From a green gallery to a colourful pop-up, this month the UAE’s cultural scene is buzzing with art exhibitions not to be missed
THE POP-UP: Unfamiliar Faces by Dina Hafez, Kulture House Born and raised in Cairo, Dina Hafez is a self-taught contemporary artist known for colourful mixed media pieces inspired by Egyptian culture. Her latest work, Unfamiliar Faces, plays with the ancient art of beadwork to create intricate portraits of Egyptian women. Hafez seeks to modernise a craft that has passed through the centuries, by layering vintage photographs and graphic design with the bead embroidery. The result is an exploration of heritage and identity through a vibrant palette and form. The Unfamiliar Faces pop-up exhibition will be at Kulture House from November 4 to 30; +971 4 399 1790
THE THOUGHT-PROVOKER: The Journey at Abu Dhabi Art, Manarat Al Saadiyat Presented in a 3D booth, designed to reflect life in a refugee camp, the exhibition will present framed tapestries, figurines and a special book all featuring Tatreez artwork (Palestinian embroidery). The display will be in collaboration between 81 Designs (a platform showcasing refugee women artisans) and French-Tunisian artist eL Seed, who painted seven murals inside Ain El-Hilweh camp in South Lebanon. These murals have been recreated into canvas form and showcased in the book which documents the lives of refugees in the camp. A symbolic tribute to the Year of Tolerance, The Journey reveals a poignant insight into displaced communities. From November 20 to 23 at Abu Dhabi Art Fair, Booth CP02, Manarat Al Saadiyat; Abudhabiart.ae
THE FAMOUS FACES: Julian Castoldi, Coya Abu Dhabi The latest exhibit to arrive at Peruvian restaurant Coya, will be a series of iconic faces as you’ve never seen them before. Created by British artist Julian Castaldi, the artwork features famed portraits of figures such as Karl Lagerfeld, Coco Chanel and Robert De Niro using different techniques and materials such as gold-leaf, acrylic, enamel, plaster and graffiti. Whilst you enjoy Coya’s Latin American atmosphere and dip into a fusion of food, gaze at Castaldi’s popular faces painted in a new light. Launching on November 19 at Coya Abu Dhabi; +971 2 306 7000
THE SUSTAINABLE SHOW: Conscious Consumption, Tashkeel The Conscious Consumption exhibition highlights how the UAE’s creative community is using sustainable practices in their work. The display features 12 regional designers who integrate or adapt organic and recycled materials to create new forms. The UAE is well known for its high energy, water and plastic consumption, but this gallery presentation shows an alternative side to the country with innovative designs, art and prototypes that focus on protecting the planet. From November 6 to December 1 at Tashkeel, Nad Al Sheba 1; Tashkeel.org
THE ABSTRACT ART: Treasure Trove Art Show, The Edit Treasure Trove (a marketplace for curated forms of art) will showcase its latest collection of bold abstract creations at The Edit. Launched by Omar Ul Haq, Treasure Trove was built to encourage borderless creativity by connecting artists from different regions via the platform. The upcoming exhibit will feature artists such as Qamar Siddiqui, David Gomez, Changez Sultan and Tanya Shah. From November 9 to 10 at The Edit Dubai, Villa 966, Al Wasl Road; +971 4 332 0324
