In an exciting new collaboration, Sotheby’s Dubai has partnered with 10 of the UAE’s top art galleries to celebrate and showcase regional talent through a dynamic initiative called The Gallery Collective. This groundbreaking partnership aims to provide a platform for both emerging and established artists from the Middle East, with a rotating calendar of exhibitions taking place every six to eight weeks. The exhibition space at Sotheby’s in the heart of DIFC will now be shared by different galleries, each curating their own unique shows that highlight the rich diversity of artistic expression in the region.
Katia Nounou Boueiz, the deputy chairman of Sotheby’s Middle East, shared her enthusiasm about the collaboration, emphasizing that it was designed to support the flourishing cultural scene in the UAE. “From the moment we opened our doors in the heart of the DIFC, our aim was to support the blossoming cultural ecosystem of the UAE, working side-by-side with the institutions and galleries who also make up the rich tapestry of the art scene here,” she said. This series of intimate exhibitions is expected to draw attention to artists from across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, showcasing their work to both local collectors and international audiences.
The first exhibition under The Gallery Collective initiative is already underway, with Zidoun-Bossuyt Gallery hosting Jewels, which opened on November 12 and will run until January 6. This exhibition features the vibrant and thought-provoking works of New York artist Khalif Tahir Thompson and American artist Summer Wheat. Thompson’s large, bold portraits explore themes of identity and cultural heritage, while Wheat’s textured paintings celebrate femininity and community through her unique materials and figurative compositions.
Following this, Tabari Artspace and The Third Line will collaborate on an exhibition titled Hot Spots, running from January 9 to March 10. This group exhibition will feature artists from across MENA who work in a wide range of mediums and techniques, further diversifying the art landscape in the region.
From March 12 to May 7, Lawrie Shabibi will present Form and Rhythm, an exhibition that will focus on geometric abstraction and traditional crafts. This show will feature renowned artists like Pakistani Hamra Abbas, Palestinian Dima Srouji, Iranian-German Timo Nasseri, and Lebanese Nabil Nahas, exploring how their work intersects through abstraction and cultural influences.
The collaboration between Sotheby’s and these UAE-based galleries is expected to bring more visibility to regional artists while fostering deeper appreciation for the cultural vibrancy of the UAE and its surrounding countries. With an added focus on public engagement, the project will also include a series of free talks and artist spotlights, giving visitors the chance to learn about the unique themes and creative practices that shape contemporary Middle Eastern art.