Culturally speaking, our region is undeniably one of the richest in the world. From music and cinema to architecture and art, the Arab World does not have to shy in front of any other geographical space around the planet, given the abundance of creative genius that has emanated out of the Middle East and North Africa throughout history.
If the region used to shine in the past, many are claiming that those glory days are finally back upon us with a slew of homegrown artists carrying the heavy legacy of previous generations on their shoulders whilst adding their own distinctive touch to it. Don’t believe us? How about discovering it for yourself as we’re half way through 2022, which means that the cultural season is on the horizon. We did the homework for you and compiled a comprehensive list of cultural events coming up that you need to dedicate an afternoon to. Below, the exhibitions in the region worth clearing your day planner for.
Three Major Exhibitions at Louvre Abu Dhabi
The Louvre Abu Dhabi has just announced the programming of its 2022-2023 season ahead of its fifth anniversary this November. Visitors can look forward to three significant exhibition openings, including Impressionism: Pathways to Modernity, running from October 12, 2022 to February 2023; Louvre Abu Dhabi Art Here 2022 and the Richard Mille Art Prize, kicking off on November 2022 until February 2023; and Bollywood Superstars, taking place from January 5, 2023 to June 4, 2023.
Forever Is Now
Nearly a year after Art D’Égypte’s debut at one of the world’s seven wonders, the world-renowned art collective is heading back to the Great Pyramids of Giza for a second dazzling exhibition of Forever Is Now. Inviting 11 artists, including Tunisian-French contemporary artist eL Seed, French photographer JR, and Egyptian sculptor Ahmed Karaly, the privileged cohort of creatives, will, similarly to last time’s iteration of the event, use the mighty monuments as their own personal playground from October 27 to November 30, 2022.
Marrakech 2022 Photography Meetings
Since its debut in 2016, the Marrakech Photography Meetings has become the ultimate platform for hundreds of emerging contemporary creatives to showcase their work and talent behind the camera. Kicking off from October 17 to 23, 2022, the free-of-charge event is one to not miss if ever around the Red City.
Daydreams by Fahd Burki
Dubai’s Jameel Arts Centre is currently playing host to Fahd Burki’s first major solo exhibition. Running until October 9, 2022, the exhibition will display some of the Pakistani native’s painted and sculpted works conceived over the last decade and a half. The showcase plays with symbolism and symmetry to narrate a unique visual practice and experience for visitors to wander through while enjoying Burki’s compelling artistic voice and vision.
Your Brain to Me, My Brain to You
Curated by Scottish author Tom Eccles and Art specialist Bouthayna Baltaji, Pipilotti Rist’s newest installation invites visitors to embark on a journey of self-discovery through a multisensorial experience, notably through 12,000 LED lights hung on cables all throughout the gallery for visitors to navigate across. Taking place at the heart of Qatar’s capital Doha, the exhibit is expected to run up to early January 2023.
