Artellosa and ToDA present "Pearls of Emotions": A journey through Pearl diving heritage and the universal human connection
Dubai, UAE, 30 October 2024: Pearls of Emotions, the immersive digital art experience, is set to premiere at the Theatre of Digital Art (ToDA) in Dubai. This one-of-a-kind show offers a 360° immersive journey back in time, bringing audiences into the world of Gulf pearl diving. Through art, music, and storytelling, it reveals a significant, yet rarely told aspect of the pearl diving narrative, with powerful stories of love, sacrifice, and resilience that defined the lives of families involved in pearl diving in the Gulf region a century ago. It brings to life the era when pearl diving was the lifeblood of the Arabian Gulf.
Presented by Artellosa, Pearls of Emotions is designed to evoke universal feelings of connection through the story of a newlywed bride, bidding farewell to her husband as he embarks on a perilous pearl diving expedition. Through this heartfelt perspective, the show highlights the significance of love and emotions as shared human experiences, making Gulf history accessible to audiences from different backgrounds.
“Our stories are the threads that weave the fabric of our identity. Through 'Pearls of Emotions,’
I aspire to share the profound emotions of our ancestors with the world.” – Farah Al Ibrahim
Farah Al Ibrahim, Founder of Artellosa, the Saudi entrepreneur who has over 15 years of experience in content creation and digital media, emphasizes that this project is part of a broader vision to showcase the rich heritage of this region to the world through storytelling.“We chose emotions as the core of this project because they are a universal language that transcends culture and time. Love, in particular, is something that everyone, no matter where they’re from, can connect with,”
she explains. “Our ambition with this project, and future ones, is to make the rich heritage and culture of the region more accessible and engaging for a global audience. We want to create content that not only preserves but also brings our history to life in a way that resonates with people from all backgrounds.”
The partnership between Artellosa and ToDA reflects a mutual commitment to using technology to make cultural storytelling more immersive and engaging. TODA, a 1,800-square-metre immersive art space located in Souk Madinat Jumeirah, has established itself as a key player in Dubai’s art scene, offering innovative digital art experiences. The theatre's cutting-edge 360° projection technology allows visitors to become active participants in the narrative, as all surfaces come to life with vibrant visuals and sounds.
Pearls of Emotions features a unique musical score that fuses traditional Gulf melodies with contemporary sounds, enhancing the universal appeal of the show. By blending the old and the new, the show’s creators aim to connect with a diverse audience, allowing them to appreciate the depth and richness of the Gulf heritage in a way that feels both familiar and fresh.
Anna Magritskaya, Managing Director of TODA, said “At TODA, we believe that art and technology can transcend boundaries, uniting people through shared stories and emotions. Pearls of Emotions is not just a digital show; it’s an immersive journey into the heart of Gulf heritage, where love, tradition, and human connection take centre stage. By blending our immersive experience with a narrative steeped in history, we’re able to transport audiences into a world where the past and present meet. This collaboration with Artellosa exemplifies our commitment to making cultural storytelling accessible, meaningful, and unforgettable for all who experience it.”
The show will open to the public on UAE National Day, with special previews on the 2nd and 3rd of December. The timing aligns perfectly with the UAE’s National Day festivities, as the show aims to honor and celebrate the nation’s rich heritage, one of its core objectives.
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About Artellosa
Our latest production, Pearls of Emotions, exemplifies our commitment to blending history with technology. With a focus on local artistry, Artellosa is redefining how audiences experience culture. We continue to push the boundaries of art and storytelling through digital mediums.
About Farah Al Ibrahim
Farah, a Saudi creative, has over 15 years of experience in digital content, shaping how stories are told in the region. From her early work in traditional media to leading digital content strategies at top media companies, she has been instrumental in creating award-winning media products with high regional viewership.
Now, as the founder of Artellosa, Farah is on a mission to bring the beautiful stories of local culture and heritage to both regional and global audiences. By blending technology, art, and storytelling, she aims to make these stories accessible and engaging. Her latest creation, Pearls of Emotions, offers a unique and immersive portrayal of the pearl divers in the region, reflecting her passion for transforming cultural narratives into captivating experiences.
