Art enthusiasts in the UAE have a vibrant weekend ahead with a range of compelling exhibitions. Emirati artist Hussein Sharif is celebrating four decades of creativity at the Cultural Foundation in Abu Dhabi. Meanwhile, Sharjah is hosting a unique showcase that delves into ancient marine life interpretations. Here’s a roundup of five must-see exhibitions:
Dubai Summer Vibes at Opera Gallery
Opera Gallery’s summer exhibit features a diverse collection from global artists, exploring various styles of portraiture and abstraction. Highlights include works by renowned figurative artist Alex Katz, designer Kaws, painter Mersuka Dopazo, sculptor Anthony James, and contemporary artist Aboudia. The show offers a rich tapestry of techniques and color schemes, showcasing the varied approaches of these artists.
Exhibition runs until Saturday; Opera Gallery, Dubai; 04 323 0909
Hussein Sharif: Reframing Reality at the Cultural Foundation
Hussein Sharif’s retrospective at the Cultural Foundation presents a comprehensive view of his groundbreaking work spanning 40 years. This exhibition offers insight into Sharif’s evolution across multiple disciplines, including painting, drawing, collage, and sculpture. His work reflects a deep engagement with postmodernism and the cultural shifts of the region.
Exhibition runs until Sunday; Cultural Foundation, Abu Dhabi; 02 657 6348
Native: Plants in the UAE at the Cultural Foundation
Also at the Cultural Foundation, this exhibition highlights UAE’s native flora. It explores how environmental factors influence plant growth and showcases the distinctive colors, textures, and behaviors of local plant life through educational art installations.
Exhibition runs until Sunday; Cultural Foundation, Abu Dhabi; 02 657 6348
Backbone Group Show at Carbon 12
The group show at Carbon 12 features six artists interpreting the concept of the backbone. The exhibition examines the spine’s physical and symbolic significance through diverse mediums, including painting, sculpture, video, sound, and textiles. Artists include Nour Malas, Alia Hamaoui, Malik Thomas Jalil, Kais Dhifi, Jana Ghalayini, and the duo Audrey Large and Theophile Blandet.
Exhibition runs until September 7; Carbon 12, Dubai; 04 340 6016
Beghost at Nika Project Space
London-based artist Nika Neelova presents a solo exhibition at Nika Project Space, featuring sculptures made from glass, clay, and fossilized shark teeth. Her work offers a speculative glimpse into ancient marine life from Sharjah’s Buhais Geology Park and Jebel Buhais archaeological site, exploring themes of transformation and decay. The exhibition also includes a collection by archaeologist Nirmal Rajah, reflecting on fossil discoveries in Tamil Nadu, India.
Exhibition runs until October 5; Nika Project Space