DJ, musician, producer, graphic novelist… there’s not much that this quirky artist can’t do. The enigmatic Canadian, DJ Kid Koala – who has toured with the likes of Radiohead, contributed to scores for films like The Great Gatsby and collaborated with huge artists like Gorillaz – is in town next week for a series of diverse, creative workshops and live shows as part of a five-day residency at NYU Abu Dhabi.
Back in 2003, he released his first graphic novel Nufonia Must Fall, along with an accompanying CD soundtrack. It follows the story of a headphone-wearing robot who falls in love. Since, he has turned the critically acclaimed dialogue-free novel into a live show combining cinema, theatre and music.
It’s directed by K.K. Barrett (the Oscar-nominated production design and art director behind Her), and scored live by Kid Koala and the Afiara Quartet on piano, strings and turntables. The audience watches as more than 50 puppets on mini stages play out scenes that are filmed live and projected behind the musicians. It’s an incredibly intricate and creative performance of live animation.
Alongside the show, Kid Koala himself will be running workshops on interactive media (along with Nufonia Must Fall’s director of photography, he will take you through the process of collaboration from concept to final creation) and scoring for films (with Aifara Quartet), as well as puppetry.
Or, budding artists can head along to Music To Draw To. Named after his solo album of the same name, Kid Koala will be on the decks, spinning chill-out tracks, and art supplies will be available so you can simply sit back, relax and get creative.
May 7-12. For more information about dates, times and ticket prices, visit www.nyuad-artscenter.org.
Three more exhibitions
But We Cannot See Them
Tracing the history of the UAE’s artistic communities from 1998 to 2008.
Until May 25. NYU Abu Dhabi Art Gallery (02 628 8000).
Luscious 
A vibrant exhibition of artists who are re-interpreting impressionism.
Until April 27. Etihad Modern Art Gallery (02 621 0145).
Two Souls, One Homeland 
See whimsical landscapes from two of the most important artists from Ukraine and the Crimean peninsula.
Until May 24. N2N Gallery, Nation Towers, Corniche Road (02 665 9858).
