Consider this your monthly nudge to immerse yourself in the captivating world of art. Whether you’re drawn to contemporary African art in Dubai, fascinated by retrospectives of avant-garde movements, or intrigued by the exploration of cacti in Marrakesh, there’s a wealth of artistic experiences awaiting to be discovered in the region. Below, we’ve compiled a curated list of exhibitions that promise to inspire, provoke thought, and perhaps even ignite your own creative spark.
Elastic Visions at Efie Gallery, Dubai
Running until May 27 at the Efiɛ Gallery in Dubai is “Elastic Visions,” a contemporary art exhibition curated by Faridah Folawiyo. This showcase presents the innovative works of nine African and diaspora artists. Contrary to stereotypes, the artworks exhibited challenge notions of “primitivism” or “backwardness,” instead highlighting the dynamic and forward-thinking nature of the African experience. From photography to paintings and sculptures, each piece narrates intimate stories of identity, change, freedom, and hope. This exhibition not only celebrates art but also marks a significant step towards decolonial self-determination where the artists are taking control over their own narratives, offering visitors a unique decolonial experience.
Cactus at Musée Yves Saint Laurent, Marrakesh
Lala Rukh: In the Round, Sharjah
“Lala Rukh: In the Round” offers a comprehensive survey of the work of artist, activist, and pedagogue Lala Rukh (1948-2017). Curated by Hoor Al Qasimi and Natasha Ginwala, this exhibition, taking place at the Sharjah Art Foundation, reflects on three decades of Rukh’s drawing, printmaking, photography, and video art. Through her minimalist compositions, the late artist captures the essence of political turmoil and feminist movements in Pakistan. This exhibition, featuring rarely seen works and archival materials, showcases Rukh’s artistic defiance and her profound exploration of time, identity, and societal change.
In the Eyes of Our Present, We Hear Palestine, Sharjah
Presented in consideration of the ongoing genocide in Gaza, “In the Eyes of Our Present, We Hear Palestine” is a special exhibition that celebrates the creativity and resilience of Palestinian artists. Situated in the Old Al Dhaid Clinic and Arts Palace in Al Dhaid, the exhibition features over 60 artworks from Palestine and its neighboring countries. Through paintings, sculptures, installations, and videos, the showcase offers a poignant reflection on the Palestinian experience, inviting viewers to engage with the complexities of history, identity, and human rights.
The Casablanca Art School: Platforms and Patterns for a Postcolonial Avant-Garde (1962–1987), Sharjah
“The Casablanca Art School” explores the revolutionary artistic movement that emerged in Morocco following independence in 1956. Organized by key artists and teachers of the Casablanca Group, this exhibition showcases vibrant abstract paintings, urban murals, crafts, typography, and design. Through a blend of archival materials and contemporary artworks, the exhibition illuminates the cultural upheaval and creative energy that shaped postcolonial Morocco, highlighting the enduring legacy of the Casablanca Art School in the region.
Diriyah Art Biennale, Riyadh
Running until May 24, the biennale, which launched in 2022, features works by artists hailing from the Kingdom and beyond. Titled “After Rain”, this year’s art spectacle delves deep into the intricate interplay between humanity and nature, with over 177 artworks showcased across six expansive halls and outdoor spaces spanning 12,900 square meters. From thought-provoking sculptures to immersive multimedia experiences, each piece “synchronizes with the great renaissance and the civilizational and developmental transformation that the Kingdom is experiencing, especially in the arts sector,” as The Diriyah Biennale Foundation’s CEO Aya Al-Bakree puts it.
