Between exploring the hidden meanings behind colours of kimono, and taking in a plethora of art world superstars as a Dubai art gallery celebrates their first anniversary, there’s plenty of reasons to get artsy this month…

1. Black, White

Until May 31

A stellar lineup of art world heavyweights will cram a selection of works into Custot Gallery this month to celebrate the space’s first anniversary. European and American artists such as Fernando Botero, Nick Brandt, Ian Davenport, Tony Cragg and Pablo Reinoso will display their paintings, sculptures and photographs exploring the use of black and white.

Custot Gallery, Street 6A, Alserkal Avenue, Dubai, Sat to Thur 10am to 7pm, free. Tel: (04) 04 3468148. Taxi: Alserkal Avenue. custotgallerydubai.ae

2. The Impact of Tangency

Until April 14

Iranian artists and long-time friends Nastaran Safaei and Farnaz Rabieijah were experiencing a time of change and uncertainty when they channeled personal experience into their latest artistic offering. The exhibit takes inspiration from the most fleeting of directional shifts, and explores print rather than sculpture, a departure for both artists, using body parts and botanical objects to create shapes on paper.

The Mine, Warehouse 38, Al Quoz 1, Alserkal Avenue, Dubai, Sunt to Thur 10am to 7pm, free. Tel: (04) 3791704. Taxi: The Mine. themine.ae

3. Sagar

 Until May 13

Natural bodies of water and their symbolism of the ebb and flow of life are explored in Lala Rukh’s latest offering. The Pakistani artist and feminist activist likens water to the passing of time and the ability to feel both stillness and chaos, in a series of photos and illustrations from Sri Lanka, Nepal and Burma, that are true to her minimalist style.

Grey Noise Gallery, Al Quoz 1, Alserkal Avenue, Dubai, Mon to Thur, and Sat, 11am to 7pm, free. Tel: (04) 3790764. Taxi: Alserkal Avenue. greynoise.org

4. Inside the Fire Circle

Until April 27

Morroccan artist Mounir Fatmi’s latest Dubai exhibit is heavy with meaning and symbolism. In this offering, he uses circles and exclusive images of John Howard – a white man who took treatments to darken his skin – to question and make statements on convention, history, repetition and deconstruction.

Lawrie Shabibi, Al Quoz 1, Alserkal Avenue, Dubai, Sun to Thur 10am to 6.30pm, free. Tel: (04) 3469906. Taxi: Alserkal Avenue. lawrieshabibi.com

5. Colour Code #Kimono

Until April 13

Did you know purple is a metaphor for undying love, when used in a Japanese kimono, because the plant used to create the dye has very long roots? The traditional garment is under the spotlight this month, as CHI-KA examines the Japanese people’s collection of traditional colours, known as dentouiro, and their use in textiles such as the kimono.

CHI-KA, Alserkal Avenue H69 | Al Quoz 1, Sat to Thu 11am to 7pm, Tel: (50) 7445911. Taxi: Alserkal Avenue. chikaspace.com

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