private and commercial sectors in the U.A.E.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In June Wasel had an inspirational three week trip travelling to Istanbul via Damascus covering an overall distance of more than 8500 km. He set out from his home in Al Ain on 1st June for Dubai where he flew to Damascus. From there he travelled to Emessa, “Hims city” by bus. Wasel’s itinerary included a stop in Aleppo on the morning of June 6th, a bus trip to Antakya in Turkey and travel northwards towards Istanbul where the scenery changed into beautiful green and yellow colours. He was amazed by the spectacular views in the Taurus Mountains; the close proximity of the clouds and the mountain peaks and minarets of the mosques standing in sharp contrast to the natural background. In Istanbul he visited the Modern Istanbul Museum before moving on to Antalya, Gaziantep, Hims and then back to Dubai. During this trip he faced unfamiliar situations and discovered other cultures and history.

Wasel Safwan was invited to lunch at the Hilton Hotel in Abu Dhabi by the Indian Ambassador, Mr. Talmiz Ahmad for a gathering between businessmen, art investors and consultants including: Mr. Suheil Jashenma, Dr. Muhammed Naeemat, Mr. Abdulla Naeemat and Ms. Shafi Nazneen. Wasel gave one of his Wasel ART “second edition”books to Ambassador Talmiz.

Naima Benkari, Chairman of Architecture Dept. at Al Hosn University invited Wasel Safwan to give speech about his art to the students of Architecture. The lecture was about Wasel’s background and art practice as well as his exhibitions in the UAE. It was attended by many students and teachers. Wasel said, “It was lovely, welcoming and respectful, al hamdulilah.”

The Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture & Heritage published the second edition book of Wasel ART which was given out at Art Paris Abu Dhabi in Emirates Palace. The Wasel ART book contents: Speech, UAEism, Artist Background, Artworks (plates) and Exhibitions & Projects..

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On June 6th Wasel received an email from Angela Blair saying, "We are currently specifying artwork for a commercial project and think some of your pieces would be fantastic. Do you have a gallery or studio where I can see them?" The building under consideration is now completed and located at Jebel Ali free zone, Junction 13. It is a fresh contemporary building designed by AK Design with the interior planned by Senior Designer, Angela Blair. After Angela visited Wasel’s studio and met with the Manager of Zafco, he was commissioned to paint 14 pieces for lobbies, offices, corridors, meeting and waiting rooms.

 

 

 

 

On May 17, 2007, the Dubai Culture Council (DCC) published the first book about Wasel Safwan. This accompanied his first solo exhibition in Dubai city and was sponsored by the DCC as well as the Dubai Community Theatre & Arts Centre, DUCTAC. It was entitled “Constructivism & UAEism” and given out at the exhibition.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wasel Safwan was hired by the Department of Engineering at the General Authority of Endowments in the United Arab Emirates. He was the first architect to be hired in the history of the Authority.

Wasel Safwan worked for the international company, Hopkins Architects, doing residential, commercial and landscape architectural projects for the Dubai International Financial Centre (owned by Sh. Muhammed bin Rashed Al Maktoum, Ruler of Dubai) and on “80 story tower”, and Shura Council in Bahrain. He worked on 3D modeling, designing, and drafting.

Wasel Safwan has received his Architectural bachelor degree after 5 years studies with Prof. Burhan Tayara – Chairman of Architecture Dept. - and Architect Faisal Al Banani at the Ajman University of Science and Technology, AlAin city, UAE. The project was entitled “cultural centre”, contemporary style. He did 3D digital artworks and two models.

Wasel and artists from Arabic universities in Asia and Africa gathered at the Inaugural Biennale Exhibition for Fine Arts, UAE University where Wasel won first prize. This was personally awarded to him by Sheikh Nahayan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, President of the UAE University at his palace in Abu Dhabi.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wasel’s mother, Amal Muhammad, was 15 years old when she gave birth to her first child, Wasel Safwan. It was full moon when Wasel was born in his grandfather’s house at 11 am. 15 Ramadan, 1399 H, (Aug. 9th 1979).