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 Opera Gallery Dubai is proud to display a brand new sculpture from globally renowned Indian artist Valay Shende, in line with the beginning of the Dubai Watch Week (Nov 24th – Nov 28th).

Placed in the midst of the elegant Four Seasons DIFC lobby, the life-size sculpture is a striking addition where hotel guests can admire the dazzling copper-plated art piece adorned with over 3000 individually set watches.

Shende’s life-size sculptures capture the tension between tradition and modernization in his native India. Based in Mumbai, Shende’s practice is concerned with the lives of everyday urban people in an era of rapid change. The sculpture placed at the Four Seasons DIFC heroizes India’s working class, specifically the ‘dabbawalas’ who are workers that deliver hot lunches daily throughout the city, and are known for always being on time.

In addition to his signature metal beads, Shende uses unconventional sculptural materials such as watches and copper-plated fiberglass to add glamorous and visually striking elements to his everyday subjects.

The sculpture’s entire body is created using tiny watches, making it a fitting addition to the hotel’s lobby just in time for Dubai Watch Week, the city’s premier watch event. 

Shende has shown in international venues, including the Havana Biennial (2003), Fukuoka Asian Art Museum (2004), Tate Modern (2006), the Serpentine Galleries (2011–12), and the Kuandu Biennale (2014) amongst other prominent venues, public and private collections.

Sylvain Gaillard, Director at Opera Gallery Dubai commented, 

"We are immensely excited to continue our partnership with the Four Seasons DIFC by unveiling our prized sculpture from celebrated artist and sculptor Valay Shende in time for the Dubai Watch Week – the piece will definitely be an eye-catching and glamorous addition to the already opulent lobby and pique the interest of every guest, considering that Dubai Watch Week is taking place in the DIFC."

Renan Astolpho, General Manager at the Four Seasons DIFC, added,

"Art is an essential element of our brand and guest experience. We are incredibly delighted to welcome Valay Shende’s globally renowned sculpture at our lobby and take forward our partnership with Opera Gallery – it’s the perfect timing and placement considering that it’s Dubai Watch Week."

Opera Gallery and Four Seasons DIFC invite you to experience Valay Shende’s sculpture at the Four Seasons DIFC lobby.