This November, Dubai's Foundry will host Fictional Landscapes, an exciting new exhibition that brings together 28 female artists from around the world, showcasing diverse perspectives across five galleries and three curators. Opening on 9 November and running through 15 December, the exhibition explores landscapes - urban, natural, imagined and artificial - as a mirror for individual and shared experiences.
Curated by Nadine Khalil, Alisa Bagdonaite and Serafima Kostrova, Fictional Landscapes features artists from the UAE, Russia, Iran, Armenia, India, Pakistan, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Indonesia, Iceland, the U.S. and more. These artists use landscapes as a canvas to examine themes of memory, migration, identity and resilience, creating works that challenge boundaries and inspire reflection.
Through a blend of mediums, including textiles, video, painting and performance, the exhibition delves into how environments shape our emotional and mental spaces. It touches on issues like patriarchal violence, political upheaval and social change, while also reimagining relationships with time, place, and personal power.
At its core, Fictional Landscapes uses the female perspective to celebrate beauty, resilience and strength in artistic expression. The female experience is central, presented through vivid works that redefine traditional notions of landscape. Participating artists include renowned names like Anna Afonina, Maryam Ashkanian, Taisia Korotkova, Fatima Uzdenova and UAE-based creators like Sara Masinaei, Olia Breva and Richi Bhatia. Their works highlight a powerful narrative that links womanhood to place, with each piece evoking a profound connection between self and environment.
Fictional Landscapes presents the idea that art has the power to transcend boundaries. Organised by five women-led galleries - Dubai’s Alisa Gallery, Antwerp’s Nadya Kotova Gallery, Russia’s pop/off/art, Armenia’s Sardi Gallery and UAE’s Syntax Gallery - the exhibition aims to foster global dialogue and bridge cultural divides.
Each gallery brings a unique perspective to the exhibition. Alisa Gallery in Dubai promotes ethical, concept-driven exhibitions, while Nadya Kotova Gallery in Belgium connects post-Soviet artists with European audiences, fostering intercultural exchanges. Russia’s pop/off/art gallery highlights the work of Eastern European artists, focusing on deep-rooted historical themes. Armenia’s Sardi Gallery showcases Armenian contemporary art, amplifying the nation’s rich artistic heritage. Syntax Gallery in the UAE engages with post-Soviet art, promoting dialogue on complex socio-political issues.
Beyond its impressive roster, Fictional Landscapes advocates for greater visibility, recognition and equity for women in the art world. By celebrating female artists and their diverse expressions, the exhibition not only showcases their work but also addresses the ongoing challenges faced by women in the contemporary art scene. Learn more
