Managed by Art Dubai Group, the grant aligns with the government’s efforts to position Dubai as a leading global hub for the creative economy. By supporting local artists and galleries, the initiative helps expand their international presence while reinforcing Dubai’s status as a thriving cultural center.

Strengthening Dubai’s Art Ecosystem

Through this initiative, Dubai Culture aims to:

• Enhance the city’s reputation as the region’s art capital.
• Encourage both emerging and established UAE-based and Emirati artists.
• Provide financial backing to galleries for international exposure.
• Drive growth in Dubai’s creative economy by attracting long-term commitments from galleries and artists.

Eligible galleries must meet the following criteria:

• Maintain a full-time presence in Dubai.
• Represent Emirati artists or those who have resided in the UAE for at least three years.
• Regularly showcase their programs beyond their gallery space, such as at institutions or art fairs.

Qualifying galleries can apply for up to 50% financial support for their booths at international art fairs, depending on the portion dedicated to Emirati or UAE-based artists.

Industry Leaders Welcome the Initiative

Dr. Saeed Mubarak bin Kharbash, CEO of the Arts, Design, and Literature Sector at Dubai Culture, highlighted the grant’s significance, stating, “Dubai’s position as a global art hub is largely due to its vibrant art scene and thriving galleries. Through this grant, we aim to raise the international profiles of our galleries and artists, contributing to the global discourse on contemporary art and promoting Dubai as a center for artistic excellence.”

William Lawrie of Lawrie Shabibi Gallery also praised the initiative, emphasizing that it is a vital step in strengthening Dubai’s role in the international art scene. “This grant supports our participation in global art fairs and helps us showcase our artists on an international level,” he said.

As part of Dubai’s ongoing efforts to foster creativity and innovation, the grant ensures that the city remains a key player in the global art industry. By offering financial aid and international exposure, Dubai Culture continues to strengthen the local art community while reinforcing the emirate’s position as a dynamic and evolving cultural hub.

The post Dubai Culture Launches Grant for International Art Fairs appeared first on Magzoid Magazine.

Dubai Culture: Boosting Global Presence for Dubai’s Art Scene

Managed by Art Dubai Group, the grant underscores Dubai’s commitment to expanding its art scene internationally. It provides financial support to galleries that maintain a full-time presence in Dubai, represent Emirati artists or those who have lived in the UAE for at least three years, and actively participate in exhibitions beyond their gallery space. Eligible galleries can apply for up to 50% funding for an international art fair booth, depending on the percentage of space allocated to Emirati or UAE-based artists.

Dr. Saeed Mubarak bin Kharbash, highlighted the grant’s importance, stating: “Dubai’s position as a global art hub is largely attributed to its thriving art scene, which is centred around the city’s art galleries. Through this grant, we aim to elevate our artists on an international platform while fostering cultural exchange and collaboration.”

William Lawrie of Lawrie Shabibi gallery also praised the initiative, noting that it provides essential support for local talent. He also emphasized that the grant will help galleries expand their reach, promote artists globally, and contribute to Dubai’s evolving cultural landscape.

Encouraging Growth and Cultural Exchange

Beyond financial assistance, the grant seeks to establish Dubai as a permanent fixture in the international art world. By supporting emerging and established artists, the initiative fosters a sustainable creative ecosystem, benefiting complementary sectors and reinforcing Dubai’s role as a center for artistic excellence.

Applications for the grant are now open. Interested galleries can visit Art Dubai’s official website or contact the Art Dubai team at pietro@artdubai.ae for further details.

The post Dubai Culture Launches Grant to Support Local Galleries at International Art Fairs appeared first on Magzoid Magazine.

Murals Capturing Tradition, Identity, and Modernity

Among the 13 striking murals, notable works include:

• ‘A Heritage of Night’ by Eman Alrashdi, merging Emirati identity with a Van Gogh-inspired night sky.
• ‘Child’s Play’ by Perryhan El-Ashmawi, portraying childhood joy and creativity.
• ‘Rooted Connections’ by Karim Jabbari, blending Arabic calligraphy and poetry.
• ‘Dream Big’ by Noé Peiró, symbolizing Dubai’s rise from a fishing village to a global city.

