Picture Courtesy: Experimenter
As a beacon of global artistic expression, Art Dubai continues to push boundaries by fostering a culture of discovery and inclusivity. With a commitment to showcasing diverse perspectives and amplifying voices from around the world, the fair transcends traditional geographical boundaries and narratives. Indian galleries, in particular, play a significant role in this dynamic landscape, leaving an indelible mark with their thought-provoking exhibitions and diverse artistic offerings. Join us as we delve into the captivating presentations by Indian galleries at Art Dubai, where creativity knows no bounds and cultural exchange flourishes on the international stage.
Experimenter
Experimenter presents "Making Visible," a thought-provoking group exhibition featuring works by Ayesha Sultana, Aziz Hazara, Julien Segard, Parul Thacker, Prabhakar Pachpute, Praneet Soi, Radhika Khimji, Rathin Barman, Sohrab Hura, and Sahil Naik. Situated at the intersection of sight, architecture, and the everyday, the exhibition delves into the peripheries of our immediate surroundings, placing ideas of form, personal relationships, and histories at its core. Through diverse artistic perspectives, "Making Visible" offers an alternative lens through which to perceive our environment, inviting viewers to explore the visceral and peripheral aspects of our visual and global landscape.
Nature Morte
Nature Morte India showcases a diverse array of artists at Art Dubai, featuring works by Imran Qureshi, Martand Khosla, Manish Nai , Saad Qureshi , Jeppe Hein, Subodh Gupta, and Parul Gupta.
Blueprint 12
Blueprint 12 presents Arshi Irshad Ahmadzai's 'Bagh-e-Zenana.' In Ahmadzai's latest collection, the essence of exile permeates through his works, aptly named after Kabul's Bagh-e-Zenana—a public garden reserved exclusively for women. The history of Bagh-e-Zenana is one of resilience and renewal, where political turmoil and upheaval gave way to moments of restoration and hope. Initially an opulent retreat for queens, the garden endured periods of neglect and damage until Nilab Sadat's visionary initiative in the early 2000s. Sadat's transformative efforts transformed the garden into a sanctuary and symbol of solidarity for the women of Kabul, marked by the planting of over 800 trees—a testament to the enduring power of nature and the human spirit amidst adversity.
Vadehra Art Gallery
Vadehra Art Gallery makes a triumphant return to the fair with a compelling group presentation titled "To Give the House Another," featuring the works of Faiza Butt, Praneet Soi, and Zaam Arif. This curated showcase brings together three diasporic artists hailing from or connected to the Indian Subcontinent, each offering unique perspectives on cultural integration and assimilation in the West. Praneet Soi, originating from Kolkata but now based in Amsterdam, joins Faiza Butt, who transitioned from Lahore to London, and Zaam Arif, who relocated from Karachi to Houston. Through their artworks, these artists navigate the complexities of cultural identity, mediating between the emotional nuances, structural elements, and mythical narratives of their ethnic homelands in the East while grappling with the realities of displacement, family dynamics, and the elusive concept of home in the Western context. This exhibition promises to provoke contemplation on themes of belonging, diaspora, and the ever-evolving notion of cultural identity in a globalized world.
Jhaveri Contemporary
Jhaveri Contemporary presents an insightful exhibition featuring eleven artists from its intergenerational program, showcasing a diverse range of paintings and photography. Through their art, these creators delve into the intricacies of identity and community, blending lived experiences with imaginative narratives. From capturing intimate moments of daily life to exploring the intersection of heritage and individuality in a multicultural landscape, these works invite viewers to contemplate the nuanced negotiation inherent in navigating one's sense of self within a diverse society.
Suleman Aqeel Khilji, 'Trip', 2023, Pigment and oil paint on found book, 21.5 x 30.5 x 3 cm.
Gallery Chemould
At Art Dubai 2024, Chemould Prescott Road presents a compelling exhibition featuring the works of three women artists: Anju Dodiya, Dana Awartani, and Mithu Sen, each exploring themes of staining, pricking, and mending in deeply personal ways.
Anju Dodiya's series, "Winged Pauses," comprises 14 pairs of digital prints mounted on painted fabric. Through these artworks, Dodiya invites viewers into intimate moments captured in (painted) photographs, juxtaposing family vacations with reworked, stained painted details from her existing drawings and paintings.
Mithu Sen's work, "Unsettled unrest," resonates deeply with Dodiya's exploration. Sen's recent series of drawings titled "A Prayer Unanswered" features pricked and pained images adorned with metallic and dripping red paint, reflecting a visceral response to personal and political turmoil.
In parallel, Saudi-Palestinian artist Dana Awartani intricately weaves themes of cultural destruction, healing, and sustainability in her work "Let Me Mend Your Broken Bones," offering a poignant reflection on political unrest and the resilience of the human spirit.
LATITUDE 28
In the 17th edition of Art Dubai, LATITUDE 28 presents a solo exhibition titled 'Ecosystems are Love Stories' by Manjot Kaur, featured as part of the Bawwaba section curated by Emiliano Valdés. Manjot Kaur's art is a convergence of speculative fiction, allegory, and ecological critique, offering a poignant challenge to human dominance while envisioning a post-human ethos. Through her work, she reimagines myths and narratives, inviting viewers to reflect on ecology, history, and the interconnectedness of all living beings. Using miniature paintings as her medium, Kaur deconstructs hierarchies and advocates for symbiotic living and ethical coexistence, inviting audiences to contemplate the possibilities of a more harmonious relationship with the natural world.
Project 88
Catch Project 88 at booth E1 where they will be showcasing works by Amitesh Shrivastava, Mahesh Baliga, Risham Syed, Sandeep Mukherjee and Sarnath Banerjee.
Counsellors II by Amitesh Shrivastava
Emami Art
Emami Art presents Debashish Paul’s solo exhibition at Art Dubai’s BAWABBA Section, curated by Emiliano Valdés. In Paul’s evocative narrative, landscapes and rivers take center stage, serving as conduits for expressing complex emotions and symbolic connections. Within his works, the landscape emerges as a profound site of enlightenment and healing, offering solace amidst life's tumultuous currents. Water bodies, particularly rivers, become poignant symbols of the fluidity inherent in the human experience. They mirror the ever-changing nature of our inner selves and bodies, imbued with the weight of memories and the passage of time. Through Paul’s art, viewers are invited to immerse themselves in the contemplative depths of these landscapes, where the currents of emotion and reflection intertwine to create a profound sense of connection and introspection.
Words Platform Desk
Date 29.02.2024