Born in Madrid in 1967, Aida Gomez is one of the most known faces in the Spanish ballet and flamenco world. With many national and international honour and recognition to her credit, Aida Gomez is regarded as one of world’s greatest flamenco dancers.

At the mere age of 12 she obtained an honorary graduation in Spanish classical dance that showed her passion towards dance, and also for someone who saw ‘dance’ as a motivation to life and not just a career option.

Although Gomez learned all kinds of Spanish traditional/classical dance styles in the initial stage, she became more inclined towards flamenco because of the freedom of expression and also because of the unique rhythmic combination with guitar and vocals in this form of dance.

At fourteen, she joined the National Ballet Company under the guidance of Antonio El Bailarín and performed many leading roles. She also starred alongside the great Antonio Gades in a popular play “Bodas de Sangre” (or Blood Wedding).

In 1989 she played the character of “Doña Inés” in the ballet “Don Juan”, written by Miguel Narros with choreography by Jose Antonio. In the same year Aida Gomez also participated in the Antonia Merce – La Argentina – centenary celebration held at the Teatro Maria Guerrero in Madrid.

Besides, she has also performed with some of the greatest names in Flamenco while touring different parts of the world, before she was appointed as the Artistic Director by the Spanish Ministry of Culture in 1997. This makes her the youngest ever Director of the National Ballet.

She later made her own dance company with self-choreographed production, and the documentary film directed by Carlos Saura on the making of “Salome” also awarded her the Best Artistic Contribution prize at the Montreal International Film Festival.

Whether it’s the tragic tale “Salome” or the tale of betrayal “Carmen”, Gomez’s dance truly represents human emotions with some unique dance techniques those identify herself among other flamenco dancers.

With her immense artistic contribution, Gomez is not only a celebrated face in the Spanish flamenco dance scene but also in the performing arts community across the world. Her dance company, with dancers and musicians, today travels all across the world performing and promoting this vigorous and rhythmic dance form of flamenco.

The Andalusian International Artists (AIA) Group brings a series of enthralling art exhibitions in the capital city Malaga. To start with, there is a 16-day (January 15 – 30) art expo named “Take Off Art” scheduled at the Sala de Exposiciones, Espacio Didier Daurat, Málaga Airport Departures between T1 and T2.

Seven professional visual artists from three different countries will exhibit their works in an opportunity to gain exposure, to advance their talent and also in support of modern fine art. The Opening Reception welcomes you all on Saturday, January 16 at 14:00 local time.

Among the selected artists who will display their artistic creation are:

Margit Björklund from Sweden captures nature’s beauty and transfers her imagination into canvas by using vibrant colour and mixing it with a twist of humour. In her words, she lets the colours to sing and the composition to workout and it can be best observed from a selection of oil paintings.

Roger Cummiskey from Ireland, however, uses watercolor in his paintings, deriving themes from the writings and wanderings of James Joyce, in which he specializes. He is also known for charcoal drawings, abstract paintings and oil paintings those are of certain individualistic style.

Dolores Cummiskey is another Irish artist to exhibit stunning cross stitch on canvas reflecting many long hours of patient endeavour. While his fellow countryman Philip Magee, a professional photographer living in Malaga, captures the ordinary in an extraordinary fashion.

Among others, the works of Elaine Carlton from UK will showcase images of Andalucía with a textile twist, while another Briton Ian Hunter has his own individualistic sign in those oil paintings.

On the other hand, visitors will surely find oil and watercolour paintings of Richard Wood from UK worth viewing with themes from Andalucía and Venice.

In all cases, each artist, whether it’s panting or photographic style, has his/her own style of creation with a uniqueness coming out from their broad observation and imagination.

Founded in November 2004, the AIA-Group consists of professional and dedicated visual artists from around Europe and USA, who are all living and working in Andalucía.

Gallery Open: Seven days 11:00-14.00 and 17.00-20.00 h.

Further information is available from the Chairman, Roger Cummiskey at 952 592 652 or their web site www.aia-group.net