Dubai’s Efie Gallery, which since its launch in 2021 has established itself as a vital platform for artists of African origin, will inaugurate its new space this April with a monumental solo exhibition by the internationally celebrated Cuban artist María Magdalena Campos-Pons. Running from April 11 to May 21, the exhibition not only presents Campos-Pons’ work to the region in a dedicated solo show but also underscores Efie’s commitment to expanding the reach of artists from Africa and its diaspora.

In her opening address at Sharjah Biennial 16, wearing a Palestinian keffiyeh and speaking with indisputable sincerity, Sheikha Hoor Al Qasimi spoke of the ever-greater need for solidarity. It is more than two decades since she took the helm of what is now the oldest biennial in the region, and which attracts a growing throng of international visitors. Throughout, Sheikha Hoor has remained consistent in her support of marginalised voices, a champion of diverse cultures and artistic integrity.

Across six painted panels of tent fabric, which Hashel Al Lamki has fashioned as canvas, a complex narrative unfolds. Watery textures in shimmering colours rise from the heart of the nine-metre polyptych with a vivid intensity of light and a poetic, ethereal quality. On one side, a bird of prey soars overhead and pink flamingos walk beneath an enlarged sun, and on the other Cupid aims his arrow at the fluorescent heavens. This is nature, but not as we know it.

Serving as a makeshift shade from the pervasive sunshine on Sharjah’s east coast, Ibrahim Mahama’s installation on the outer flank of Kalba Ice Factory had visitors squinting upward. A Tale of Time and Purple Republic (2023) is a convergence of several elements of the Ghanaian artist’s practice pulled together over much of the last decade. It consists of an 80 x 9 meter swathe of dark grey cloth, upon which traditional handwoven smock fabrics were sewn, the entire piece was then threaded through an enormous, purpose-built metal loom. Despite its almost overwhelming size, the artwork gave off a gentle presence as it caught the breeze coming from the nearby mangroves.

After a three-year hiatus, Sharjah Biennial will return next March. It is a landmark moment also for the event, as SB15 will realise the dreams of its curator, who died in 2019. Here, Anna Seaman gives a short preview ahead of the 2023 event.

Tarek Atoui is a visual artist and musician interested in the corporal experience of sound and listening. He has collaborated with Sharjah Art Foundation for more than a decade, culminating in Cycles in 11, his first institutional exhibition.

Sheikha Hoor Al Qasimi is a true game changer. Thanks to her work at the Sharjah Art Foundation, she has led the way to great regional impact that has created ripples around the world. She is passionate, hard working and visionary - a real asset to the art and cultural landscape in the UAE and beyond.

Calling all artists, researchers, curators and filmmakers… Sharjah Art Foundation has launched two grants for filmmakers and artistic writers to receive support during the coming season. More details here.

The event came to a close in June 2019, here is a look back over the Sharjah Biennial’s 14th edition, which had three curators for the first time and achieved a wonderful symbiosis of place and content.

The Sharjah Art Foundation announced today that Omar Kholeif has been named director of collections and senior curator. He will be charged with overseeing the foundation’s acquisition strategy, developing exhibitions and other programming, and securing international partnerships.

All Emiratis with archival photos and documents are being asked by Sharjah Art Foundation to submit them for an art project taking place in Umm Al Qawain for the Sharjah Biennial 14 taking place in March.

Sheikha Hoor Al Qasimi is the new director of the International Biennial Association, meaning its HQ will move to Sharjah

A year after it started, the educational initiative set up to run in parallel with Sharjah Biennial is coming to a close. There's still time to catch a few more courses.  

The third off site project of Sharjah Biennial 13 will take place in Ramallah in August. Titled Shifting Ground, the symposium and launch of 10 publications explores issues of land and earth in Palestine

Art Basel is one of the most ­important contemporary art fairs in the world. More than 280 of the world’s leading galleries ­exhibit the works of over 4,000 artists during its four-day run in the Swiss city.

Vikram Divecha is one of five artists who will represent the UAE at the Venice Biennale next month in Italy. He is also one of three UAE-based artists exhibiting artworks at the ongoing Sharjah Biennial. Yet his work is rarely found in a gallery.