Other murals explore urban life, nature, and cultural heritage, showcasing the depth of talent from regional and international artists.

Innovative Sculptures and Installations

Over 40+ installations redefine the landscape, including:

• ‘Shells’ by Dr Mohamed Yousif, depicting Dubai’s coastal history through stone carving.
• ‘Dubai Heart’ by Azza Al Qubaisi, exploring the UAE’s traditions and identity.
• ‘Starry Sky in Dubai’ by Liu Yang, a dynamic light sculpture inspired by celestial movements.
• ‘Moon’ by Mohamed Sahnoun, a calligraphy-adorned marble piece that shifts between full and crescent moon perspectives.

Interactive and Sustainable Art

Artworks like ‘Make-A-Friend’ by Hend Almurid, an installation allowing visitors to build their own sculptures, and ‘Renewal’ by Studio Thirteen X Nordic Homeworx, made from recycled wood, highlight the festival’s focus on community engagement and sustainability.

A Collaborative Effort

The festival is supported by Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority, Dubai Police, Dubai Municipality, and Dubai Civil Defence, ensuring a well-curated cultural experience.

With immersive art, heritage-inspired creations, and futuristic installations, Sikka 2025 cements Dubai’s position as a thriving hub for artistic innovation and cultural storytelling.

The post Sikka Art Festival Transforms Al Shindagha with Installations appeared first on Magzoid Magazine.

A Journey Through Time

Many designers looked to the past for inspiration, combining vintage references with modern sensibilities. Maria Grazia Chiuri, the creative mind behind Dior, drew from “the creativity of past centuries”, presenting designs inspired by 1950s Yves Saint Laurent, such as draped skirts, trapeze dresses, and crinolines. This collection paid homage to the rich legacy of couture while introducing new forms and silhouettes.

Daniel Roseberry, artistic director at Schiaparelli, also explored time travel in his collection. Inspired by 1920s and 1930s ribbons, his designs prominently featured corsets, a nod to the haute couture of the past, alongside modern twists on classic silhouettes. Kendall Jenner was among the models showcasing his work, highlighting how the past and present can seamlessly merge in couture.

Escapism Through Fashion

For many designers, couture serves as a form of escapism—an opportunity to create beautiful, fantastical worlds far removed from current events. Zuhair Murad, drawing from his experiences in Lebanon, presented a collection inspired by a tropical island, symbolizing a peaceful refuge from the chaos of the world. The collection conveyed a sense of utopia, offering a serene contrast to the harsh realities of modern life.

Franck Sorbier, on the other hand, took a more direct approach to current global conflicts in his show, “Symphonie Barbare”. This theatrical performance featured “warriors of peace” and “barbarian” men, symbolizing the duality of conflict and peace. The show ended on a hopeful note with Sorbier himself emerging in a black anorak that read “peace and love”, delivering a powerful message on global unity.

Addressing the Future

The future of fashion also played a role at Paris Couture Week. Viktor & Rolf presented a collection that riffed on the rise of artificial intelligence (AI), sending out 24 variations of the same dress. Each was announced with a robotic voice, showcasing a human interpretation of the limitless possibilities AI presents for fashion.

Changes Among Fashion’s Elite

Amidst the couture glitter, musical chairs among top designers continued. Stella McCartney announced her departure from LVMH, while Glenn Martens was appointed artistic director of Maison Margiela, succeeding John Galliano. Speculation also surrounded Maria Grazia Chiuri at Dior, with rumors suggesting a potential shift to Jonathan Anderson of Loewe.

Chanel too is undergoing a leadership transition, with Virginie Viard’s sudden departure in June, leaving the brand’s latest show crafted by its creative studio. Matthieu Blazy, who was appointed as Viard’s successor, is not expected to present his first collection until September.

Couture Traditions and Bold New Designs

As tradition dictates, many collections concluded with bridal looks, but this season’s gowns took a modern twist. From short in the front, long in the back styles to Jean Paul Gaultier’s feathered, transparent gown, designers continued to push the boundaries of haute couture.

