The Arab Cultural Club has been instrumental in enriching the artistic scene and fostering creative skills in Sharjah. Recently, it organized an interactive workshop titled “The Magic of Black and White,” led by artist and media personality Mhab Labib. The event saw participation from Khalifa Al-Sheimi, the club’s exhibitions and events officer, alongside a number of artists and enthusiasts who share a passion for visual arts.
Exploring New Avenues of Expression
The workshop aimed to open new pathways for participants to express themselves, enabling them to transform emotions and ideas into vibrant canvases. Mhab Labib emphasized the dynamic relationship between black and white and their roles in artistic composition. Attendees received training on techniques that highlighted the dimensions and shadows of their work while providing an experimental space to hone their skills.
A Legacy of Artistic and Journalistic Expertise
Artist Mhab Labib boasts an impressive career in journalism and the arts. A graduate of the Faculty of Fine Arts in Cairo, majoring in painting, Labib has served as a painter, director, and editor at leading Egyptian and Emirati media institutions such as “Al-Gomhoria,” “Al-Masaa,” “Al-Ittihad,” and “Al-Khaleej.” He holds memberships with the journalists’ and fine arts societies as well as the Dubai Press Club, showcasing his extensive experience through numerous solo and group exhibitions. Labib has also taught art at the free studio in Abu Dhabi Cultural Center.
The Visual Contrast: Black and White in Journalism
Reflecting on his journalism journey, Labib recounted how newspapers until the 1990s predominantly featured black and white prints, with only a section dedicated to local news and significant personalities appearing in color. This background heavily influenced his creative endeavors, as many of his artistic works center on these two colors.
He noted that his artwork often graced the pages of “Al-Gomhoria” and “Al-Masaa,” during a time when layouts followed an eight-column design, allowing him to showcase his images alongside provincial news. His ability to illustrate live portraits of football players alongside political news illustrated his versatility as an artist.
The Intricacies of Charcoal and Pencil Drawing
During the theoretical part of the workshop, Labib discussed the expressive and aesthetic value of black and white. He elaborated on how to utilize the contrast between the two to create visual works that marry depth of thought with simplicity of execution. “I rely on Chinese inks for my artistic output,” he stated, explaining that ink drawing is particularly challenging since mistakes cannot be corrected. He highlighted charcoal and pencil sketching as traditional mediums that, while appearing simpler, require an adept understanding of shading and depth.
Labib further explained the evolution of drawing tools, reminiscing about the days when he used “Rapid” pens and other intricate tools. With technological advancements, modern artists can now use various types of markers to achieve desired colors and shades as if they were painting in full color.
He stated that the true challenge of black and white drawing lies in minimalism, relying solely on one color. This limitation enhances an artist’s vision and sensitivity, as it involves discerning light and darkness while skillfully managing the heaviness and lightness of pencil strokes to convey dramatic depth.
Sharjah: A Cultural Beacon for Creatives
Labib praised the efforts of His Highness Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, acknowledging his visionary leadership that transformed the Emirate into a cultural beacon and a nurturing ground for artistic endeavors. He also expressed gratitude to the Arab Cultural Club for its continuous contributions to supporting creatives across the UAE and the Arab world.
Live Creative Expressions During the Workshop
To connect theory with practice, Labib created several live black-and-white artworks before an engaged audience. His exceptional ability to manipulate light and condense details inspired participants to unleash their own creative expressions, resulting in the production of several distinctive paintings from attendees.