Exploring MENA Representation Through Art: Highlights from Tabari Artspace, Aisha Alabbar Gallery, and More

Tabari Artspace: Bridging Gaps in MENA Representation

Maliha Tabari, while studying in the United States, recognized a troubling trend: artists from the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) were frequently misrepresented or outright ignored in the post-9/11 landscape. "In my early twenties, I started collecting modern MENA art," she recalls. Her travels to cities like Damascus, Cairo, and Beirut unveiled the richness of the artistic community in these regions, where she spent countless hours in studios of renowned artists such as Adam Henein and Hussein Madi. These experiences ignited a vision to disrupt the narrative and promote genuine representation, leading to the founding of Tabari Artspace.

This month, Tabari Artspace will showcase Palestinian artist Saj Issa’s work, Never Make a Wish in a Dry Well, at Art Dubai. The exhibition reflects Tabari’s mission of bringing vital regional narratives to global audiences, amplifying voices that may otherwise go unheard.

Aisha Alabbar Gallery: Celebrating Emirati and UAE-Based Artists

Art has always been woven into the fabric of Aisha Alabbar’s life, with her father being one of the first framers in the UAE. "Even today, I often come across artworks proudly displayed with the Alabbar Frames logo on the back," she shares. Founding her eponymous gallery, Alabbar aims to uplift Emirati and UAE-based artists, continuing her father’s legacy not through framing artworks, but by providing a platform for appreciation and celebration.

At Art Dubai, her gallery will feature contemporary talents such as Sara Alhaddad, Sara Ahli, and Fares Alshafar. This collection promises to offer deeper insights into the evolving artistic landscape within the UAE, painting a rich tapestry of modern Emirati art.

Nika Project Space: A Global Perspective on Local Practices

Veronika Berezina established Nika Project Space amidst a realization that many artists from overlooked regions lack international representation. “During my time as a law student, I began collecting art to support the artists I admired,” she explains. This laid the groundwork for her commitment to fostering collaboration and respect through art.

For Art Dubai, Nika Project Space presents the works of Mirna Bamieh, Nazilya Nagimova, and Adrian Pepe. Their creations, ranging from wool and ceramics to embroidery, highlight diverse techniques and backgrounds. Notably, Adrian Pepe’s Untitled embroidered textile and Mirna Bamieh’s ceramic pieces from the “Grieving in Colours” series will debut in the UAE, enriching the local art scene with fresh global perspectives.

The Third Line: Championing Diverse Artistic Voices

The Third Line, founded by Sunny Rahbar in collaboration with partners Claudia Cellini and Omar Ghobash, is committed to showcasing contemporary art from the region. For over two decades, they have been steadfast advocates, bringing works from acclaimed artists such as Amir H. Fallah, Hayv Kahraman, and Kamran Samimi to wider audiences.

In 2025, their representation at Art Dubai promises a vibrant mosaic of color and form, despite the distinct practices of their featured artists. The gallery’s commitment to diversity ensures that the rich voices of contemporary MENA artists resonate powerfully through its exhibitions.

Green Art Gallery: Honoring Historical Significance

Founded by Mouna and Mayla Atassi in 1987, Green Art Gallery operates from a legacy that values the past while shaping the future. Initially located above a bookstore in Homs, Syria, the gallery attracted intellectuals and artists, laying a foundation for cultural exchange and appreciation. Today, under the guidance of Yasmin Atassi, the gallery continues to celebrate Arab modernism and highlight pivotal artists, including Kamrooz Aram and influential female artists like Rossella Biscotti.

"Celebrating our region’s art and culture is crucial," Yasmin states, echoing her mother’s sentiments on the importance of drawing inspiration from local narratives. The gallery’s upcoming exhibition at Art Dubai is set to showcase a selection of works by both emerging and renowned artists, reinforcing the vibrant history and future of Arab art.

In a world where narratives can often be distorted or ignored, the contributions of galleries like Tabari Artspace, Aisha Alabbar Gallery, Nika Project Space, The Third Line, and Green Art Gallery are essential. They not only represent the diversity and richness of MENA art but also play a critical role in ensuring that these stories and voices are brought to light, celebrated, and engaged with on a global stage.