Hala Badri, Director General of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture), recently visited the compelling exhibition Shifting Gazes: Women Through Middle Eastern Eyes, hosted by The Farjam Foundation at DIFC Gate Avenue. The showcase, open until October 15, highlights a thoughtfully curated collection of contemporary works by artists from the region.
Strengthening Cultural Partnerships and Empowering Artists
Hala Badri’s visit reflects Dubai Culture’s commitment to nurturing partnerships with institutions that actively champion the emirate’s creative and cultural industries. Her presence also reinforces the Authority’s mission to empower artists and inspire meaningful contributions to the sector, positioning Dubai as a thriving hub for the global creative economy.
During her tour, Badri explored the exhibition’s 27 handpicked artworks from The Farjam Foundation’s private collection. Curated by Amir Arvand, the works offer a compelling lens into how Middle Eastern artists have portrayed women over the past eight decades. Divided into four thematic sections — Identity and Visibility, Personal and Emotional Landscapes, Tradition, Modernity, and Cultural Memory, and Social Commentary and Critique — the exhibition invites visitors to reflect on evolving narratives and representations of women in art.
Celebrating Artistic Narratives and Regional Perspectives
Throughout her visit, Badri praised the collection’s ability to capture the dynamic roles of women within the region’s ever-shifting visual language. She also highlighted how each piece stands as a testament to the artist’s unique journey and creative vision, underscoring their role in shaping both social conversations and cultural transformation.
Badri concluded by reaffirming Dubai Culture’s ongoing dedication to supporting regional talent. She emphasized that exhibitions like Shifting Gazes not only celebrate artistic diversity but also reflect the vibrancy and originality of the creative community within Dubai and the wider Middle East.