Art Dubai 2025

 

For Art Dubai Contemporary, we bring together a diverse group of artists from various cultural backgrounds and artistic disciplines, including Saif Azzuz (b. 1987, Libyan-Yurok), Shaikha Al Mazrou (b. 1988, UAE), Mohamed Ahmed Ibrahim (b. 1962, UAE), and Elias Sime (b. 1968, Ethiopia). These artists, ranging from sculptors and painters to installation and mixed-media practitioners, pioneer fresh perspectives that merge natural motifs with artistic expression. Shaikha Al Mazrou’s sculptural experimentations reflect her exploration of tension and materiality. Mohamed Ahmed Ibrahim’s practice often brings him in direct contact with nature, using materials like hashed leaves and clay. Saif Azzuz’s vibrant paintings blend elements of abstraction and surrealism, characterized by dynamic colour and fluid movement, evoking a deep connection to the natural world. Elias Sime’s distinctive practice transforms technological materials—colourful wires that he braids, circuit boards, and electronic components—into intricate, layered compositions that blur the boundaries between technology, nature, and abstraction.

 

Coinciding with Art Dubai, Lawrie Shabibi will present Through The Window - በመስኮቱ ውስጥ, a solo exhibition of Elias Sime's work at the gallery, offering visitors an extended opportunity to engage with the artist's innovative practice.

 

For Art Dubai Modern, we are thrilled to exhibit works by Mehdi Moutashar, offering a striking exploration of geometric abstraction, with a particular focus on the square as a foundational element. Featuring a selection of pieces primarily from the 1980s, this presentation highlights Moutashar’s deep engagement with minimalism and Islamic artistic traditions, where repetition, symmetry, and precision form the core of his visual language.

 

The square, both as a structural framework and a conceptual motif, dominates the compositions. Moutashar’s works from this period reveal a rigorous approach to form, reducing visual expression to its essential components while engaging with the historical legacy of calligraphy and architectural ornamentation. Through bold contrasts, refined colour palettes, and dynamic yet disciplined arrangements, he transforms this simple shape into a vessel for movement and depth, challenging the viewer’s perception of space.

 

Moutashar’s work, blending Eastern and Western influences with a fusion of tradition and modernity, holds significant relevance in contemporary abstraction. This presentation celebrates a pivotal decade in his artistic journey, highlighting the square’s enduring potential as both an aesthetic and conceptual exploration.