This website places cookies on your computer to improve your experience. By continuing to browse the site, you are agreeing to our use of cookies. For more details, see our cookie policy.
I finally made it to Sharjah Biennial. It was such an amazing and atmospheric display. We bumped into Judith Greer, Director of Sharjah Biennial, the wonderful Alia Al-Senussi
The work of John Akomfrah was just incredible. The concept of the Sharjah Biennial was to think historically and bring it to the present. John Akomfrah did this so brilliantly
Outside the installation was a strange and wonderful work by Mona Hatoum called 'Fossil Folly', conceived for the Biennale. Plant shapes such as aloe vera, thistle and various succulents were cut out of barrels
We enjoyed the most magical installation 'Hum II' by Hajra Waheed, which was set in a white monolithic dome called The Sound Chamber. I walked around thinking there was no end, before finally we entered a white space which reached the sky. As I lay on the white carpet, we listened to the alienation of displaced subjects affected by legacies of colonial and state violence. It was so powerful
I managed to drop into the Dubai Art Fair which was a very happy place with many events and activities happening simultaneously. This work by Gvantsa Jishkariani spoke to me in particular. This art fair felt different from the others, with the artist reaching out to me and asking if I'd like to know more about her work. It was a lovely environment
There were children everywhere who were free to interact with the art. There was a great sense of openness and generosity among the galleries. Here is Askhat Akhmedyarov's work 'Motive' at Aspan Gallery
I loved these cuddly teddy bear paintings adorning one of the gallery's walls
In contrast was the work of Mithu Sen at Galerie Krinzinger
It was lovely to see some of our favourites such as Lynda Benglis
Then suddenly, we were back in London
We said a sad farewell to LuYang NetiNeti after a constant buzz and thousands of visitors
The new Invites show by Catinca Malaimare was a welcome addition
The performance was incredible with wonderful music and the sound of crinkly leather which resonated from the vintage leathers worn by the performers
I went to visit Candida Powell-Williams who was working on a brilliant commission work!
A few frogs in the making!
At Seventeen was an interesting show featuring the work of David Blandy called Alternate Presence, a two person show composed of four films
At a.Squire were some recent paintings by artist Evangeline Chaff, a most unique and interesting artist
The highlight of the show was at Modern Art, 'The Moth and The Thunderclap', curated by Simon Grant. Floating between different realities, myths, folklore and mystical traditions, Simon managed to put together 40 art works to reflect these themes. There were so many interesting artists. We loved the work of Ever Baldwin called 'Fallow'
My favourite work was by Edward Burra called 'Susanna and the Elders'
The work of Vidya Gastaldon, 'Healing Painting (Marine Monster)', also stood out
The next morning we enjoyed a lovely BFAMI gathering at Jeremy Scholar where we visited skilful young ghostly works of artist Mary Stephenson which were devoid of human presence giving a sense of abandonment
Next to the work was a piece by Rachel Whiteread, proudly loaned by Zabludowicz Collection
We managed to catch one of the last few days of Russell Toveys curated show Close at Grimm Gallery. I loved Jean Nipon's work 'Barbara at the Office'
In the afternoon, I managed to view the wonderful work by Linda Bengalis at Thomas Dane; an incredible treat for us all
