September is here, heralding a season of captivating art exhibitions spanning from Morocco to Qatar. From an in-depth exploration of Egyptian cinema’s visual history to a celebration of Yves Saint Laurent’s legendary Jardin Majorelle in Marrakech, this month offers various artistic experiences worth checking out. Whether you’re a cinephile or a nature enthusiast, there’s something this September to inspire every art lover.
“Solace in Soil” at Efie Gallery, Dubai
Running until Oct. 6, “Solace in Soil” explores the connection between artists and their chosen mediums, featuring works by Maggie Otieno from Nairobi and Dr. Mohamed Yousif from Sharjah. Despite their different cultural and geographical backgrounds, both artists explore themes of earth and materiality in ways that transcend traditional expressions. Otieno’s sculptures, crafted from historical and distressed materials like 150-year-old railway sleepers, tell stories of the land’s past, while Dr. Yousif’s creations, made from organic materials found in his surroundings, evoke movement and cultural narratives deeply rooted in his environment. Together, their works create a dialogue that bridges time, place, and memory, offering a unique perspective on solace through the relationship between creator, creation, and environment.
“Affichat w Aflam: Egyptian Cinema (1930s – 2010s)” at Bibliothek, Cairo
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Running until Sep. 24, this exhibition showcases a selection from Egyptian actor Pierre Sioufi’s private collection, featuring over 10,000 posters, lobby cards, and various cinema collectibles spanning from 1932 to 2017. Sioufi’s passion for collecting cinema memorabilia is evident in this diverse collection, reflecting the evolution of Egyptian cinema over more than a century. The exhibition sheds light on the visual language and aesthetics that have developed in Egyptian cinema throughout its long history, mirroring the political, social, and cultural changes that have shaped the nation since the early 20th century.
“Jardin Majorelle: Who Are We?” at the Musée Yves Saint Laurent Marrakech in Marrakech
The Musée Yves Saint Laurent in Marrakech unveiled “Jardin Majorelle: Who Are We?”—a special exhibition celebrating the 100th anniversary of the iconic Jardin Majorelle– on July 29. Created by French Orientalist painter Jacques Majorelle in 1924, the garden has since become a cultural landmark in Morocco. This exhibition takes visitors on a journey through the garden’s history, from its origins in Marrakech’s Palmeraie to its public opening in 1947, and its eventual acquisition by Yves Saint Laurent and Pierre Bergé in 1980.
Curated by Alexis Sornin, with support from Madison Cox and the Jardin Majorelle team, the exhibition offers an in-depth look at this beautiful garden and its enduring significance. Running until Feb. 2, 2025, “Jardin Majorelle: Who Are We?” is a must-see for anyone visiting Marrakech.
“In the Footsteps of Ara Güler: Exploring the Photographer’s Legacy” at the Museum of Islamic Art in Doha
Running until Nov. 9, “In the Footsteps of Ara Güler” is an immersive exhibition that delves into the life and legacy of renowned Armenian-Turkish photojournalist, Ara Güler. A collaboration between the Ara Güler Museum in Istanbul and Qatar Museums, this exhibition offers a comprehensive look at Güler’s illustrious career, which spanned more than seven decades.
Güler, often referred to as the “Eye of Istanbul,” captured the essence of the city through his thought-provoking and intimate photographs. His images immortalize Istanbul’s people, historical landmarks, and cultural spirit. The exhibition is thoughtfully curated, beginning with “Eternal Tapestry,“ which explores the depth of Güler’s work, followed by “Echoes from the Past,” highlighting his archaeological discoveries across Turkey. It also includes a segment dedicated to his portraits of notable figures, culminating in a showcase of iconic pieces from the Ara Güler Archives and Research Center and Qatar Museums’ General Collection. The exhibition concludes with a screening of Hero’s End, a film directed, written, and produced by Güler.
“In Your Dreams” at Bayt Al Mamzar in Dubai
The thought-provoking group exhibition at Bayt Al Mamzar Gallery in Dubai is running until October. Curated by Yalda Bidshahari, this exhibition showcases the works of seven Iranian artists, blending traditional Iranian culture with bold, imaginative explorations of identity and gender in the context of Iran’s recent struggles, particularly those faced by women. From photographs subtly reflecting the harsh realities of suppression to innovative textile pieces that challenge and blur gender norms, this showcase pushes boundaries and opens up important dialogues.
