As the UAE’s art scene comes back to life, MOJEH highlights the exhibitions to pencil into your diary this October. From colour-popping paintings created in isolation to emotive works by Lebanese artists
Recesses by Chafa Ghaddar
Tashkeel Gallery’s autumn programme begins with Chafa Ghaddar’s first solo exhibition in the UAE. Showcasing the Lebanese artist’s year-long experimentation with touch, colour and texture, the exhibitis inspired by the ancient mural-making technique of fresco. “In Recesses, I explore the paradox of a medium that can be timeless and vulnerable, combining it with other techniques to process the idea of fragmentation,” says Ghaddar. Until 25 October; Tashkeel.org
Memory Drum By Mohamed Ahmed Ibrahim
Recognised for his geometric motifs and avant-garde works, Emirati artist Mohamed Ahmed Ibrahim was an influential member of the UAE’s 1980s contemporary art movement. For his latest exhibition, staged at the Lawrie Shabibi art gallery in Alserkal Avenue, the homegrown talent reveals a new series of vivid paintings and sculptures that reflect Ibrahim’s time in lockdown (in his home of Khor Fakkan) and journey into his innate knowledge. Until 12 November; Alserkalavenue.ae
Toys and Trophies: From Zeus’ Pandora to Barbie Doll by Tagreed Darghouth
Presented at Tabari Artspace, Lebanese painter Tagreed Darghouth’s latest exhibition features selected works that were completed during the aftermath of the Beirut explosionwhich destroyed Darghouth’s studio. Working with acrylic on canvas, the artist translates hergrief into pieces that explore the socially constructed reality of feminine beauty, drawing influence from how gender is viewed in Greek mythology, on social media and via the contemporary Barbie. Opening on 20 October; Tabariartspace.com
I Have So Much To Tell You by Rashid Al Mulla
Dubai-based, Peruvian restaurant, Coya, continues to support emerging creatives in the region with its latest solo exhibition dedicated to Emirati artist Rashid Al Mulla. Showcasing a series of emotive acrylic paintings on canvas, the artist reveals: “I wanted to project my unique take on illustrating human emotion and the power of facial expressions. The illustrations I have devised incorporate a myriad of vivid colouring and free-flowing lines that help to draw the viewer into the moment.” From October 10 until the end of the year; Coyarestaurant.com/dubai
Kai at Opera Gallery Dubai
Los Angeles-born artist Kai uses an expansive array of mediumsto convey social and political messages that capture thefrenzy of urban life. Juxtaposing his social commentary withbright colour-blocking and a playful street-style aesthetic, Kai uses his signature character ‘IF’ (Imaginary Friend) to break stereotypes and cultural divides and reflect topicssuch as pollution and consumerism. Kai’s work is currently on display at Opera Gallery Dubai in DIFC. Operagallery.com
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