Art Dubai: The Residents

2 min read

Words by Nicola Rafi

Artwork which will be displayed by The Residents

Art Dubai has launched ‘The Residents’ programme, a space dedicated to solo presentations from selected galleries that travel to the region from across the globe. Artists are encouraged to immerse themselves in the local art scene, and to create a piece that merges the region’s surroundings with their own aesthetic and artistic form. 11 solo gallery presentations of mixed media will be available for viewing, after which the galleries will be presented at a unique exhibition between the two contemporary gallery halls. The aim is to inspire and influence each artist during their stay in the UAE. MOJEH recommends that you admire works from Farshad Farzankia, in particular his pink-blushed Atlas #2, Iabadiou Piko’s abstract creation, Figur Sunyi Diantara Riuh, and Zohra Opoku’s, One of me I. The latter uses photography and screen print, which she transfers onto bed sheets and table cloth, which is then dyed with acrylic paint.

“Turkey is going through a period of rapid and unpredictable social, cultural and political change, however this hasn’t reduced the power and quality of the local art scene,” says Jennifer Ipekel, the Turkish artist showcasing for the first time at Art Dubai. Based in Istanbul, her paintings offer a “riotous narrative” where notions of power, gender and colour are reimagined. “My aim is to show the ever-changing womanhood, purifying her from materialism and hereby revealing the intellectual power,” she says. Materialism and consumerism are also exposed in great lengths.

Kristina Alisauskaite’s initial visit to Art Dubai in 2015 left an “unforgettable impression”. This year, the artist returns with the only gallery from Lithuania. For Kristina, painting is a way of rendering the dominant state of feelings through which she creates a mystical reality. “I probe into everyday life experiences, differences between reality and fantasy, an experienced situation, or an image seen in a dream.” Intricate details reveal the presence of a person, even if not overtly portrayed, while inspiration stems from her surroundings, emotional state and everything in between.