The vibrant art season kicked off at Alserkal Avenue on September 18, 2024; the creative district once again became a nexus for artistic expression, cultural dialogue, and personal introspection. 

This year, a series of thought-provoking exhibitions invites visitors to explore a wide array of themes, from feminism and environmentalism to cosmic exploration and the fluidity of human identity. Here is a look at some of the season’s most compelling exhibitions.

So clear off your calendars and do yourself a favour — enjoy some art this weekend. Check out our short digest so you can do your prep ahead! 

Armin Najib’s "-continuum" presents the human experience as an evolutionary process, where life transitions from fluidity to rigidity — symbolised by circles and squares. Najib’s works explore humanity's perpetual quest for meaning and perfection while embracing the inherent beauty of imperfection. His Me, I and Existence, the series further unpacks this theme, presenting an intricate dialogue between past and future as it unfolds through abstract yet deeply human narratives.

Please take the time to investigate that huge cube, and you will see some extra magic. Also, they have amazing perfume in the gallery, which adds to the enjoyment. 

This is something different. Activism in the best sense of the word and in the best way of expression. Leila Nseir’s work stands as a bold testament to the complexities of femininity in the Middle East. In Istoria, Nseir reinterprets ancient art forms through a modern feminist lens, celebrating the resilience and intricacy of women’s stories. By merging personal narratives with universal themes, she questions gender roles, explores diaspora, and critiques societal expectations. Nseir’s twisted figures and untitled works encourage interpretation, blending Syrian heritage with contemporary issues of migration and modernity.

Saudi Arabian artist Alia Ahmad takes a more personal approach in her exhibition Aspects, deconstructing the rapidly evolving urban environment of Riyadh. Ahmad’s abstract compositions explore the intersection of tradition and modernity through tonal contrasts and intricate forms. Her fragmented imagery, inspired by textiles and urban murals, offers a unique visual lexicon that speaks to the delicate balance between cultural preservation and rapid industrialisation.

If you want to know more — here is an article with some nice commentary from the author.  

Bound explores the tactile relationship between fabric and memory, inviting us to reflect on the roles textiles play in mourning, healing, and resilience. Reinterpreting something so crucial for MENA arts will change your perception of textile arts. Works by artists such as Dana Awartani and Jumana Manna transform cloth into symbols of both grief and recovery. Through their abstract compositions, these pieces evoke the absent body and transcend personal loss to touch on collective memory, political unrest, and environmental degradation.

Inspired by the poetry of al-Khansa (Britannica link included), this exhibition showcases female artists from across the Middle East, using their work to explore themes of grief, resistance, and cultural preservation. This exhibition, steeped in history, honours the tradition of women as both creators and preservers of culture. Featured works challenge prevailing stereotypes and elevate the voices of contemporary female artists such as Shirin Neshat and Soraya Sharghi.

Another one in the same spot. Samaha’s Lines and Forms is a tribute to the spontaneity of painting, where intuitive shapes and lines create a dynamic conversation on the canvas. Beginning in 2014, this evolving series is an exploration of form, colour, and interconnected stories. Her larger diptychs and triptychs, characterised by their layered textures, push the boundaries of abstract art while remaining deeply rooted in the artist's engagement with the process of painting itself.

That is the one that struck the heart of this author, considering my love for Joan Miro. 

Chilean artist María José Benvenuto draws inspiration from the landscapes of North Head National Park in Australia in Nature’s Pulse. Her vibrant abstract works capture the energy and essence of natural landscapes, inviting viewers to connect with the global beauty of nature. With bold colour and dynamic gestures, Benvenuto’s paintings reflect her experiences living abroad, blending memories of nature with a sense of global belonging. Please take your time in that corner and enjoy this fun episode of your day.

They are new and they are different. Firetti is once again bringing something unusual for our eyes, For those intrigued by the mysteries of the cosmos, Astral Space Exploration by Salakhov, the son of an amazing Aidan Salakhova, offers a visually stunning journey into the evolution of cosmic civilizations. Through intricate geometric patterns and philosophical undertones, Salakhov invites viewers to ponder humanity’s future in space, touching on themes such as AI, sustainability, and interstellar governance. 

"The purpose of this exhibition is to explore the problems humanity may face as technology and AI evolve, highlighting that space exploration without evolving human consciousness will only multiply the issues we have on Earth."

Look for a hidden call towards the earthly problems that people have to explore before conquering space. 

In Echoes, the colourful, cheerful series, Rajnish Kaur reflects on the sensory and emotional vibrancy of her Indian heritage while navigating abstract expression. Her bold canvases and intricate paper works explore the intersection of urban chaos and quiet introspection, offering viewers an emotional landscape filled with colour and texture. Kaur’s work invites deep personal reflection while maintaining a universal appeal, grounded in the energy and spirit of her homeland.

Safdar Ali Qureshi’s Paths of Transcendence draws viewers into the emotional aftermath of natural disasters, specifically the devastating floods in Sindh. His bold brushstrokes and unblended colours create vivid, impressionistic depictions of destruction and renewal. By weaving together personal memories and environmental trauma, Qureshi’s work provides a powerful commentary on the resilience of nature and humanity in the face of calamity.

Immerse yourself in these eternal and spiralling forms and try to see something only you would notice in these incredibly detailed works. 

You will feel it by the entrance to the space, trust us. This is such a beautiful work that you won’t be able to bear your smile. 

In a deeply philosophical exploration of identity, the works in I Wish to Be Happy, I Want to Be Yellow embody fluidity and transformation. The exhibition highlights the impermanence of our environment, featuring altered natural materials such as twigs, food, and flowers that speak to life’s transient nature. The artworks challenge the boundaries between past and present, full and empty, asking us to embrace constant flux and renewal in our lives.