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‘The Art Maze’, a first-of-its-kind art gallery experience by Marcus Schaefer and Sacha Jafri, was officially unveiled at a Press Conference on the Burj Al Arab Jumeirah Helipad on the 23rd March.
The exhibition was launched by artist and philanthropist Sacha Jafri, art visionary Marcus Schaefer, UNESCO Office of the Assistant Director-General for Culture Matilda Machimura and Ermanno Zanini, Regional Vice President and General Manager Burj Al Arab Jumeirah.
‘The Art Maze’, Schaefer’s 12 metre by 12 metre steel labyrinth, is home to 30 original Sacha Jafri masterpieces inspired by UNESCO’s World Heritage, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, and will be on show until 27th March. Jafri has also created an additional piece of the iconic Burj Al Arab Jumeirah to commemorate the launch of ‘The Art Maze’ on its Helipad.
Schaefer and Jafri’s vision for ‘The Art Maze’ pays homage to the most outstanding natural and cultural places of our planet and will be a unique opportunity for people to learn about the 30 World Heritage Sites; the 30 sites were selected from a list of over 1,150 locations, and will be a looking glass into our past, present and future – The Next 50. Schaefer’s use of modern-day technology will bring ‘The Art Maze’ experience to wider audiences across the globe through VR & AR technology, which will be live during the World Tour.
‘The Art Maze’ launch on the Burj Al Arab Jumeirah Helipad sees the beginning of ‘The Art Maze’ World Tour, which is set to travel to all four corners of the world over the next 24 months.
A major milestone of the World Tour is the exhibition at the UNESCO Headquarters in Paris from the 12th to the 18th September, for which 20 additional paintings will be created by the Artist, totalling 50 paintings on display.
UNESCO opens its door to the public once a year during the highly popular European Heritage Day (17th to 18th September). This year, community members will be invited to reimagine the World Heritage in The Next 50 through the Artist’s work, against the backdrop of the iconic UNESCO building.
‘The Art Maze’ will also travel to Nepal, a country the artist feels a deep connection to. In a poignant gesture of Humanity, 10 Nepali nationals who worked on the installation of ‘The Art Maze’ in Dubai will be given a paid leave to spend time with their loved ones in Nepal, prior to working on the installation of ‘The Art Maze’ in Kathmandu.
Marcus Schaefer commented: “It is my honour and great pleasure to realize this project today with one of the world's leading Artists and Humanitarian artists, Sacha Jafri, as well as the world-renowned Burj Al Arab Jumeirah in Dubai, to realize my vision of connecting people and educating them about our cultural heritage. With this heartfelt project, I want to raise awareness, especially in uncertain times with a global pandemic and political instabilities, to remind and honour all people about the beauty of our world, nature, man-made monuments.”
Sacha Jafri comments: “My vision and inspiration for my Artworks for The Art Maze stems from the beauty, the spirit, the history and the anthropology of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Trying to depict the emotion of a culture, a building, a story, a vista, and most importantly, an energy, all inspired me to create this Collection which is so special, almost spiritual and otherworldly. It has been an honour for me to celebrate these sites as part of UNESCO’s 50th Anniversary of World Heritage.”
Ottone R. said, “This ambitious project combining art, heritage, innovation and technology embodies the spirit of “The Next 50”, the theme of UNESCO World Heritage anniversary. We are delighted to mark the beginning of the anniversary World Tour in Dubai, and look forward to welcoming the 50 paintings to UNESCO Headquarters in September 2022.”
‘The Art Maze’ is the first art installation to be exhibited at Burj Al Arab Jumeirah’s famous helipad. Suspended 212 meters above sea level, the helipad at the iconic hotel has been the location for some of Dubai’s most awe-inspiring and memorable events, sporting feats and cultural moments. The expert team at Burj Al Arab Jumeirah have worked closely alongside Jafri and Schaefer to bring their vision to life and create this unique experience.
Ermanno Zanini said: “Burj Al Arab Jumeirah is one of the jewels in Dubai’s crown, an icon of a modern city and a catalyst for its transformation. One of the most recognisable structures in the world, the building itself is a work of art and a symbol of innovation and design”. He added: “I truly believe that art enriches the soul and can create transformational and intimate experiences – the essence of everything Burj Al Arab Jumeirah stands for. Through our collaboration with Schaefer and Jafri – in celebration of 50 years of UNESCO World Heritage Sites – we are giving our guests the chance to be part of the captivating history of Burj Al Arab Jumeirah and discover a one-of-a-kind exhibition in a truly unique setting.”
The launch of ‘The Art Maze’ marks the next step in Jafri’s journey towards a new vision of hope for Planet Earth entitled ‘We Rise Together’, which follows his record-breaking achievement with the ‘The Journey of Humanity’. Jafri has been recognized for his humanitarian work as he has raised over $140 million for charitable causes, including the United Nations.
