Although we're well into the new year, there's still time to catch the final days of some of the best exhibitions from the previous season.
From a solo show influenced by ancient storytelling techniques that combine elements of pop culture to a look at colour in a new way and a celebration of the work of craft and fine arts by Arab women, here are the exhibitions not to miss this week.
Yellow Tropics at Tabari Artspace
This is your last chance to see the incredible works of the renowned Egyptian artist Adel El Siwi. In his first solo exhibition in the UAE in 10 years, the figurative painter, known for his bold use of colour and dynamic compositions, presents pieces heavily influenced by a trip to Africa that caused him to re-examine his perception and use of colour.
The exhibition also features some of his previous works that equally combine concepts around identity with ancient and historical influences, focused mainly on the form of the human body and particularly the face.
Monday to Friday, 10am-6pm; until January 15; Dubai
Women’s Work at Barjeel Art Foundation
Women’s Work: From Craft to Fine Art, Reclaiming Arab Textile Art is an exhibition that showcases the work of modern and contemporary female Arab artists. The exhibition, which closes on January 16, explores the intersection of traditionally accepted craft practices by women and contemporary fine art.
The exhibition features artists such as Tunisian artist Safia Farhat, Lebanese artist Leila Jabre Jureidini, Egyptian artist Nadia Mohamed and Syrian artist Lamis Dachwali. The works are also made in various mediums such as tapestries, embroidery, curtains, mixed media and paintings.
Saturday to Thursday, 8am-8pm; Friday, 4pm-8pm; Sharjah
No Scheherazade at Lawrie Shabibi
Iranian-British artist Farhad Ahrarnia uses the techniques of craft-making while citing regional and contemporary historical references in his exhibition at Alserkal Avenue.
The exhibition title references the narrator of the legendary tales of One Thousand and One Nights. The story, a collection of fables and folklore from the region, finds a woman named Scheherazade using storytelling to stop her husband King Shahryar from executing her and the women of the kingdom.
Ahrarnia uses this idea of drip-feeding stories through visual imagery and contemporary pop culture. He deliberately limits the visual information in his works concentrating on certain aspects, such as brand and style recognition, to touch on themes such as fashion, clothing and style.
Monday to Saturday, 10am-6pm; until January 28; Dubai
