From the first-ever Etel Adnan retrospective in Saudi Arabia to Islamic art and design, MILLE rounds up the 6 unmissable exhibitions to check out this winter.
Etel Adnan, Between East and West
The King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra) in Dhahran is playing host to the exhibition “Etel Adnan, Between East and West,” from Feb. 1 to June 30, 2024. This groundbreaking showcase marks the inaugural retrospective exhibition in Saudi Arabia dedicated to the remarkable works of Lebanese-American poet, artist, and philosopher, Etel Adnan. Curated by Dr. Sébastien Delot, former Director of LaM (Lille Métropole Musée d’art moderne, d’art contemporain et d’art brut), the exhibition will trace the captivating creative evolution of Adnan’s incredibly diverse career across various periods and artistic mediums.
Featuring loans from prestigious international institutions such as Sharjah Art Foundation, Sfeir-Semler Gallery, Sursock Museum, and contributions from private collectors, Ithra’s “Etel Adnan, Between East and West” offers a comprehensive exploration of Adnan’s multifaceted artistic journey. The exhibition delves into the profound connections she shares with the Arab world, its culture, and language, highlighting how she skillfully merged her creativity to seamlessly intertwine her eastern and western cultural influences.
Desert X AlUla 2024
The 2024 AlUla Arts Festival is set to come alive with the mesmerizing return of Desert X AlUla, marking its third edition from Feb. 9 to March 23, 2024. As a key highlight of the festival, this site-responsive exhibition situated in locations within the Wadi AlFann desert, Harrat Uwayrid, and AlManshiyah Railway Station brings together visionary contemporary artworks by both Saudi and international artists, transforming the extraordinary desert landscape of AlUla into a canvas for creative exploration. Artistic directors Raneem Farsi and Neville Wakefield, along with curators Maya El Khalil and Marcello Dantas, will steer the exhibition, coming together to curate an exhibition that not only showcases the beauty of the desert but also delves into the profound themes of presence and absence.
Themed “In the Presence of Absence,” Desert X AlUla 2024 challenges the perception of deserts as spaces of emptiness, urging us to reconsider these landscapes as dynamic, full of life, and rich in untold stories. Artists participating in the exhibition have been invited to explore the concept of the unseen and the inexpressible, prompting them to engage with the imperceptible forces and atmospheres of time, wind, light, and the historical as well as mythical.
A collaboration between Desert X and the Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU), the exhibition is a testament to Saudi Arabia’s commitment to fostering new cultural dialogue through art. As the first site-responsive exhibition of its kind in the country, Desert X AlUla transcends traditional artistic boundaries, creating a platform for exchange between artists, curators, and both international and local communities. It builds on the legacy of Desert X in California’s Coachella Valley, drawing on principles of land art to offer a profound opportunity for audiences to experience art in harmony with the natural world.
Crystal Clearكريستال كلير
Bayt AlMamzar is set to host a transformative art experience from Feb. 3 to March 16 with the debut exhibition from studio salasil— “Crystal Clear.” This group exhibition, curated by Sara bin Safwan and Zainab Hasoon, invites art enthusiasts into a multidimensional journey featuring a diverse range of works by prominent artists such as Mohammad Al Faraj, Ghad AlMajid, Dima Srouji, Ali Eyal, and more. A convergence of old and newly commissioned works spanning various mediums, including video, digital and sound installations, paintings, sculptures, poetry, and works on paper, visitors can immerse themselves in the creative realms brought to life by the participating artists, each contributing their unique perspective to the collective narrative. According to the curator statement, the group show prompts viewers to reflect on essential questions surrounding how we envision an alternate future through our memories, fantasies, and delusions. The future tense, as described, becomes a vessel through which we express our expectations, intentions, and prophecies about what lies ahead.
The curatorial approach seeks to disrupt preconceived notions and tensions by encouraging artists to experiment and explore collective social contexts and visions on their own terms and aesthetics. The selected works are presented as valuable archival material for the future, serving as evidence of our present and an epilogue to our history. By connecting and engaging with these archives, the exhibition aims to foreground the contradictory ways and categories that often divide us, opening up possibilities for alternative perspectives.
Cartier, Islamic Inspiration and Modern Design
Following successful presentations in Paris and Dallas, “Cartier, Islamic Inspiration and Modern Design” is now open until March 24, 2024 at the Louvre Abu Dhabi, offering visitors a unique opportunity to explore the luxury jewelry house’s creations inspired by Islamic art. The roots of this artistic journey date back to the early 20th century when Louis Cartier, the grandson of the Maison’s founder, became captivated by the allure of Islamic art. Amassing a significant collection of art and books, he played a pivotal role in shaping a modern aesthetic within Cartier’s creations as early as 1904. This passion for Islamic art became a cornerstone of Cartier’s design philosophy, influencing the brand’s evolution through the decades. In a quest for inspiration and connection, Jacques Cartier, in 1912, embarked on a journey to India to strengthen ties with maharajas and ventured to the Arabian Gulf in search of extraordinary pearls. This expedition marked a pivotal moment in Cartier’s history, as the intricate geometric and abstract patterns, along with vibrant colors observed in Islamic designs, left an indelible mark on the Maison’s DNA.
Now, for the first time in the region, the exhibition showcases over 400 exquisite objects connecting Islamic art and Cartier’s iconic designs. Among the treasures on display are masterpieces of Islamic art, jewelry, precious objects, miniatures, textiles, and archival documents. The collection draws from the Louvre Abu Dhabi collections, Cartier Collection and Archives, as well as institutional and private collections, offering a comprehensive view of Cartier’s enduring relationship with Islamic inspiration.
Mawrid: Celebrating Inspired Design
This month, Design Space AlUla, a permanent gallery space located in AlUla’s AlJadidah Arts District, will open with with its inaugural exhibition— “Mawrid: Celebrating Inspired Design.” Running from Feb. 15 to June 1, 2024, the exhibition aims to showcase the design thinking process behind 10 recent AlUla-inspired creations spanning design, architecture, and urban planning. Among the highlights is Giò Forma Studio/Black Engineering’s Maraya, a 9,740m² mirror-clad venue that seamlessly blends with the awe-inspiring surroundings, echoing the natural textures and colors of AlUla. The exhibition also delves into the renovation plans for Madrasat Addeera, AlUla’s first arts and design center, undertaken by UK-based Hopkins Architects.
The exhibition also features outstanding contributions from finalists of the second edition of the AlUla Design Award, including Imane Mellah, Teeb, Sara Kanoo, and Shaddah Studio. Representing the first edition of the AlUla Design Residency, the exhibition introduces the work of five design practices: Bahraini-Danish from Bahrain and Denmark, Hall Haus from France, Studio Leo Orta from France, Studio Raw Material from India, and Leen Ajlan from Saudi Arabia.
MENA Art Now: Exploring Tomorrow’s Visionaries
On the global stage, Arab artists are gaining heightened recognition, solidifying their transformative impact on the international art scene. “MENA Art Now” serves as a testament to this thriving community, leaving an indelible mark and etching its legacy into the annals of contemporary art history. Getting underway at the Khawla Art Gallery in Dubai’s Design District, this unique exhibition spotlights the diverse expressions of Arab artists who bring a breath of fresh air to the contemporary art scene, shaping the evolving concepts that redefine today’s art market. Running until March 10, the exhibition showcases both established and emerging voices representing various art movements, including Charles Khoury, Hakim Al Akeel, and Louma Rabah.
