Observe + Absorb
An exhibition by pioneering Emirati artist Mona Al-Khaja

Emirati Artist Mona Al Khaja studied art from 1976 to 1981 at the College of Fine Arts in Cairo, where she developed a natural talent for oil and acrylic painting. Since then, the mother of 6 and grandmother also of 6 has evolved her style from realism to abstract as a way to continue expanding her journey as an artist. Her pieces are studded with Middle-Eastern motifs and Islamic patterns and can be distinguished by her signature use of bold colors. Balancing her time as a full-time artist, wife, mother and a grand-mother has been challenging for Mona, but she hopes that her work will be appreciated by art lovers and inspire other Emirati women to pursue their passions and creativity.

Below, a poetic message from the

Below, a poetic message from the artist herself:

“Painting is my world, a place where I can freely swim with my thoughts and exercise my ability to describe the world as I desire. I arrange it according to my imagination, returning to thoughts, places and themes that can only be expressed by observing and absorbing them into a visual story. 

In my opinion, a good work of art consists of using time and space, depth and movement, shadow and light, to enrich the eyesight and provoke inner-thoughts. Personally, I am influenced by the changes in colour and form that take place in everything that surrounds me, from the change of seasons to the diversity of light in different regions. I observe how a blue sky turns to shades of night, how a light wind raises dust that disturbs a clear sky – giving it a yellow tinge that hides the contours of shadows on the floor. 

I grab my brush and the ideas grapple inside me. I find them bound by some of the influences that stem from inherited legacies. I attempt to break free from them to give my ideas the opportunity to explore beyond these constraints. I try to paint new forms and use slightly different methods, but they tend to return back to their origins, as if they were fixed in my being.”

There is no direct human form in my work, but its fingerprints are still present in my paintings. I often use decorative elements inspired by my local and Islamic heritage, such as nature, jewelry, clothing and calligraphy, as well as architectural symbols and motifs. These elements constantly enrich my ideas.

Click Here to Download Catalogue

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Sikka 2019. 16th – 24th of March

The Majlis Gallery is renowned for the wide scope of the artists we represent and the great variety of the materials and genres they work in, for Sikka 2019 we bring together 5 artists and a writer who between them will fill the galleries 4 main exhibition spaces, its beautiful courtyard and surrounding external areas with stunning Art and Artifacts under the title of

Creative Diversity  

All the artists will be here for the first week of Sikka to personally introduce you to their work

“Love” Oil on Canvas 90 x 120 by Sophie Walbeoffe
(to see the complete collection click here)

The Amboseli ecosystem is unique. No other place in Africa combines its special hydrology, topography , geology and cultural history. Amboseli National Park in southern Kenya is famous for its views of Kilimanjaro and its iconic elephants.  Cynthia Moss has been studying these elephants for the last 46 years, her project is the longest continuous study of elephants in the world.

Sophie Walbeoffe has exhibited regularly with the Majlis Gallery over the last twenty five years having lived in Dubai in the 1980’s. Combining their special talents and experience Sophie and Cynthia share the amazing beauty of Amboseli and the elephants in a book with Sophies paintings and Cynthias words. Many of the paintings and drawings will be exhibited and for sale in the Majlis gallery during Sikka 2019 with the book being officially launched at the same time

    Caneworks by Peter Bowles      Wild flower perfume bottles by Anne Clifton

(to see the complete collection click here)

Glass Manifesto is the Creative Partnership of Peter Bowles & Anne Clifton.

Peter Bowles is recognised as one of Australia’s finest makers. Renowned for his technical mastery, his inventive approach to his craft and a dedication to a practice that spans object making, contemporary craft and public art. A prolific and fastidious artist, he has exhibited, lectured, researched and made work throughout the UK, Europe, Australia, Canada and the USA.

Anne Clifton brings an unparalleled enthusiasm and a sense of wonder to her work. Her innate curiosity drives her practice which has taken her throughout Europe, Australia, Asia and the USA. Her commitment, vision and deep regard for community engagement have positioned her as a significant member of the international studio glass movement.

(to see Jamal’s complete collection click here)

 

There will be plenty of parking during Sikka in fact there is plenty of parking all the time now just a short stroll away in the new Al Seef area at the bottom of our road.

For more details on Sikka Art Fair 2019 contact

www.dubaiculture.gov.ae

www.themajlisgallery.com

majligallery@gmail.com

tel +9714 3536233

 

 

 

Opening on Saturday 24th November.
We welcome the winter months with Seeking Al Seef by Martin Giesen an exhibition of works on paper exploring the multi facetted world of Dubai Creek.

If you travel along Al Seef the stretch of waterfront along Dubai’s creek, you could be forgiven you thought you were in a historic neighborhood. Wind tower houses, narrow alleys, restaurants and shops all seem grown organically over decades into a port community on the Arabian Gulf. In reality, Al-Seef is a typical Dubai project: brand new and unabashedly geared towards commerce. It utilizes the Venice-like appeal of a city on the water. It boldly appropriates the historical appearance of 19^th century regional architecture but constructs this nostalgic tableau with contemporary building technology. The result is a 1,8 km long neighborhood with invisible underground parking, upscale hotel and event facilities, all hidden behind the stage set of an artfully aged and romanticized market town of merchants and pearl fishers. 

Memorable art always tells at least two stories: The story of content and the story of form. The content story of Dubai reflects our contemporary dilemma. We demand universality and equality but insist that identity is a treasure. We seek global integration and witness a shrinking planet but aim to safeguard cultural authenticity.

The formal story of Giesen’s watercolors reiterates modernist concerns. It plays with degrees of abstraction, explores patterns both repetitive and colorful, shifting intermittently to a representational even figurative focus. 

Nestling beside Al Seef is the authentic Al Fahidi Neighbourhood which like the creek has sustained itself through the years. Years that have seen Dubai almost forsake its origins.

 Martins paintings bring us back to those origins

click here to view the entire collection

Born in England and raised in Zimbabwe, Nick returned to the UK to study law at Cambridge, where he was also a heavyweight boxing blue. A stint in London with one of the big solicitors’ firms preceded six years working in Pakistan and Dubai, saving up the money to study painting full time. He then trained under the Spanish maestro Joaquin Torrents Llado in Majorca for five years before becoming a full time artist in London in 1997 . Working mainly in oils and charcoal, Nick is renown for his ability to get beneath the skin of his sitters. Antecedents as well as descendants appear during the painting process with the finished portrait being something that goes deeper than pure likeness. Below are just a few examples of Nick’s work, more can be seen on his website www.nickbashall.com

Nick has lowered his London prices for Dubai He loves to come here and to give back to a country that helped nurture his creative spirit. His prices include VAT

Charcoals, head and shoulders

Children 8,250 AED

Adults 10,000 AED

Oil Sketches head and shoulders

Children 16,500 AED

Adults 20,000 AED

Groups are also a possibility

Two sittings of around two hours each following an initial “chat” are usually needed to complete a commission. To meet Nick in his studio at The Majlis Gallery and talk through the process please phone Alison on 050 4503853

Click Here to see Nick Bashall Portfolio