Located in Downtown Dubai, The Foundry is a hybrid progressive art space. The space, featuring a digital screening room, work space, coffee shop, library and galleries, was founded as a response to the evolving cultural scene in the UAE.
On Monday, I went on a walk down the boulevard, past a new mural by Barnabe, that led me to The Foundry.
Upon entering the space, I was welcomed by the first exhibition featuring three Central Asian artists. I was fascinated by the powerful documentary photography of Said Atabekov, the materiality of Dilyara Kaipova & the entrancing digital collages on silk by Almagul Menlibaeva.
The next gallery space displayed Syrian artist Juhayda Albitar’s artwork. Her solo exhibition drew me in with the expressive brush strokes and colorful palette. Juhayda uses her artwork as an escape from the war torn country.
The following space exhibited conceptual artwork by architect, professor and artist Kourosh Salehi. At first glance, the artwork gave me hints of John Baldessari mixed with Shirin Neshat. As I read about the concept further, I learned that the photographs brought together biblical references, historical paintings and Iranian motifs. The highly conceptual photographs were striking in demeanor as the monochrome artwork, framed with matte black wood, allowed them to stand out in high contrast of the white gallery walls.
The Foundry carefully curated the final space with artwork created specifically for the solo show by French artist Barnabe. The artist set out to explore the color palette of the night and its mystical, hidden qualities, while at the same time calling into question our perception of night as a time devoid of color and activity.
Don’t miss out on a great selection of exhibitions on until July 5th. Check out the guide below for more information.
If you are looking for a space to work I would recommend you check out The Foundry. Opening hours are from 10AM-10PM.
Artists: Almagul Menlibayeva, Dilyara Kaipova, Said Atabekov
About: “Totems of Central Asia” is an exhibition in collaboration with Andakulova Gallery. The exhibition highlights three artists that deal with modern issues through the prism of traditions. The artwork helps viewers empathize with the artists as they grapple with a host of problems, including a turbulent past and a troubled present.
Artist: Juhayda Albittar
About: Juhayda’s journey has always been connected to colors. Born in Damascus, Juhayda always tried to run away from war. Through her artwork, Juhayda created a dialogue between war and peace. Colors are moving, brushstrokes are expressive, and elements of a dream like state become prominent in the large paintings on display.
Artist: Kourosh Salehi
About: A selection of photographic collages and video installation by Kourosh Salehi which have been collected over a 10-year period. Mostly captured on location in Iran, they photographs narrate and examine cultural paradoxed, contradictions and ultimately distortion of reality.
Artist: Barnabe
About: Featuring paintings created specifically for the show as well as a selection of original sculptures and collection of small canvases, his solo exhibition ‘Broken Mosaic’ sets out to explore the colour palette of the night and its mystical, hidden qualities, while at the same time calling into question our perception of night as a time devoid of color and activity.
