Three to see at Al Serkal Ave

Remember the days when going to see an art gallery involved a confusing, sometimes frightening odyssey into the labyrinthine depths of the Al Quoz industrial quarter? Well, such a test of navigational mettle is no longer necessary, as a satisfying cultural outing can be done on one's own two feet with the proliferation of galleries in Al Serkal Avenue.

Here's three free-to-see exhibitions to get stuck into this week:

Geopolitics of Roots - No Man's Land (pictured)

Carbon 12

Until January 8

Taking a detour from her usual video focus, Iranian artist Ghazel has taken maps of the world as the basis to explore her own journey West. Based in Paris, the artist imagines her wandering since leaving Iran as a tree blooming across continents and territories - an unfinished, unending passage of time in which the only rootedness she can find is in movement.

Celebrations of the Absent

Green Art Gallery

Until January 5

In scenes of ever-shifting, ever-evolving nature, Ziad Dalloul interrupts this splendour with banal, domestic objects. A stiff chair sits in the oozing, impressionistic scarlets and browns of a woodland scene - a reminder of the true meaning of still life when in opposition to the romanticism and transience of nature. Wonderful solo show that shows the strength of Dalloul's heavy oil-on-canvas effect.

Show Off!

www.salsalipm.com

Salsali Private Museum

Until January 14

A brand new space, and a non-profit venture that shows off the robust collection of Ramin Salsali. Across two floors, Salsali presents highlights of this including a huge work by Dubai-based Iranian painter Rokni Haerizadeh, and a chaotic canvas by Andre Butzer that really captures the German artist's sense for colour and pandemonium. Well worth a good stroll.

To get to Al Serkal Avenue, take the turn-off to Al Manara St. from Sheikh Zayed Road heading in the direction of Al Quoz. At the signal, take a right, and look out for the compound on the right.