ARTS
Five to see
ÅUAE: A WORK OF ART
Another new entrant on the UAE’s art scene, this summer exhibition from Ara Gallery is dedicated to showcasing Emirati artists and their work, inspired by the United Arab Emirates. Jun 7 to Aug 31, Burj Plaza, Emar Boulevard, Downtown, Dubai. Tel: (04) 4542784. www.thearagallery.ae
ÅTHROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS
Rather more like peering through the dense, ever-changing patterns of a kaleidoscope than a looking glass, Mouteea Murad’s rich geometric abstractions, deeply rooted in Islamic culture and aesthetic traditions as they are, are a joy. Until Jun 16, Ayyam Gallery DIFC, Building 3, Gate Village, DIFC, Dubai. Tel: (04) 4392395. www.ayyamgallery.com
ÉSTRIKE OPPOSE
Sharjah’s Bajeel Art Foundation’s vast private collection continues to impress in this group exhibition that aims to delve into how modern Arabs are both represented and projected in our busy, 24/7 communication world. Until Jul 31, Barjeel Art Foundation, Level 2, Maraya Art Centre, Al Qasba, Al Taawun Road, Sharjah. Tel: (06) 5566555. www. barjeelartfoundation.com
ÑRECENT WORKS
Iranian painter Shahriar Ahmadi confirms Dubai’s new Etemad gallery as one to watch. Large, brightly-coloured canvases merge the ancient and the sacred with the modern – all that green, for example, is a nod to recent developments in Iran. Until Jun 11, Etemad Dubai, Unit B 12, Street 8, Al Serkal Avenue, Al Quoz, Dubai. www.galleryetemad. com 70 WHAT’S ON JUNE 2011
ÅRECONNECTING EAST AND WEST
Past and present connect in this fascinating exhibition that documents Islamic ornament and design by European scholars in the 19th century. Jun 18 to Jul 18, DUCTAC, Mall Of The Emirates, Dubai. Tel: (04) 3414777. www.ductac.org