By Art Highlights of November
Found in Translation: Steven Naifeh
Art Booth Gallery, Abu Dhabi
November 8, 2024 to December 8, 2024
Acclaimed author and artist Steven Naifeh returns to the UAE with his solo exhibition after almost 50 years. His last ground-breaking show was held in 1975 in Abu Dhabi. Representing geometric art from the Middle East and from other parts of the world, Naifeh’s art takes cues from Islamic and Arab geometric art patterns. The artist’s works are included in several museums and public collections world over. He is most known for his books on Van Gogh and Jackson Pollock.
Alserkal Art Week
Alserkal Avenue, Dubai
November 17, 2024 to November 25, 2024
Cantered around the theme, Acts of Presence, the AlSerkal Art Week returns with a week-long program including exhibitions at more than 15 galleries, screenings, performances, open studios, workshops and artworks. Check out Made Present: Research Exhibition curated by Faris Shomali and Zaina Zarour, public art walks with Zoe Whitley, Palestinian artist Dima Srouji’s This is not Your Grave, a multipart installation, Roof/Structures by Vikram Divecha, majlis talks and gallery exhibitions.
Yellow Tropics: Adel El Siwi
Tabari Artspace, DIFC, Dubai
November 15, 2024 to January 6, 2025
Egyptian artist Adel El Siwi’s first exhibition in over a decade, Yellow Tropics, brings on canvas elements of his Egyptian and African heritage. A collection of recent and archival works, the exhibition presents philosophical musings around identity and culture. Monumental human figures and elongated faces are central to El Siwi’s art. The title of the exhibition hints at his desire to reclaim an element of his identity, not solely as an Egyptian but as an African and as being one of the continent. It is not simply Egypt’s Islamic and Mediterranean history and culture that form his country’s identity, but according to El Siwi, a longer and earlier one at that.
Daybirth: Farah Soltani
Bayt Al Mamzar, Dubai
November 9, 2024 to December 7, 2024
Iranian artist, Farah Soltani’s paintings in the series Daybirth are inspired by her observations of nature and its resilience and renewal in times of adversity. During a recent creative interval in her own life, the artist sought refuge in nature. Long walks along mountains and rivers were a source of comfort for her and led to the birth conception of the Daybirth series. The exhibition is curated by Adele Bea Cipste.
An African Story
Andakulova Gallery, Damac Park Towers, Dubai
November 29th to December 13, 2024
Unveiling a multifaceted perspective of African culture and identity, the exhibition brings together works of well-known African artists. Explore Keith Zenda’s evocative depictions of heritage and community, Tonderai Mujuru’s breath-taking, wildlife scenes, Barry Lungu’s rich expressions of daily life and Sampson Kuvenguwa’s stone sculptures.
The Art be a Part Gala
Baoli, Dubai
Held on November 6, 2024
An art auction and fundraising gala was held in support of Dubai Cares and UNICEF India under the platform, Art be a Part, on November 06, 2024. Founded by Medha Nanda, Art be a Part, channels the transformative power of art to contribute to humanitarian causes, this time for the education and welfare of children with special needs. Partnering with Ellington Properties, the event was hosted at Baoli, Dubai. The gala featured a live auction of works of artist Domingo Zapata, Rocco Ritchie, Maryam Sharaf Alhashmi, Lorenzo Quinn, Paresh Maity, Lorenzo Agius and Andrew Wallace.