Exhibitions, workshops and more, there’s plenty to keep culture vultures busy in Dubai…

1. Under at The Yard

As part of Dubai Art Week, Alserkal Programming has commissioned Istanbul-based artist Hale Tenger to create a public art installation, curated by Mari Spirito. Under takes the form of a temporary room inside which a tree stands hung with netting. It is inspired by the story of a hunting tradition that used nets to condition the birds to fly low in the sky to make them easier to shoot. In her installation, Tenger is asking: “If birds can forget to fly high, what have we forgotten?”

The Yard, Alserkal Avenue, Al Quoz, Dubai. From March 19, daily 10am to 10pm. Tel: (050) 556 9797. More info on website.

2. For the Love of Words

Some of the top names in contemporary poetry from the UAE take to the stage, such as Nujoom Al Ghanem, a well-known artist and filmmaker, and Afra Atiq, a performer with punch and dynamism. They perform alongside leading poets from the UK such as Roger McGough, a BBC Radio presenter, and Carol Ann Duffy, Britain’s former poet laureate.

Dubai Opera, Downtown Dubai. March 6, 8pm to 10pm, Dhs75. Tel: (04) 440 8888. More info on website.

3. Diego Velazquez: The Power of Paint

Art historian and lecturer Rose Balston gives regular talks at the XVA Gallery on the subject of historically important icons of the western art world. This particular talk focuses on Velazquez, who revolutionised the art of the Spanish court in the 17th century and is part of an ongoing series about the Baroque period.

XVA Gallery, Al Fahidi Neighbourhood, Bur Dubai, March 14, 10am to 12.30pm. Tel: (04) 353 5383. More info on website. 

4. Geometric Jewellery

British designer Fay McCaul has spent the past four months in Dubai at Tashkeel art studio hub completing an artist residency. She specialises in using unconventional material and techniques to make art and jewellery pieces and is particularly interested in reflective foil. For this workshop, each participant will design their own patterns using pre-cut shapes as well as being encouraged to experiment with heat bonding processes.

Tashkeel, Nad Al Sheba, Dubai. March 6, 10am to 1pm, Dhs400. Tel: (04) 336 3313. More info on website. 

5. #stealingsadness

Stealing Sadness is the second solo exhibition in Dubai by Syrian artist Majd Kurdieh. His whimsical, cartoon-like paintings that feature fictional characters, from what the artist calls The Very Scary Butterfly Gang, appear frivolous, fun and cute. However, they are deeply poetic, satirical and carry strong, intelligent and sometimes political messages about the impacts of war and conflict across the region.

The Workshop, 23B Street, off Al Wasl Road, Dubai. March 13 to April 12, Sat to Thurs 10am to 8pm. Tel: (04) 341 2595. More info on website. 

6. Art & Jewellery

Many of the greatest artists and designers of the recent past have turned their thoughts and talent to jewellery. This exhibition celebrates that with a selection of unique pieces and limited editions in gold, silver and jewelled works from hugely famous artists such as Pablo Picasso, Jeff Koons, Mare Quinn and Alexander Calder. With paintings, sculptures and works on paper presented in dialogue with the jewellery, the exhibition highlights how accents of the artworks can be found in the wearable works.

Custot Gallery, Alserkal Avenue, Al Quoz, Dubai. March 19 to June 2, Sat to Thurs 10am to 7pm. Tel: (04) 346 8148. More info on website.

– For more about Dubai straight to your newsfeed, follow us on Facebook

Images: Supplied

Words: Anna Seaman.
Anna is an arts and culture specialist in the UAE, and a regular contributor to What’s On. Find out more at annaseaman.com