Get Your Art Fix at These Exhibitions This Winter

And take a stab at becoming an art collector along the way

After almost two years of cancellations and postponements, the art world is looking to be back on its feet once again. If we’re honest, we couldn’t be happier to finally be able to get our art fix once again. So much so, we’re dabbling with the idea of becoming a collector.

We know, that sounds intimidating. But as it turns out, the only perquisite to doing so is having an appreciation for art. If you’re looking to start your journey alongside us—we’re here to help. The first step? Knowing what you like.

Visiting exhibitions is one way to explore your taste (we’ve got you covered on that front with a roundup of some of the region’s best ongoing shows). But if you’re not able to make it in person, a visit to Italian retailer YOOX will do the trick. Beyond their vast designer collections, the retailer is a hot spot for showcasing – and selling—the work of some of the world’s most renowned artists. Don’t worry, there are always options that won’t break the bank.

Most recently, YOOX collaborated with NYC-based creatives Brandon Blackwood, Reginald Syvester II and Tshabalala Self for a collection entitled ‘Our House’. The artists got together to collaborate and create pieces that could very well mark anyone’s foray into the world of collecting. From Blackwood’s Kuei Bag, with a Tshabalala Self designed pattern to Sylvester’s Candle Vessel, that’s a good place to start.

To kick off your art collector journey, we’re giving you a peek into the ‘Our House’ collection, as well as a few exhibitions happening all over the region for you to explore.

Mohamed Chabaa: Visual Consciousness – Abu Dhabi

If you’re not familiar with Mohamed Chabaa’s work, now is your chance to get to know his work. Abu Dhabi’s Cultural Foundation is hosting a retrospective for the pioneering Moroccan artist. The exhibit trails the artist’s career from 1957 to 2012, which are all associated with the Casablanca Art School—an institution that also included the iconic Mohammed Melehi.

Misk Art Week – Riyadh

Held by Misk Art Institute, Misk Art Week is where you need to be this December. The five-day long art festival, known for empowering local art, putting particular focus on Saudi artists is back for another iteration.

Illuminate: a Noor Riyadh Capsule – Riyadh

As part of Art Jameel’s Hayy Jameel, the exhibition features major light works by 11 Saudi artists who have contributed to building the nation’s art scene. The exhibition will see the works of Ahmed Angawi, Dana Awartani, Ayman Daydban, Manal AlDowayan, Sultan bin Fahad, Ahmed Mater, Maha Malluh, Marwah Al Mugait, Nasser Al Salem, Rashed Al Shashai and Saeed Gamhawi.

Forever Is Now – Cairo

This is inarguably one of Egypt’s biggest exhibitions to date: the first of its kind at the Giza Pyramids in 4500 years. Held by Art D’Egypte, Forever is Now invites both international and local artists to display their work at the world wonder, including French artist JR, Brazilian artist Joao Trevisan, Egyptian artists Moataz Nasr and Sherin Guirguis among others.

Tempus Fugit – Marrakech

If you’ve yet to visit the renowned MACAAL, it’s about time to do just that. The Marrakech-based museum is hosting Tempus Fugit, a group exhibitions that brings together eight Moroccan photographers who documented their world during lockdown. The show is comprised of 50 prints, each representing the movements of day-to-day life as the world was confined.

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