Upcoming (December -2024)
David Learman
A multi award-winning photographer, David spent his formative years travelling the fashion capitals of Europe as a professional catwalk photographer. Today, he spends most of his time exploring and photographing fast disappearing landscapes, traditional Emirati pastimes and culture.
He is passionate about telling visual stories and capturing scenes in nature and life that invite the viewer to explore and discover subtle nuances and hidden secrets. His landscape and scenic works involve several days and sometimes months studying and visiting specific locations to capture scenes from the best perspective and light.
By their nature, his projects are long-term intense explorations. For example, his ‘Al Hejin’ collection
entailed visiting the Al Sawan camel racing track in Ras Al Khaimah every Friday and Saturday over a
period of four years. Of which, the first six months involved becoming familiar to the extent of being
invisible to humans and camels alike to capture intimate photographs that embody the true drama
and express the unique dynamics of the sport from an inside perspective.
His style is art documentary – aiming to establish an awareness of the aspects of Emirati culture and
heritage at risk to the march of progress. In 2023, he was one of seventy-four photographers invited
from around the world, to exhibit a body of work at Sharjah Xposure where his Al Hejin collection
was received to critical acclaim.
Member, Emirates Photographic Society
World Art Dubai, Photographer of the Year 2024
2023
Al Hejin, Sharjah Xposure
2024
Al Hejin, World Art Dubai
Al Hejin, Design Gallery, Ras Al Khaimah
Summer Exhibition, Design Gallery, Ras Al Khaimah
Perspectives, Majlis Gallery, Dubai
Visual Stories
An Exploration of the northern emirates through the lens of David Learman.
September 7th – 28th
David is an award winning photographer and a self-confessed photographic rule
breaker, who featured at World Art Dubai and Sharjah Xposure.
Since arriving in the UAE in 2002, David has established a close group of Emiratis
friends who introduced him to the traditions, heritage and culture of the UAE.
Currently based in Ras Al Khaimah – the northern most emirate of the UAE, he
spends most of his spare time exploring and photographing fast-disappearing
landscapes, traditional Emirati pastimes and cultures that are at risk of being lost
to the creep of modernisation and commercialisation.
We are very excited to have David exhibit in the Gallery for the first time.
Member: Emirates Photographic Society
World Art Dubai, Photographer of the Year 2024
2023
Al Hejin, Sharjah Xposure
2024
Al Hejin, World Art Dubai
Al Hejin, Design Gallery, Ras Al Khaimah
Summer Exhibition, Design Gallery, Ras Al Khaimah
Perspectives, Majlis Gallery, Dubai
Art as Heritage
Upcoming (9-23 November-2024)
Connections
Upcoming (7-31 December-2024)
Black Velvet
Upcoming (11-25 January-2025)
Tom Cross – Retrospective
Upcoming (1-15 February-2025)
Recollections
“Recollections” is a unique exploration of the natural and cultural landscapes of the United Arab Emirates and Oman, as depicted by watercolour masters John Harris and Trevor Waugh. For over 30 years, these esteemed artists have been integral members of the Majlis Gallery family, and their deep connection to the region is expressed through their powerful works.
John Harris is able to transport you to the serene beauty of landscapes across the UAE and Oman. His meticulous brushstrokes capture the subtle play of light on mountains, the vibrancy and tranquility of winding wadis, and the enchanting allure of coastal vistas. Harris’s dedication to capturing the essence of the natural world unfolds across every canvas and has led to the creation of striking landscapes that transcend time.
Trevor Waugh, a seasoned artist known for his multifaceted perspectives, skilfully captures the essence of the region. From the dynamic interplay of old and new Dubai to the timeless elegance of camels and horses, Waugh’s canvases offer a nuanced exploration of the cultural and natural diversity of the UAE.
“Recollections” is a poetic merging of two distinct artistic voices, each echoing the beauty and spirit of the Arabian landscapes. Join us between March 1st and March 31st 2024 to revel in the brand new works of John Harris and Trevor Waugh.
Esma Stasiak
Biography
Mona Al Khaja
Mona Al Khaja is a visual artist whose work is known for its Islamic patterns, Arabic calligraphy and natural elements. She explores social issues and the struggles present in modern society through painting and multimedia. Al Khaja’s work has been shown in several solo exhibitions, including Observe + Absorb, Majlis Gallery, Dubai (2019);Melodies of the East, Sharjah University (2019); Colors, Dubai Women’s College (2019); Chromatic Horizons, Sharjah University (2015); Salutation and Endearment, Dubai Cultural and Scientific Association (2015); and Pearls, Honar Gallery, Dubai (2010). Al Khaja has additionally participated in the Sharjah Biennial, Art Dubai and has presented at Art Abu Dhabi. Mona Al Khaja has participated in a range of local and international group exhibitions, including shows at the Sharjah Art Museum, K Gallery in Dubai, the Embassy of Mexico in Abu Dhabi, and the Abu Dhabi Art exhibition, among others, over the years .Al Khaja has received numerous awards, including the Al Owais Award, Dubai (2019 and 2004); and L’Officiel Arab Women Award, Dubai (2010). Al Khaja also participated in the Fujairah International Arts Festival Residency in 2018.She holds a BFA from Helwan University, Cairo (1981). She is a member of the Emirates Association of Fine Arts and the Committee for the Creation of the Curriculum of Art Education in the UAE. Born in 1958 in Sharjah, Al Khaja currently lives and works in Dubai