This month, art enthusiasts have numerous opportunities to immerse themselves in the dynamic art landscape of the region. As usual, we present our top 10 exhibitions running in December that are not to be missed, in our opinion. The selected shows examine various themes, from identity and heritage to transformation, inviting audiences to engage with diverse stories and visions of regional and international artists.
1. Water like tears, flour like soil
Collaborating with Dar Yusuf Nasri Jacir for Art and Research, an artist-run space in Bethlehem, ICD Brookfield Place Arts has organised Water like tears, flour like soil. This collective exhibition delves into themes of creation and transformation through land, kinship, cultural resistance, and storytelling. Featuring works by Middle Eastern artists such as Aline Baiana, Dina MaHar, and Shayma Hamad, the exhibition will run through 4 December 2024.
2. House of Pearls by Vian Sora
The Third Line gallery is hosting the House of Pearls exhibition that presents Iraqi-American artist Vian Sora’s latest creations. The displayed paintings and works on paper explore pearls as metaphors for stability and the structural balance necessary for life’s regeneration. The show will remain open to the public until 5 December 2024.
3. Limits of My Language Are the Limits of My World
The Media Majlis Museum at Northwestern University in Qatar presents The Limits of My Language Are the Limits of My World. This multimedia exhibition, running through 5 December 2024, explores the complexities of the Arabic language, its impact on identity and culture, and the challenges it faces in a predominantly English-speaking digital landscape. Featuring music videos, animations, documentaries, and more, the show illuminates the dynamic future of Arabic media.
4. In our Bones by Fariba Boroufar
On display at Gallery Isabelle, this exhibition showcases Iranian fibre artist Fariba Boroufar’s works. Her intricate weavings and representations of endangered architectural traditions offer a poetic commentary on cultural memory and a protest against forgetting. The exhibition will be open to the public until 7 December 2024.
5. Found in Translation by Steven Naifeh
Currently, Artbooth Gallery is home to Found in Translation, a captivating solo exhibition by acclaimed artist and author Steven Naifeh. Celebrating the global influence of Middle Eastern geometric art, the exhibition highlights Naifeh’s works as testaments to the enduring grace of this heritage. The show, which reveals the interconnectedness of artistic traditions, will welcome all visitors until 8 December 2024.
6. Calligraformism by Wissam Shawkat
Until 11 December 2024, Mestaria Gallery is holding Calligraformism, a solo exhibition by internationally famous Iraqi artist Wissam Shawkat that celebrates his unique approach to Arabic calligraphy. The artist showcases his innovative Calligraforms, which transform Arabic letters into fluid, abstract shapes, redefining the aesthetics of calligraphy as a modern visual language.
7. Life in the Fast Lane by Tyrrell Winston
Meanwhile, Volery Gallery is displaying American artist Tyrrell Winston’s work. Known for repurposing discarded objects, Winston challenges viewers to reconsider the significance of everyday items. Open until 12 December 2024, the exhibition Life in the Fast Lane includes ten of Winston’s new paintings and two signature basketball installations, offering visitors to explore his distinct blend of art, sports culture, and personal narrative.
8. The 4th edition of Zwara
The 4th edition of the Zwara programme concludes with an exhibition featuring the unique work of four emerging designers who participated in the programme: Galiyah Al Mohannadi, Hammam Al Abdulla, Abdul Basit, and Stephen Amoyo. On view at M7 until 18 December 2024, the show presents a collection of four distinct pieces, each embodying the individual styles and inspirations of the participating designers.
9. Chaumet & Nature at M7
While at M7, you should also visit Chaumet & Nature: Nature-Inspired Jewellery Since 1780, an exhibition organised by Maison Chaumet in collaboration with Qatar Museums, M7, and Qatar Creates. Taking visitors on an extraordinary journey through the artistry of Chaumet, this exhibition showcases more than 100 exquisite jewels from the French Maison and Qatar Museums. The show will end on 19 December 2024.
10. Night Stone by Candice Lin
Jameel Arts Centre presents Night Stone, a solo exhibition by American artist Candice Lin that features her eponymous large-scale installation and her latest creations: ceramic sculptures, textile works, and a site-specific mural. The Night Stone installation investigates the modern manganese trade between Australia and China, linking it to the 18th-century commerce of sea cucumbers. The show will be open to the public until 12 January 2025.
In addition, you might be interested in visiting Native: Plants in the UAE, a group exhibition currently on view at the Cultural Foundation, and Molding Anew by Rand Abdul Jabbar.
To stay tuned and be sure that you will not miss our latest art news, you can join our Telegram channel.