This year’s Paris Couture Week offered a visual feast of creativity, nostalgia, and escapism, reaffirming the importance of fashion as both an art form and a mirror to our rapidly changing world

The post Nostalgia and Escapism: Highlights from Paris Couture Week appeared first on Magzoid Magazine.

Bringing Van Gogh’s Vision to LEGO

LEGO has unveiled its latest artistic creation, the LEGO Art Vincent van Gogh – Sunflowers set, developed in partnership with the Van Gogh Museum in Amsterdam. This 2,615-piece collector’s item transforms Van Gogh’s 1889 masterpiece into a three-dimensional LEGO format, offering art enthusiasts and builders an immersive experience.

The set includes:

• Adjustable petals to recreate Van Gogh’s signature brushstrokes.
• A removable frame for display versatility.
• A tile featuring Van Gogh’s signature, adding an authentic touch.

Designed to capture the painting’s three radiant shades of yellow and dynamic light and shadow effects, this release pays homage to one of the world’s most famous still-life artworks.

An Interactive Experience for Collectors

To enhance the building process, LEGO has introduced an exclusive podcast, available from March 1, 2025, featuring insights from LEGO Designer Stijn Oom and Van Gogh Museum Senior Curator Nienke Bakker. The podcast will provide historical context and behind-the-scenes details on the creation of this set.

In celebration of the launch, LEGO has also crafted two life-sized brick-built replicas of Sunflowers, which will be permanently displayed at the LEGO Store in Amsterdam and the Van Gogh Museum. Additionally, fans will have the opportunity to meet Stijn Oom, who will be signing sets at:

• LEGO Store Amsterdam – March 1, 2025
• LEGO Store Marseille – March 2, 2025

Pre-Orders and Pricing Details

The LEGO Art Vincent van Gogh – Sunflowers set is available for pre-order from January 28, 2025, ahead of its official launch on March 1, 2025. The set is priced at $199.99 USD, making it a must-have for LEGO collectors and art lovers alike. The set also includes intricate texturing techniques to mimic Van Gogh’s expressive brushwork, offering builders a deeper connection to the masterpiece.

The post LEGO and Van Gogh Museum Unveil ‘Sunflowers’ Inspired Set appeared first on Magzoid Magazine.

January 5, 2025 – Art Intervention in Al Satwa
The project’s narrative commences with an art intervention in Dubai’s historic Al Satwa district, where contemporary Arab artists Khalil Abdulwahid and Karim Jabbari explore the delicate balance between tradition and modernity. Guided by a leading expert in Arabic and multilingual typography Huda Smitshuijzen AbiFarès, the artists engage in a dérive – an unplanned single-day urban exploration – to immerse in street life and local conversations, intentionally seeking out traces of lost ways of living, while documenting their practice. The intervention captures the neighborhood’s stories, textures, and fading memories, offering a poetic reflection on its transformation. The art intervention draws inspiration from a 2024 project Sikka by Emirati urbanist and scholar Dr. Khaled Alawadi, highlighting the cultural significance of traditional alleyways, as hubs of social interaction and community life.

January 29, 2025, 7:00 PM – Live Performance and Video Art Screening
The narrative deepens through a dynamic live performance combining light, calligraphy, video art, and music. Jabbari will create light calligraphy in real time, with his evolving artwork projected on a large screen. Simultaneously, Abdulwahid’s video art will showcase Al Satwa’s disappearing cultural fabric, blending documentary footage with artistic intervention. The performance will be accompanied by vocal and musical improvisation by Faisal Salah (FACESOUL), whose music will become a featured show theme.

January 29, 2025, 8:00 PM – Solo Exhibition by Karim Jabbari
Featuring works created during his residency in Dubai, the show reflects on the artist’s engagement with tradition, urban nostalgia, and the reinterpretation of cultural heritage. Collectors and friends of the gallery are invited to an exclusive preview event to explore Jabbari’s innovative approach to blending ancient calligraphic traditions with contemporary design.

