The Art of Racing
An art extravaganza geared around the F1 weekend, with pieces ranging from sculptures forged out of old car parts to paintings made with engine oil. We were particularly taken with the work of David Hyde, who creates mosaic-style images of F1 icons using Rubik’s Cubes. Everything’s for sale, and, though it’s not cheap, you’ll certainly turn heads with a picture of Fernando Alonso on your wall.
Free. Until November 14. Ghaf Gallery.
Dropping Lines
A collection of recent work by six Emirati artists from the locally renowned Flying House group. Dubai-based artist Hassan Sharif is our pick of the show – he’s exhibiting new paintings of common objects such as shovels and pliers, as well as some mind-boggling sculptures of physically manipulated everyday items.
Free. Until November 20. Salwa Zeidan Gallery.
The Dawn of a New Day
Appearing for the first time in the Middle East, celebrated artist Alfonso Borghi is in the city for a very brief show. Though the solo exhibition also includes some of the Italian’s sculptures, all eyes will be on his rich, layered canvases – particularly his abstract tribute to the UAE, ‘Burj Khalifa’. All the works due to go on show will be for sale, so bring your chequebook if you fancy leaving with a souvenir.
Free. Until November 18. Acento Gallery.
Opening the Doors: Collecting Middle Eastern Art
This collection of 90 works from the Middle East’s most respected artists marks the largest convergence of regional talent in recent memory. At the show’s core, Opening the Doors aims to communicate just how relevant Middle Eastern creativity has become on the global art scene, providing an introduction to the work of creative pioneers such as Baghdad-born Ismail Al-Sheikhly, Jawad Salim and Walid Raad.
Free. Until January 8. Gallery One, Emirates Palace.
RSTW
Having already hosted the likes of Pablo Picasso and Jackson Pollock, this blockbuster of a show sees Abu Dhabi add Ed Ruscha, Robert Rauschenberg, Richard Serra, Cy Twombly, Christopher Wool and Andy Warhol to its rapidly growing collection of A-list exhibitors. It’s all thanks to legendary New York-based art impresario Larry Gagosian, who has brought his previously unseen private collection of artwork to the city. This pop art extravaganza is undoubtedly the biggest art event of the year for the capital, and should not be missed by anyone.
Free. Until January 24. Manarat Al Saadiyat.
