The ongoing art exhibition Fictional Landscapes, hosted at Foundry Downtown Dubai, brings together 28 women artists from across the globe. Running until December 15, the showcase delves into shared human experiences, exploring themes such as identity, memory, migration, and resilience. Artists from diverse nations like the UAE, India, Pakistan, Russia, Iceland, and the United States contribute to this rich tapestry of cultural and emotional narratives.
The exhibition is curated by a dynamic trio—Nadine Khalil, Alisa Bagdonaite, and Serafima Kostrova—who emphasized their commitment to working with women-led galleries. “This project amplifies 28 women’s voices on a global scale,” said Bagdonaite, highlighting the show’s dedication to underrepresented perspectives. The curators deliberately sought a wide range of artistic styles, spanning traditional and innovative media such as textiles, video, painting, and performance.
Featured artists include Mary Badalian, Alexandra Paperno, and UAE-based creatives like Richi Bhatia, Sophiya Khwaja, and Sara Masinaei. Their work collectively explores how landscapes transcend physical boundaries, becoming deeply personal terrains shaped by memory and cultural identity. Bagdonaite explained, “We prioritized diversity in artistic medium and perspective, selecting artists who engage with challenging topics like migration, changing landscapes, and gender dynamics.”
One of the standout pieces, Canceled Constellations by Alexandra Paperno, reflects on constellations once recognized but later removed from the official register in 1922. The artwork examines humanity’s inclination to draw boundaries while also contemplating the universal connections that unite us.
Through a blend of established and emerging talent, Fictional Landscapes creates a cohesive narrative, encouraging visitors to reflect on shared experiences and mutual understanding. “The exhibition fosters a conversation around discovery and connection, enriching the audience’s experience,” added Bagdonaite.
By merging cultural, emotional, and environmental themes, the exhibition invites viewers to reconsider landscapes not only as geographical spaces but as expressions of collective and personal resilience.