The post Lost Tradition: Inloco Gallery’s 2025 Season Launch Featuring Karim Jabbari appeared first on Magzoid Magazine.

Photographer Austin Bell reveals Shooting Hoops, a photo book and exhibition documenting Hong Kong’s 2,549 vibrant basketball courts. Hosted at Blue Lotus Gallery, the project showcases Bell’s fascination with the colorful courts set against Hong Kong’s urban density, presenting a unique perspective of the city.

A Journey Through 2,549 Courts

Bell first visited Hong Kong in 2017 and was captivated by its courts, unlike the muted asphalt surfaces of the U.S. His mission began in 2019, with months of exploration resulting in 40,000 photographs, including 475 courts in one day. Bell describes the project as an effort to reveal an unseen side of Hong Kong and its ingenious use of limited space.

Exhibition and Photo Book Details

The Shooting Hoops photo book, priced at $49 USD, is now available for pre-order on Bell’s website. The accompanying exhibition runs from January 17 to February 23, 2025, at Blue Lotus Gallery in Sheung Wan, Hong Kong.

The post Austin Bell Showcases Hong Kong’s Basketball Courts in ‘Shooting Hoops’ appeared first on Magzoid Magazine.

Reviving Rammed Earth Architecture

The Desert Relics Installation revives the ancient technique of rammed earth construction, where sand, clay, and water are hand-compressed into durable, sedimentary forms. Drawing on the archaeological heritage of Mleiha, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the installation’s twelve modular sculptures mimic the shapes of ancient vessel vases, stones, and even a grand necklace. These forms, inspired by the crafts of early civilizations, showcase pigments and textures that seamlessly blend with the desert landscape.

Desert Relics: A Tribute to the Past

Karim + Elias have consistently explored vernacular architectural techniques on a monumental scale, and this latest creation is no exception. The installation reflects the duo’s dedication to connecting art to its natural surroundings while promoting sustainable and locally-rooted craftsmanship. Their previous works, such as From This Earth in Saudi Arabia and IOTA at Dubai Design Week, echo similar ecological and cultural themes.

The Desert Relics Installation offers visitors a unique opportunity to engage with the UAE’s past, presenting a modern interpretation of its enduring cultural and environmental legacy.

The post Desert Relics Installation Rises as Mystical Totems in UAE appeared first on Magzoid Magazine.

Ryan Leidner Architecture, the San Francisco-based firm, has unveiled a stunning wood-and-stucco desert home and studio located in Southern California’s High Desert. This project, designed for painter Heather Day and creative director Chase McBride, combines mid-century Eichler home principles with southwestern art influences, creating a harmonious blend of architecture and landscape.

Nestled near the Joshua Tree National Park, this house was constructed on a previously undeveloped desert site. The design process sought to respect the surrounding environment while providing expansive views of the desert.

Studio founder Ryan Leidner shared, “We sought to respect the landscape with the design of the house, maintaining a compact footprint while still enjoying the sense of expansiveness one feels in the desert.”

He further described the journey to the property, saying, “In order to get to the property you drive several miles down an unpaved, sandy road through the desert, seeing the occasional home or trailer along the way. And then you take a final turn, and the house begins to emerge from behind a rock outcropping. What you see is this white line in the landscape, and it feels just so surprising, and I think beautiful.”

Inspired by Mid-Century Modern and Artist Studios

The design draws heavily on the clean, logical structure of mid-century Eichler homes, which the team had previously renovated. An exposed post-and-beam structure with regular spacing informs the room layouts, contributing to the home’s seamless integration with its desert setting.

The architecture also takes cues from artist studios, including those of Georgia O’Keeffe, Willem and Elaine de Kooning, and the personal residence of Mexican architect Luis Barragán. These influences can be seen in the simplicity and functionality of the space.

The home features a rectangular wood frame that steps down to match the natural rocky slope of the land. The structure is covered in a white plaster stucco exterior, which ensures the house can endure the harsh climate and weather fluctuations typical of the desert region.

