FIVE EXHIBITIONS TO SEE
1. Dance In The Dark
Tehran-based artist Mohammad Bozorgi knows all about war and conflict, and how it has affected the people of the Middle East; so he also knows the importance of hope and beauty in trying times. The accomplished calligrapher presents his first series of silkscreen prints, as well as several new paintings. Through vivid colour and delicate line work, Bozorgi’s Arabic text becomes fluid forms that travel across the canvas. Until August 30
Ayyam Gallery, Alserkal Avenue, Al Quoz, Sun to Thur 10am to 6pm. Tel: (04) 3236242. Taxi: Alserkal. ayyamgallery.com
2. Still In Progress
Lalla Essaydi’s works have adorned the walls of The Louvre in Paris, The Smithsonian Museum Of African Art in Washington, DC, and The British Museum in London, and now, she’ll debut her first solo exhibition in the Middle East. Spanning her major bodies of work from 2003 to 2013, the New YorkMoroccan artist’s finished product comprises painting, calligraphy, interior design, costumes, stage directing and photography. Until August 15
Leila Heller Gallery, Alserkal Avenue, Al Quoz, Dubai, Sun to Thur 10am to 7pm, Sat 11am to 7pm. Tel: (056) 8313520. Taxi: Alserkal Avenue. leilahellergallery.com
3. Plane Maker
Amba Sayal-Bennet is inspired by simple geometric shapes and everyday materials, and their endless compositional possibilities. So, for her latest exhibit, the London-based artist has used drawings and sculptures that resemble architectural plans and blueprints – but don’t make up an actual object. The idea is simple: the viewer interprets the plans as they like, allowing them to shape the art with their own associations. Until September 5
Carbon 12, Alserkal Avenue, Al Quoz, Dubai, Sat to Thur 11.30am to 7pm, free. Tel: (04) 3406016. Taxi: Alserkal. carbon12dubai.com
4. My City-Wall
Well-known Lebanese artist Zena Assi moved to the UK in 2014, and has been channelling inspiration from her journey and home country ever since. Her latest, produced alongside another series entitled Put It In A Tin, reflects the conflicts between refugees and migrants trying to reach a new land. Using mixed media, jagged lines and collage work, Assi draws from the emotional, social and cultural baggage we carry with us from one place to the next. Until July 23
Art Sawa Gallery, DIFC, Dubai, Sat to Thur 10am to 7.30pm, free. Tel: (04) 3862366. Taxi: Gate Village. artsawa.com
5. Occupy: The Window Project
For several months at a time, one lucky artist takes up prime window spot at thejamjar in Alserkal Avenue, and Emirati architect and artist Sultan Al Ramahi currently has top honours. It’s a labour of love for Al Ramahi, who graduated from Washington State University with a degree in Fine Art. When he’s not working at Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council, he focuses on his passion – illustration. His signature style is an illustrative-based look, influenced by pop culture and world issues. Until August 30
The jamjar, Alserkal Avenue, Al Quoz, Dubai, Sat to Thur 10am to 7pm, Fri 2pm to 10pm, free. Tel: (04) 3417303. Taxi: Alserkal Avenue, Al Quoz. thejamjardubai.com