Kutubna Cultural Center invites everyone to attend Textile Choreography, a solo exhibition by artist Cris Martins, in whose work, fibre becomes language: one that speaks of place, memory, transformation. The show is a poetic celebration of texture and tradition, structured around three captivating series of works created by Martins. Curated by Nora Qudah, the exhibition will be open to the public until 12 September 2025.
The first collection, The Tubes, features old sculptural forms that explore rhythm, identity, and cultural resonance. The Fiq Collection comprises gentle, meditative compositions in natural fibres, inviting introspection through their organic movement. The last collection, Reimagining Al Sadu, debuted exclusively for this exhibition. This series offers a contemporary reinterpretation of local textile heritage through abstract gestures and innovative materials. Together, these bodies of work fuse tradition and contemporary expression in an immersive, layered conversation.
About the artist
Cris Martins (b. 1978, São Paulo, Brazil) is a Dubai-based artist with an academic background spanning architecture and marketing, whose artistic path truly took shape through the act of macramé. She works through a technique called fibre wrapping, layering natural materials like twine, jute, ramie, and sometimes wood around a base structure to create rich texture and form.
Martins’ work resonates with the spirit of African traditions, echoed in the names of her pieces. It is simultaneously informed by her growing connection to Arab culture, where she seeks to craft pieces that speak deeply to local sensibilities.
About Kutubna Cultural Center
Kutubna Cultural Center is Dubai’s newest independent bookstore and cultural hub, launched in 2023. Situated in Madina Avenues, Nadd Al Hamar, Kutubna is a vibrant gathering point that celebrates writing, ideas, and intellectual exchange in the Gulf region. The Center supports the voices of Khaleeji, Arab, Middle Eastern, North African, and Muslim writers, poets, thinkers, and scholars, fostering a community grounded in creative dialogue and inclusive learning.
To get more information about Textile Choreography, please visit the official web page of the exhibition.
In addition, you might be interested in exploring two exhibitions at 421 Arts Campus: Unstable Grounds and It Starts Where It Ends by Ana Escobar Saavedra. We would also recommend that you visit Tajammul at XVA Gallery.
