From AlUla to Cairo: 9 Art Exhibitions and Shows To Check Out Expeditiously

Immerse yourself in art

From Cairo, AlUla, and beyond, art lovers are spoiled for options when it comes to things to do and see this winter. And, while it seems that there are way too many art exhibitions to keep count of, some shows just demand to be seen. From solo retrospectives celebrating the works of revered talents to the world’s first Islamic Arts Biennale, below, some of the art exhibitions and events you don’t want to miss.

Sharjah Biennial

Feb. 7 to June 11

Over 150 artists and collectives from more than 70 countries are taking part in the milestone 15th edition and 30-year anniversary of the Sharjah Biennial, which kicked off yesterday in the emirate. Curated by Sheikha Hoor Al Qasimi, the biennial is taking over 19 venues throughout the city of Sharjah, Al Dhaid, Al Hamriyah, Kalba, and Khor Fakkan with a series of exhibitions and installations.

Divaz of Arabia: Borderland Exhibition

Feb. 9 to 18

 

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Taking place at the iconic Cinema Radio in Downtown Cairo during Cairo Photo Week 2023, the exhibition will showcase works from a number of visual artists including Egyptian photographer Amr Ezzeldinn, Tunisian creative Bachir Tayachi as well as Barcelona-based portraitist Laura Lobos.

FAME: Andy Warhol in AlUla

Feb. 17 to May 16

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Some of the pop icon’s most esteemed artworks are coming to the heart of the Saudi Kingdom, all specifically curated by the director of The Andy Warhol Museum, Patrick Moore, for Maraya, the mirror-cladded arts and cultural venue in the ancient UNESCO Heritage Site as part of the AlUla Arts Festival, which is returning for its second edition this month.

Now and Forever: Lorenzo Quinn solo exhibition

Until Feb. 23

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The leading figure in contemporary figurative sculpture is having a solo show at Dubai’s Leila Heller Gallery, where never-before-seen art works are being exhibited along with some of the Italian sculptor’s past works.

Noor Riyadh: From Spark to Spirit

Until March 10

The largest light festival in the world is illuminating Riyadh with captivating installations across the Kingdom’s capital. The event, which was originally intended to run until Feb. 4 was extended until March 10 at Diriyah’s JAX district, meaning those who haven’t got the chance to check it out should do so now.

THAT Concept store x AP8 Guy Bourdin

Until the first week of March

Courtesy of THAT Concept Store

This special exhibition of Guy Bourdin’s work, a first in the Middle East, includes 17 large format hand-printed and framed photographs by the revered French artist, offering art collectors and fashion lovers the rare opportunity to acquire the artworks exclusively at THAT Concept Store at Dubai’s Mall of the Emirates.

Gut Feelings, Hayv Kahraman

Until March 24

Gender and identity are consistent themes within the works of the Iraqi artist, who is showcasing her new series of works Gut Feelings at the Third Line gallery in Dubai.

Baya: Women in Their Garden

Until March 26

Courtesy of the Institut du Monde Arabe

It’s been over twenty years since Baya Mahieddine left us but her legacy is still very much intact. Celebrating the late icon’s revolutionary work is the Institut du Monde Arabe in Paris, which is showcasing a selection of her drawings, gouache paintings, and sculptures in a comprehensive tribute to her decades-spanning career.

Islamic Arts Biennale: Awwal Bait

Until April 23

The first edition of the Islamic Arts Biennale is currently underway in Jeddah, at the repurposed Western Hajj Terminal at King Abdulaziz International Airport to be more specific, bringing together Islamic art collections from Kuwait, Egypt, Tunisia, Qatar, Oman, Mali, Uzbekistan, and Azerbaijan alongside the works of 18 Saudi artists and art collectives and over 200 artifacts from Saudi institutions.

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