Dubai is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world and always has something for everyone with its ever-growing list of new captivating attractions and activities. But if you are on a scout for an unparalleled way to spend some free time, we’ve got you covered. Here are four unusual places where you can immerse yourself in digital art (and take numerous Instagram-worthy photographs).
Kanvas
This outstanding space devoted to promoting the development of art and technology in the Middle East houses a gallery, workshop, and incubator. The gallery hosts various exhibitions displaying digital, immersive, and generative art as well as NFTs, although traditional art can also be exhibited. The workshop space is available for rent by artists and other creatives who want to collaborate on projects, especially technology-dependent ones. Meanwhile, the incubator space supports the development of new art and technology businesses, helping to create a more innovative creative ecosystem in the region.
Currently, Kanvas is holding The Code, an exhibition organised in collaboration with Project22, an international curatorial project that introduces the world of digital art to a wide audience. On display until 22 July 2024, the show celebrates the project’s 2nd anniversary. Curated by Farrah Carbonell and Evgeniya Romanidi, it delves into the endless possibilities within generative and code art. On view are works by 24 digital artists, such as, for example, Sasha Stiles, Jenni Pasanen, Seohyo, and Saeko Ehara, among others.
In addition, Kanvas offers one more exciting experience: Art in Light, a workshop which allows one to work with an overhead projector, a simple device that makes large images from a flat, transparent sheet and shows them on a white screen or wall.
Where?
Unit 1, Al Khayat Art Avenue, 19th Street
Al Quoz 1, Dubai
Arte Museum Dubai
Arte Museum Dubai is an immersive media art exhibition space developed by d’strict, an internationally famous Korean media design company. Opened in Dubai this year, it gives one the opportunity to dive into a hypnotising digital realm. The show hosted by the Museum revolves around the theme of Eternal Nature. You are welcome to explore 14 interactive multimedia art pieces spotlighting the beauty and power of the natural world. Each takes you on a one-of-a-kind journey that engages all your senses. So get ready to be awed by gigantic colourful projections accompanied by evocative soundscapes and even scents.
Where?
SF-159, Level 2, The Dubai Mall
Downtown, Dubai
Theatre of Digital Art
Theatre of Digital Art (ToDA) is a unique space covering 1,800 m2 that connects audiences of all ages with art and opens the limitless possibilities of technology, science, and creativity. Providing an inspiring experience, it helps visitors extend their horizons. Thanks to quality surround sound and the 360-degree projection of images on the walls and ceiling within the exhibition space, you can feel as if you were inside the displayed images.
Combining various digital art formats (multimedia exhibitions, contemporary immersive installations, and art in virtual reality), ToDA allows visitors to discover masterpieces of the world’s most renowned artists, such as Van Gogh, Antoni Gaudi, and Gustav Klimt, as well as contemporary creatives: Nika Rubinshtein, Timur Akhmedov, and Alena Lavdovskaya, to name a few.
Where?
Souk Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai
AYA
Another breathtaking venue perfect for those looking for something new and exceptional to experience is AYA, a futuristic immersive light and sound park. Covering about 40,000 sq ft in the Wafi City Mall, it is designed and implemented by HyperSpace, a company specialising in building and operating physical parks for a digital world.
AYA transports you into a mesmerising digital realm where you can discover 12 vibrant interactive zones, each dedicated to a particular theme. For example, in the Aurora section, visitors can interact with the artwork by using their gestures. In the Falls area, there is an audio-responsive waterfall that runs upside down to defy the laws of gravity while the Harmonia features a robotic light show in a mirrored infinity zone. When travelling in the AYA space, guests can also create their avatars and dance with them. Besides, they can find and unlock new characters to interact with.
Where?
Wafi City Mall, Oud Metha, Dubai
Additionally, we believe that you might like our articles about the Utopic Arabia art duo and three remarkable NFT female Arab artists.
