Dubai Art is in full flow and will run throughout March. The organisers have curated an extensive line-up of events spread across three locations. We present a brief overview of the events scheduled for this year. We also highlight the regional debut of a renowned African artist, his artworks and his mission to support regional artists.
Until April 22, Al Seef, the historical heart of Dubai, becomes the backdrop for Dubai Art, showcasing works by artists from the UAE and around the world. Divided into several zones, the works on display are united by a central theme – ‘Walk Into Art – Follow the Art Beats.’
The Photography Zone hosts a gallery of award-winning pieces, while the Painting Zone is adorned with creations from local artists displayed in colourful trolleys. There are seven Cultural Art Zones, featuring scent art, sand art, wood, spices and flavours, beading, clay art, and weaving. Kids Art Zone welcomes children of all ages to express themselves through engaging avenues, such as painting, sand art, photo art, clay art and music.
The Flavours Zone comprises the restaurants in the area, offering exclusive selections for the event. Music Art Zone explores spirited melodies. Visitors can observe art being created at the Live Art Zone, or marvel at the illuminated creations at the Light Art Zone. Illusion Art Zone, at the Museum of Illusions, is all about tricking the mind. Those who love cultural and sophisticated art forms can venture to the main events area to find the Sculptures Art Gallery Zone, Painting Art Gallery Zone, Calligraphy Art Zone, and the Art of Living Zone at Hilton Hotels.
Souk Madinat Jumeirah hosts the Theatre of Digital Art (ToDA) until March 31. ToDA is a multisensory storytelling experience comprising immersive digital shows, concerts and zen wellness experiences. The latter includes sound healing sessions, Tibetan singing bowls and immersive meditation, ToDA turns wellness into a holistic art expression.
The ‘Banksy 360 Art of the Rebel’ digital show presents over 50 works by the world’s most notorious graffiti artist, brought to life through sounds and projections. The self-proclaimed ‘unauthorised’ immersive experience is created with Bristol-based author and lecturer, Marc Leverton. At ‘Klimt & The Impressionists,’ visitors can learn about Claude Monet and Henri Rousseau’s art revolution. Masterpieces by six legendary painters will move across the surfaces, submerging the audience in highly impactful art movements.
Boxpark, located in the heart of Jumeirah with its distinct aesthetic and urban theme, serves as a backdrop for an array of visual art exhibitions until March 22. These exhibitions feature painting, sculpture, and photography. Visitors can encounter a series of live performances and interactive experiences. Little ones can get imaginative and craft their own creations at the kid’s art workshop, while the adults scan the art market.
Renowned Nigerian artist Jude Olotu will open his first Dubai art gallery this March in Mazaya Shopping Centre on Sheikh Zayed Road. As part of the grand opening, Excel Art Gallery will also showcase Olotu’s first exhibition in Dubai, a collection of works titled “Essentials.”
The exhibition features unique works that reflect the growing trend in contemporary art where reality is challenged, and perception is a function of the soul. From arts inspired by cosmology to expressionism and pure abstract, the works reflect the artist’s creative process of introspection. The exhibition will run till March 18.
Excel Art Gallery, Olotu’s first venture in Dubai and the Middle East, will be an arts organisation that manages the careers of diverse established and emerging artists in Dubai, Africa, and the Middle East. The gallery’s mandate is to expand the boundary of contemporary arts from the Global South region to the international art market. The precursor to this is the Excel Signature Creative Hub in Abuja, Nigeria, where talents are nurtured and trained in the creative arts.
