Welcome to the exciting world of art exhibitions in the UAE! As we enter the month of February 2023, the UAE’s art scene is gearing up for some fantastic new exhibitions. From contemporary art to traditional Emirati artwork, this month promises to be a visual feast for art enthusiasts. The UAE has become a hub for the arts in recent years, with many world-class exhibitions and art events being held throughout the year. Join us as we take a closer look at some of the most anticipated art exhibitions taking place this February in the UAE.
Sharjah Biennial 15
The 15th Sharjah Biennial will feature more than 140 artists from 70 different nations after being postponed twice owing to the coronavirus pandemic. The exhibition, titled Sharjah Biennial 15: Thinking Historically in the Present, was created by Sharjah Art Foundation director and biennial curator Sheikha Hoor Al Qasimi and Nigerian curator, art critic, and writer Okwui Enwezor, who passed away in 2019. In Sharjah, the biennial will be held at 16 different locations, including a vegetable market, a power plant, and a former nursery. The 30th anniversary of the platform will be celebrated by featuring 30 significant commissions.
When: February 7-June 11
Where: Various venues across Sharjah
Sikka Art and Design Festival
The 11th Sikka Art and Design Festival, which honors Dubai’s expanding cultural and creative sector, has started preparations by Dubai Culture. The celebration held the 10th edition last year and was back after a pandemic-related two-year absence. The festival brings together visual artists, performers, designers, musicians, and other creatives to present artworks, concerts, murals, poetry readings, and film screenings. The festival is named after the passageways between low-rise structures in the historic neighborhood close to Dubai Creek (still referred to by most long-time residents as Al Bastakiya).
When: February 24-March 5
Where: Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood
The Soil From Which We Came
The Soil From Which We Came is Larry Amponsah’s (born 1989, Ghana) first solo show in the United Arab Emirates, presented by Lawrie Shabibi. The exhibition is a continuation of the artist’s exploration of conventional image-making techniques while also examining modern image politics through the use of unorthodox production techniques. The centerpiece of the exhibition is Amponsah’s most recent collection of sizable collage works. The artworks take the form of colourful miniature collages put together from a variety of pictures culled from fashion magazines that mimic clichés of “White beauty” and common representational ideas. The initial collages are transformed into compelling large-scale portraits of Black people using digital manipulations, physical collages, new printing techniques, and painting. These portraits draw on the artist’s personal experiences as well as larger global Black narratives.
When: 11 JANUARY–17 FEBRUARY 2023
Where: Lawrie Shabibi, Dubai
Drawings
The next solo exhibition by Chaouki Choukini will highlight the artist’s beautiful watercolour creations. These concepts for sculptures, which frequently begin with a watercolour drawing in Choukini’s creative process, can be viewed as independent pieces of art. The shapes that populate his sketches are not hard and brittle, even though they are meant to be carved or cast in wood or bronze; instead, they have soft colours and few dark edges; perhaps these watercolour plans partially explain the artist’s skill in giving an organic softness to the severe geometric shapes of his work.
When: 11 JANUARY–18 FEBRUARY 2023
Where: Green Art Gallery, Dubai
Louvre Abu Dhabi X Musée d’Orsay
The Louvre features the ideal exhibition for anyone interested in impressionism or a fan of famous impressionists like Monet, Renoir, and Manet, among many others. Together with other costumes and photographs, the Louvre Abu Dhabi and the Musée d’Orsay have put together a stunning collection of 150 paintings that portray the history of the difficult period. The exhibition will be up until February 25th.
When: Until 25th February
Looking for a vibrant and diverse art scene? Look no further than the art exhibitions in the UAE this February. From traditional to contemporary art, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. This showcase of both local and international artists is a testament to the country’s cultural richness. Whether you’re a painting or sculpture enthusiast or are drawn to installations and performances, you won’t want to miss the captivating art exhibitions in the UAE this February 2023. Mark your calendars and get ready to be inspired by the beauty and creativity on display.
