Jumeirah Vittaveli has unveiled the White Fire exhibition at the
resort this weekend, on 1st February 2020, showcasing a stunning new synergy of coral conservation
and conceptual art.
The exhibition showcases photographs by award winning photographer
Mohamed Azmeel, aka Double Dot, in a venue that has been turned into an
experiential art gallery. The entrance beckons visitors in, flanked by two
larger than life white coral walls, guiding the view as if through a tunnel to
the centrepiece of a large table display of bleached corals, symbolizing the
effect of global warming. Eight creative oversized photographs encircle the
venue, showcasing the artists unique artistic interpretation that celebrates
visual culture and artistic achievement through photography. The opening night
saw a life model in a white custom-made coral gown enacting the plight of
corals in todays warming oceans. The entire exhibit glows in white, enchanting
visitors with its elegance and haunting beauty, as the white colour signifies
that all life has left the once colourful corals.
To kick off the evening, Shaheena Ali took the stage and introduced
the audience to the threats of global warming and the dangers of coral
bleaching. A professional dive instructor and Executive Director for Parley for
the Ocean in Maldives, Shaheena spoke about how her passion for corals grew
from her first dives when she was a young girl and admired the astounding colour
palette that grows just under the surface of the sea, providing a habitat for
such a diversity of marine life. She then recounted the distressing experience
when she was diving during the first major El Niño event in 1998 and saw the
coral reefs had turned completely white. Only a few degrees increase in ocean
temperature can adversely affect coral reefs, as the corals will expel the
microscopic algae that live in its tissue in a symbiotic relationship and give
the corals their bright and lively colours. If the water does not cool down
fast enough, the corals will eventually die off, turning a once rainbow
coloured reef first to bright white and then to a dull and lifeless brown.
Jumeirah Vittavelis General Manager Abhijit Ghosh thanked Shaheena
for her passionate presentation and remarked: "We are proud to host this
important exhibition at Jumeirah Vittaveli. Living in such a fragile eco
environment, with the highest point of natural elevation only 2.5 meters in the
Maldives, fighting climate change and doing our part to support
eco-conservation efforts is close to our heart. We have implemented a range of
initiatives in this regard, such as sustainable purchasing, working with local
fishermen and agricultural islands to source fish and produce, operating our
own water bottling plant, and creating artificial coral reefs to support the
natural marine life surrounding the island. We look forward to further
collaborations with Mohamed Azmeel in our constant pursuit to highlight the
dangers of environmental pollution."
A rousing speech followed, delivered by no less than homegrown eco
activist and former president of the Maldives, President Mohamed Nasheed, who
famously held a cabinet meeting underwater in 2009 to alert the world to the
dangers of climate change. President Nasheed likened the red flame of fire to
the bright white colour of dying coral reefs, explaining how the title of the
exhibition, White Fire, eerily illustrates the devastating effect global
warming has on the beautiful coral reefs in the Maldives. He commented: "We as
Maldivians are the best people to alert the world to the dangers of climate
change. We have been seeing its impact on our shores first-hand, and we
understand the danger it poses to the planet. We need to ensure that international
powers commit to limiting global warming and we all work together to fight
climate change."
The artist himself Mohamed Azmeel welcomed guests with a short
speech: "This has been a vision of mine that I have been working on for the
past few years. I am honoured to have the opportunity to showcase this
exhibition to guests at Jumeirah Vittaveli. I am already working on my next
initiative that will go a step further in highlighting the plight of our
oceans. Now, I will let my artwork speak for itself."
The White Fire exhibition will be hosted at Jumeirah Vittaveli until
15 February 2020. It is open daily, and the artist will visit the island for
several private viewings as well as meet-and-greet events.
Jumeirah Vittaveli is on the forefront of sustainability, having
been Green Globe certified since 2015, and continuously works on implementing
further initiatives to preserve the environment.
With a traditional Maldivian welcome and more activities to fill
your days with than you can dream of, Jumeirah Vittaveli is the perfect place
for all the family to speed things up or slow things down. Land and water-based
activities include the destinations first ice rink, a PADI Dive base, water
sports centre, Talise Spa, six restaurants and bars, a wine library, an
overwater lounge, an underground whisky and chocolate salon and a cigar lounge.
Mohamed Azmeel, known in the photography community as "Double Dot"
is an international award-winning photographer who began his journey in the
early 2000s a path that would lead him to eventually become one of the most
sought-after photographers in the Maldives. What he began as a hobby lead to an
obsession, and then to a profession. His photos are immensely creative in
addition to his out-of-the-box approach, his artistic touches distinguish him
from his peers
A 20-minute boat ride from Male International Airport brings you to
Jumeirah Vittaveli. Whether for an intimate escape or an indulgent family
retreat, Jumeirah Vittaveli offers unmatched diversity, subtle luxury and
personalised exploration. Whether beach-side or over-water, all villas feature
stunning interiors with private pools and access to the sandy shores or
glistening waters. A special highlight is the sprawling 5-bedroom Royal
Residence, as well as the new Private Ocean Retreats and Infinity Pool Ocean
Villas with Slides. An inspirational Spa, a well-equipped over-water gymnasium,
a children's club and 5 star PADI dive centre mean guests are always able to
try something new.
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