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Global Surprises transported shoppers around the world at Mall of the Emirates last week. It has now moved to Century Mall where it will run until August 1.
Dusan Popovic drew a curious crowd as he demonstrated the art of Greek mosaic while Fengjie Jin and Dao Hui Zhang made the ancient tradition of Korean paper art look effortless.
People of all ages stopped for a moment to take in the experience and were not shy about asking questions.
Farzan, aged 8, was determined to become a mosaic expert by the end of the session and continued to bombard Popovic with questions.
He said: "I didn't even know something like this could be a job and I think it looks so cool. I would like this to be my job when I grow up because I love art at school and I love making things."
Greek Mosaic
Popovic, originally from Serbia, has been perfecting the art of Greek mosaic for almost 26 years and says he really couldn't imagine doing anything else with his time.
He said: "Each piece can take anything up to four weeks to finish depending on the size but it is very time consuming. Each piece is individually selected for its colour and size and placed in position. It is not meant to look exactly perfect and that is the beauty of it."
However, for Fengjie and Dao it was only about complete perfection.
Korean paper art is a unique decorative art form which, in Korean culture, can reflect many aspects of life such as prosperity, health or harvest.
Dao added: "Some cuttings represent stories about the happiness gained from the accomplishment of common goals. There are two methods – one using scissors and the other using knives. The most complex is the 3D lantern."
DSS logo
Popovic, who was busy making an impressive mosaic of the Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS) logo, said: "It has been really good working in the malls as it gives people the opportunity to experience something from another country when they are doing something as simple as shopping. Mosaic is something which is also rich in Arab culture and history and this has meant that many people here already have an insight into what I am doing. It's been nice to have people stop and ask what I am doing."
But the beauty of Popovic's art comes with a pretty hefty price tag as each quarter-metre square can cost anything up to 4,000 pound (nearly Dh20,300).
Surrounded by striking black images, cut effortlessly by the Korean duo, the pair explained why they had enjoyed being a part of Global Surprises.
Dao said: "This is very normal to people in our part of the world and it has been wonderful to be flown half way around the world just so others can enjoy it too. We have loved being in Dubai and think it is a very special place."
Popovic, who was busy making an impressive mosaic of the Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS) logo, said: "Mosaic is something which is also rich in Arab culture and history and this has meant that many people here already have an insight into what I am doing. It's been nice to have people stop and ask what I am doing."
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