As restrictions are lifted, galleries start to reopen
The UAE is witnessing an easing of sorts. After three weeks of 24/7 lockdown, the government lifted some measures at the beginning of Ramadan and it is having a direct impact on the art sector. Galleries in Alserkal Avenue have begun to reopen their doors - albeit by appointment only. The temporary entrance to Alserkal Avenue is through the pedestrian gate, where temperature checks will be conducted.
Mohamed Melehi, Moucharabieh, Purple and Orange, 2020. Acrylic on canvas, 170 x 150 cm
Currently on view at Lawrie Shabibi is Upsurge: Waves, Colour and Illusion, a group exhibition bringing together the diverse range of practices of: Mohamed Melehi (b.1936, Morocco), Mona Saudi (b.1945, Jordan), Hamra Abbas (b.1976, Kuwait), Mohamed Ahmed Ibrahim (b. 1962, UAE), Shaikha Al Mazrou (b.1988, UAE) and Vivien Zhang (b.1990, China). Upsurge explores notions of perception within abstract art: how form, colour and contrast affect the visual experience to give illusions of depth or dynamism based on our psychological predisposition. Different starting points lead each to converge on Op art: the perceptual experience is related to how vision functions.
Mohammed Kazem, Infinite Angles, 2020, Installation View. Image courtesy of Gallery Isabelle Van Den Eynde.
Gallery Isabelle van den Eynde is also open for those wishing to make an appointment to see Mohammed Kazem: Infinite Angles. The exhibition features new works on paper, paintings and readymade, which continue Kazem’s exploration of materiality and the visualisation of light and sound. The artworks on view are imprints and records of both material and immaterial things in the world, they reveal an invisible light and inaudible sound that exists in a continuous sequence with no beginning or end. Kazem photographs light to capture its manifestations across building constructions. He also hears the sound of light as he scratches it onto the surface of paper.
André Butzer. Untitled, 2019, Oil on canvas. 45 x 51 cm. Image courtesy of Carbon 12.
On view at Carbon 12, which has been open for appointments since May 4, 2020, is the work of Andre Butzer. The message written by Prof. Dr. Arno Gruen and posted on the gallery website gives the prospective viewer the perfect introduction: “In his latest paintings Mr. Butzer made for Dubai, he is exploring the most beautiful colour ranges, and produces an almost divine rhythm within the works, and within all the 9 or so works together being installed in the wonderful gallery space Kourosh and Nadine will open with their respective keys and mobile phones to their friends, and to the general audience. People will learn a lot about these works, nobody knows what exactly, because it's too early to say, and in general, it's not something about which you can say, rather you can experience as such and react to as a whole human being or leftover being. Butzer has always painted like that, so, nothing new. New is boring. This type of 22nd century Mondrianism that we are going to see now is instead, friendly, entertaining, groovy and reliable. Let's do it. Art is OK.
Michael John Whelan, L-R, Darkness had no need / And they did live by watchfires 3, 2020. pigment print on paper, 100 x 80cm (unframed) Edition 1/3 / Darkness had no need. Courtesy Grey Noise.
Grey Noise is also welcoming pre-appointed visitors to Nocturnes - Michael John Whelan's fourth solo presentation at the gallery. The exhibition features two extensive photographic projects. Working with photography, film, sound and sculpture, Whelan has been concerned with environmental changes relating to historical events and future projections. Investigating humanity's physical effects and inherent mutability, Whelan explores places and phenomena that resonate with a past or future trauma. Despite the complexity and gravity of the subjects, the projects’ physical manifestations are often characterised by their minimal but arresting aesthetics.
For more information visit each gallery site, links embedded in text.