Exploring the Artistic Landscape of the UAE: Exhibitions to Visit This Eid Al Fitr Weekend

As Eid Al Fitr approaches, the UAE arts scene may seem quieter, but this period also heralds the closing days for several noteworthy exhibitions. While galleries and institutions prepare to launch new showcases, art enthusiasts have a unique opportunity to explore the concluding highlights of current exhibitions. This weekend, we spotlight three compelling shows that deserve your attention, offering a blend of vibrant creativity and profound commentary.

Lumieres de Femmes at Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi

Lumieres de Femmes is a celebration of female artistry in honor of International Women’s Rights Day. Hosted by Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi, this exhibition features a collaboration with AD’Art Collective, a francophone community of artists, and The Feminin Pluriel Collective, which networks women across diverse professions and artistic sectors. The exhibition is proudly supported by renowned patrons Fairouz and Jean-Paul Villain.

The exhibition showcases the works of 23 French and francophone women artists residing in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, presenting a rich tapestry of paintings, photographs, illustrations, and ceramics. Noteworthy contributors include:

• Karine Roche: Known for her vibrant landscapes that masterfully blend urban and natural elements.
• Benedicte Gimonnet: A minimalist who deftly explores color and light interactions.
• Khulood Al Jabri: An Emirati artist who incorporates cultural motifs into her striking and textured canvases.

Visitors are encouraged to experience this amalgamation of styles and narratives that reflect the unique perspectives of women artists.

Visit: Monday to Thursday, 8 AM – 4 PM; Friday, 8 AM – 4 PM; until March 29 at the Atrium of SUAD Campus, Abu Dhabi.

Vestiges at Ayyam Gallery

Another notable exhibition is Vestiges, showcasing the thought-provoking works of Athar Jaber—his first solo exhibition in Dubai. This collection features a series of sculptures created over the past decade, emphasizing Jaber’s commitment to artistic expression.

Through his sculptures, Jaber delves into the complex theme of how we internalize the world’s ugliness. His contorted and disfigured human forms serve as a mirror reflecting contemporary anxieties and uncertainties. "People are sometimes disturbed or shocked by my work," Jaber stated. “But then, look at what we have been fed through the media. Seeing what we’ve seen, I can’t make beautiful things that just embellish and adorn."

This statement highlights the emotional weight each sculpture carries, resonating with the viewer’s own experiences of anxiety and identity crises.

Visit: Monday to Friday, 10 AM – 6 PM; Saturday, noon – 6 PM; until April 1 at Ayyam Gallery, Dubai.

Of Dust and Woven Air: Seher Shah at Green Art Gallery

Of Dust and Woven Air features the evocative works of Karachi-born artist Seher Shah, who utilizes drawing, printmaking, and poetry to navigate themes of absence and memory. Inspired by Agha Shahid Ali‘s poem, The Dacca Gauzes, Shah’s exhibition unfolds an emotional journey through “emotional cartography,” traversing significant seaports such as Chittagong, Chennai, Kochi, and Karachi, seamlessly connecting them with the Arabian Sea.

Shah’s work “reveals a quiet poetry of loss and erasure, tracing what lingers long after it has disappeared.” The interplay of visual art and poetic resonance invites viewers to reflect deeply on their own memories and histories, presenting a moving commentary on the nature of heritage and identity in a transitory world.

Visit: Monday to Saturday, 11 AM – 7 PM; until April 5 at Green Art Gallery, Dubai.

With a variety of themes ranging from women’s empowerment to existential reflections on modern life, this weekend presents a rare chance to appreciate local art before new exhibitions take their place. Each show invites you to embark on a meaningful journey through the diverse narratives crafted by the artists, enriching the cultural landscape of the UAE. Whether you’re a seasoned art enthusiast or simply curious, these exhibitions are not to be missed.