Nofal x Pullman - New collaboration
Kulture Cartel is incredibly excited and honored to be working with the esteemed Pullman Dubai Downtown as part of our Artist Residency program. Nofal (one of our in house artists) is currently living at the Pullman creating a series of large format exhibits that will be on display for the coming 12 months that blend his unique Egyptian heritage with Dubai’s aesthetic and the Pullman brand.
The exhibits are a work in progress so please stay tuned for updates and visuals of the masterpieces as they come together. The paintings will be exhibited throughout the hotel including the Grand Lobby Entrance, Library, Bar and Garage so if you are visiting, keep an eye out for these incredible pieces.
About the Hotel
Pullman Dubai Downtown is a cosmopolitan 5 star hotel located in the Business Bay district in close proximity to the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, and the Dubai Downtown area, with convenient access to and from Sheikh Zayed Road and Al Khail Road.
Elegant contemporary interior design with stunning views of the Dubai Skyline and Dubai Water Canal.
Project sketches
Location: Library
In this painting, I merge the ancient Egyptian and Arabian cultures, symbolized by King Ra as a falcon soaring above Dubai's skyscrapers. This vision was inspired by a day of falconry in Dubai, a sport rich in symbolism and held dear by Emirati royals. Seeing the falcon ascend against the backdrop of a bustling metropolis echoed the intersection of tradition and modernity, providing a compelling narrative for the artwork. King Ra, now in the guise of this regal bird, watches over a city that is as much a testament to human accomplishment as the pyramids he once ruled over.
Location: Grand Entrance Lobby
While walking through the Dubai creek I came across the Abra water taxis ferrying people around the marina and harbor. They reminded me of Nile boats that roam the Nile from North to South. This seemed a perfect opportunity to integrate my own personal history with the story I’m telling in Dubai.
Location: Grand Entrance Lobby
Both the modern cultures of the Arabian Gulf and the Ancient Egyptians had a deep passion for horses and horse racing. These three paintings are inspired by King Tut’s skills as a horseman and general in battle. The images are inspired by artistic interpretations spanning thousands of years including early hieroglyphs of horses in battle, metallic foils of Arabian Knights and modern equestrian art. All of these themes and inspirations are combined and colored in the Memphis style to match the décor of the Pullman Hotel.
Location: Bar
"Hapi, to the Ancient Egyptians, was known as the joyous God of the Nile and King of the Lotus. He was emblematic of prosperity and vibrancy of Egypt. I have always shared a special bond with Hapi. When I was younger, I worked along the Nile, after work, I would often relax in the waters. As the water revitalized me, I’d picture myself as Hapi, the Happy God, nestled within the cool Nile.
For this painting, I wanted to capture the vividness of the Nile's lotus flowers, the unique blue hues of Hapi's skin and the turquoise waters of the Nile. The piece is a combination of techniques - the fluid translucency of the Nile's surface isdone with watercolors, while the lotus's brilliant hues and Hapi's skin are brought to life with a fusion of acrylic brushwork and spray cans. The concept sketch rekindled my love for Miami color palette. The result, a stunning blend of pinks, blues, and whites. The final touch was the sheer scale of the painting, over 10ft wide, which forces viewers to step back and take in the scale of seeing a large than life figure. This painting brought me much joy to produce."
~ Nofal
Location: Garage
For the Ancient Egyptians, the wings of a Scarab held a sacred significance. The wings were believed to serve as celestial chariots, ferrying souls into the cosmos, transcending the earthly realm. This concept resonated deeply with my aspirations, and I believe the dreams of every individual.
It symbolizes our potential to soar towards our goals amidst the stars. Dreams, paired with hard work, form the wings of each dreamer, primed to embark on their journey towards their desires.