Abdulrahim Salim: Between Chaos and Serenity
Many have made a name for themselves in the UAE art world, but one the shining stars, leading the generations that followed, is Abdulrahim Salim – one of the founders of the Emirates Fine Arts Society. As a pioneer of the local arts scene, the work of Salim has inspired thousands of artists in the UAE and a brand-new exhibition paying tribute to his legacy and influence has launched in the UAE. 35 artists including 25 fine artists and ten video content producers have come together for the exhibition, which is running until Monday February 22, 2021, and is open to the public at the Cultural Foundation at Qasr Al Hosn in Abu Dhabi. Each contributor has been united under the theme of the work and career of Abdulrahim Salim, making it a must-see for any art-lover in the UAE.
Free. Ongoing until Mon Feb 22, 2021. Cultural Foundation, Qasr Al Hosn, Abu Dhabi (02 657 6348).
Celestial: A Journey Through Space and Time
Ready to see the desert and night sky like never before? Bringing the community together and sharing stunning photography with the UAE’s art fans, a new virtual gallery has launched in Abu Dhabi. Celestial: A Journey Through Space and Time has launched with Manarat Al Saadiyat to showcase the work of UAE-based photographer Samy Olabi. Running until Thursday December 31, the exhibition features a series of photos of the dessert and the night sky captured by the astrophotographer. Adding an extra dimension, photos can be viewed using VR headsets, allowing you to immerse yourself in the image completely.
Free. Ongoing until Thu Dec 31. vr.manaratalsaadiyat.ae.
FOCAL POINT by Sharjah Art Foundation
Art fans, it’s time to get excited – Sharjah Art Foundation’s annual art book fair FOCAL POINT is back this month. Between Wednesday December 16 and Saturday December 19, you’ll be able to buy books, magazines, publications, prints and posters by artists and publishing houses from around the world at Bait Obaid Al Shamsi. This year’s event, which is the third edition of FOCAL POINT, will focus on publications by independent and established publishers from the region and includes a number of titles on art history, theory and criticism. And if you’re bringing along the little ones, there are also a number of hands-on workshops that aim to give kids the chance to learn about creative publishing. Plus, there will also be a number of live music performances from local bands throughout the four-day event. If you want to check it out, you’ll need to book your free spot in advance as only a limited number of spots will be available at the venue.
Free. Wed Dec 16-Sat Dec 19. Bait Obaid Al Shamsi, Arts Square, Al Shuwaihean, Sharjah, sharjahart.org.
Reach for the stars
Have your artwork displayed on the Burj Khalifa
Artists and designers from the UAE and beyond are being given the chance to have their creations emblazoned all over the Burj Khalifa. Until the New Year, one weekly winner’s work of art will be projected on to the world’s tallest building thanks to Emaar’s Burj Khalifa Open Call competition.
We’ve all seen this super structure resplendent in the colours of the UAE flag for National Day or revelled in the countdown projected on to it for New Year’s Eve. But if you think you have the creative talent to top even those most opulent of offerings, here’s your opportunity to send both locals and visitors alike home from Downtown Dubai with crooked necks yet happy hearts. The Burj Khalifa’s art and design team are taking submissions right up until Thursday December 31 and are keeping their eyes open for the most show-stopping light or 3D-mapping masterpieces that will adorn the 109,252 square-metre façade of this tremendous tower. Sadly, we don’t think our most recent Etch A Sketch creations will pass muster…
Ongoing until Thu Dec 31. www.burjkhalifa.ae/en/open-call.
