At the exact moment that pop art extravaganza RSTW finally came to an end earlier this month, a loud, anguished cry could be heard across the city. The source: Abu Dhabi’s hardcore cluster of contemporary art appreciators, distraught by the realisation that their days spent sipping espresso in the company of Andy Warhol and his mould-breaking contemporaries were, for now at least, over.
But while Manarat Al Saadiyat, Gallery One and the city’s other bigger venues plot their next move, there’s still something going on for art junkies to get their teeth into. Throughout the course of February, a handful of small art exhibitions are taking place within The Yas Hotel, One-to-One Hotel and Emirates Palace’s Mezzaluna restaurant. The artists may not be A-listers on the scale of RSTW’s, but this lot are still providing plenty to ponder on…
Crossroads
The Yas Hotel, until mid-March
While some are happy just wandering through the pristine white corridors of The Yas Hotel, casually imagining they’re in a ’60s sci-fi film, this trio of mini-exhibitions, organised by Swiss Art Gat UAE (www.swissartgateuae.com), offers a more refined visual treat for passers-by to gorge their eyeballs on. One of two expat artists displaying work in the show, Rebecca Rendell arranges salvaged car parts on to canvas, creating a thought-provoking clash of organic forms from mechanical elements. Head to Nautilus restaurant and the second floor bridge to check out some of her pieces.
Elsewhere, the small lobby of the hotel’s Marina wing is playing host to the work of Emirati artists Khaled Juma Ahli and Najat Makki. Ahli, who was involved in the memorable Emirati Expressions exhibition at Gallery One back in 2009, paints bold, floral designs constructed of hypnotic swirls of colour, as well as multi-tonal, abstract ink portraits. Meanwhile, the middle of the space is dominated by six looming wicker figures, that remarkably resemble Abaya-clad women. Created by Egyptian artist Ahmed Askalany, they are on loan from a Cairo gallery.
Lisa Mounteer-Watson
Mezzaluna restaurant, Emirates Palace, until May 29
This prolific Californian painter has made it her mission to illustrate the unseen energies that she believes are inherent in the people, buildings and other tangible aspects of her environment. Abstract urban landscapes seem to be a particular focus of her work, with intersecting horizontal and vertical lines (as seen in Red Village, pictured) often scored deeply into layers of vibrant colour.
One word of warning, though – the restaurant will still be open for its usual lunch and dinner services throughout the exhibition, so visitors are advised to arrive between 3pm-7pm to avoid having a plateful of spaghetti carbonara thrust in their face while admiring Lisa’s paintings.
Mark Sellers
One to One Hotel, until February 28
A university English teacher by day, American artist Mark has been living in the UAE for 13 years, and producing digitally crafted artwork for 11. His approach to colour and form are both incredibly chaotic, lending many of his pieces a distinct kaleidoscopic quality, while shapes reminiscent of Arabic calligraphy are also a recurring theme.
All works on show at the hotel are for sale, with prices ranging from Dhs525 up to Dhs2,500. Our pick of the bunch is ‘African Grass Fire’ (pictured), a piece inspired by three months living in Liberia, rife with earthy tones and scratchy textures. You’ll find Mark’s work spread throughout the lobby and dining areas of the hotel.