“Initially, we explored using a neutral tone plaster with the thought that it would blend in with the desert landscape,” the team explained. “But as we studied that option further, we realized that it actually took away from the architecture and the landscape. Having more of a contrast in tone helped to highlight the beauty of the surroundings.”

A Space to Reflect and Connect with the Landscape

On one side of the house, a solid white wall extends the length of the structure, with double doors and sidelights aligning symmetrically across from another set of doors on the opposite side. The nearly symmetrical design continues with a spacious central porch and elevated deck, accessed through floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors.

Large windows adorn the house, bringing abundant natural light into the bedrooms and artist studio, while wooden roof trusses extend slightly beyond the walls to provide shade to the glazed openings.

On both ends of the home, clerestory windows, framed by slender vertical wooden bands, provide further light and ventilation, contributing to the home’s airy feel.

Inside, the heart of the house is the open-plan living area, where the kitchen, dining, and living room flow into one another, highlighted by exposed wood ceilings, white walls, and concrete flooring. A short hallway leads to the bedroom and bathroom, while the opposite side of the main room transitions into the expansive studio space.

Resident Heather Day expressed her connection to the house and its surroundings: “Living here has helped both of us slow down and savor each day. The way the windows frame the rugged landscape that seems to change throughout the day or with each season makes us feel closer to land. It’s like an ever-evolving painting outside.”

Ryan Leidner Architecture has previously worked on several notable renovations, including a 1940s home in San Francisco’s Bernal Heights, where they added a bridge over the front garden, and a 1960s Eichler house in Silicon Valley, from which they drew inspiration for this desert project.

The post Ryan Leidner Designs Desert Home and Art Studio in California appeared first on Magzoid Magazine.

Casa Gesso, designed by Valencia-based Viruta Lab, is more than a home—it’s a “habitable blank canvas” that pays homage to feminist artist Ángela García Codoñer. Located in Picanya, Spain, the house reimagines residential spaces as venues for reflection and artistic exploration, embodying the artist’s groundbreaking critique of traditional gender norms.

Architectural Concept and Design

Casa Gesso features two interlinked volumes of differing heights, reflecting the architectural diversity of the surrounding neighbourhood. The one-and-a-half-storey structure houses the main living areas, while a two-storey block contains the bedrooms and bathrooms.

Central to the design is a courtyard that serves as the home’s heart, providing natural light and ventilation. The porcelain tiles cladding the facades and courtyard evoke traditional Valencian washhouses, blending local heritage with modern aesthetics.

David Puerta, one of the architects and a former mentee of García Codoñer, described the house as a “habitable blank canvas” that harmonises minimalist design with the artist’s vibrant work.

Inspiration from Ángela García Codoñer’s Oeuvre

Each living space draws inspiration from a specific series by García Codoñer:

• Living Room: Features a 1979 piece from the Labores series, which critiques traditional female handicrafts. Upholstered elements and rugs evoke cross-stitching, aligning with the series’ theme.
• Kitchen: Highlights a painting from the Morfologías series (1973), which deconstructs societal depictions of women. Rounded forms and a female bust in the courtyard mirror the sinuous shapes of the artwork.
• Main Bedroom: Showcases a collage from the Misses series (1974), denouncing the objectification of women in beauty pageants. A tweed headboard subtly references the meticulous construction of the female image.

Material Palette and Atmosphere

Viruta Lab used a restrained material palette to create warmth and neutrality, allowing García Codoñer’s works to take centre stage. Bone-white porcelain tiles, stained oak cabinetry, and soft upholstery foster a serene and reflective environment.

Function Meets Reflection

The architects emphasised that Casa Gesso is not simply an exhibition space. Instead, it’s a functional home designed to blur the boundaries between living and observing, encouraging contemplation of García Codoñer’s legacy while fulfilling everyday needs.

Casa Gesso exemplifies how architecture can celebrate artistic and cultural legacies. By intertwining Ángela García Codoñer’s feminist perspectives with modern design, Viruta Lab has created a space that challenges traditional norms while offering a peaceful retreat for reflection and inspiration.

The post Casa Gesso: A Living Tribute to Feminist Art appeared first on Magzoid Magazine.