The Ramadan sharing fridge initiative is in full swing and now it’s been given a visual boost with over 40 local creatives transforming the fridges into works of art.
The creative volunteers have taken to the appliances with paint, aerosol and brush to fashion fridges into something that the whole community can enjoy.
The initiative is the brainchild of Filipino artists Cholo and Rosan Juan, who spotted the Ramadan Sharing Fridge in their local neighbourhood and decided to give it a makeover.
The pair then partnered with the programme organisers to launch @fridgeartindxb in 2018 and now the collective has grown from 29 to 40 in its second year.
“Adding some colour and life to these everyday objects, which are at the heart of the local community and part of a such a fantastic city-wide initiative, is my way of giving back to society,” said Juan.
“Dotted around Dubai from Rashidiya to Jebel Ali, I hope that seeing our fridges also puts a smile on people’s faces or inspires them to donate.”
First timer Omar El Bakkary, from Egypt, whose fridge is located in Meydan, signed up to be part of the cause.
He said, “This initiative not only provides resources for those in need but also re-introduces art into their lives. One of the site workers walked up to me and asked if he could also paint on the fridge as it had been ten years since he last held a brush.”
Other artists include Anne-Laure Roy, from France who said, “Besides from making the fridges much more noticeable, I believe that art shouldn’t just be for a privileged few and love the idea that it gets seen and appreciated by people who typically don’t go into galleries or attend art festivals.”
Indian artist Shanu Jaiswal is painting two fridges in support of the 2019 initiative.
“This year, I wanted to communicate the true essence of a sense of community to reflect the diverse cultures we have here in the UAE, with a message of kindness, love and unity,” he said.
Already 46 fridges have been spruced up, with many others still to go under the brush, and organisers are encouraging more artists to get involved.
“We would love to see all the Ramadan Sharing Fridge locations home to a unique piece of art and for anyone who’d like to see their dull grey fridge given a visual makeover for everyone in the community to enjoy, we’d love to hear from you,” said Tantawy, project co-ordinator.
Source:timeoutdubai.com
