Five art exhibitions to see in Dubai this month
From the colourful artworks of a Syrian human rights activist, to a Dubai dining hotspot adorned with masterpieces, there’s a lot to love in the art world this February…
1. Splashes
January 16 to February 28
In his first visit to the UAE, Syrian artist Osama Nassar hopes to help others see the silver lining in troubling times through his exhibition Splashes. Drawing on personal experience, and linking his work to his home country, Nassar’s use of strong and contrasting colours are intended to transport the viewer into a world of hope.
Coya Dubai, Four Seasons Resort, Jumeirah Beach Road, Jumeirah 2, Dubai. Tel: (04) 3169600. Taxi: Four Seasons Resort. coyarestaurant.com
2. EMERGEAST
January 17 to March 17
If you can tear your eyes away from your breakfast, look up. The latest offering from the Aspiring Artists Initiative at La Serre Boulangerie is a partnership with online art gallery Emergeast. The project brings together unknown artists from across the Middle East – and their incredible stories – to adorn the walls of the restaurant.
La Serre Boulangerie, Vida Hotel Downtown, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard, daily 6.30am to 11.30pm, free. Tel: (04) 4286969. Metro: Business Bay. laserre.ae
3. New Japan Photo – Issue 3
January 27 to February 27
Work from some of Japan’s best photographers, a taiko drumming performance, and a contemporary dance performance are all on order at CHI-KA gallery this month. New Japan Photo – Issue 3 includes work from recipients of the Japan Photo Award, the largest photography award in Japan.
CHI-KA, Alserkal Avenue H69 | Al Quoz 1, Sat to Thur 11am to 7pm. Tel: (050) 7445911. Taxi: Alserkal Avenue. chikaspace.com
4. Sculptures
January 23 to March 6
An eclectic collection of sculptures made of bronze, stone, wood and glass are on order in Tony Cragg’s first solo exhibition in the UAE. Cragg is one of the world’s best-known contemporary sculptors, and his unique method relies on tacking, layering and heaping different types of materials and everyday objects. The exhibition finishes with glass works made in Murano, Venice.
Leila Heller Gallery, I-87, Alserkal Avenue, Al Quoz 1, Dubai, Sat 11am to 7pm, Sun to Thu 10am to 7pm, Tel: (056) 8313520. Taxi: Alserkal Avenue. leilahellergallery.com
5. Receiving and Collecting
January 9 to February 23
Pioneering conceptual Emirati artist Mohammed Kazem continues his attempts to “capture the un-capturable” in his newest solo exhibition Receiving and Collecting. Initially trained as a musician, Kazem often focuses on “visual sound” in his works, attempting to answer the impossible. His latest artistic questions? What does sound look like, and what does light feel like?
Gallery Isabelle van den Eynde, Street 8, Alserkal Avenue, Unit 17, Al Quoz 1, Dubai, Sat to Thurs 10am to 7pm, free. Tel: (04) 3235052. Taxi: Alserkal Avenue. ivde.net
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