RARARES Gallery, based in DIFC Gate Village will open their fourth show Elysian Awakening – an evocative exhibition that delves into the multifaceted strength, resilience and creativity of two renowned female Emirati artists Zeina Abdullah, Fatma Lootah, presented with international artists, Barbara Duran, Natalie Katwal and Sara Alkhayyal. Each illuminating the diverse expressions of womanhood through a contemporary lens. Spring, in this version, is not delicate or flowery. It’s unapologetically fertile, raw, transformative – like the feminine, and that’s what RARARES debut in this pivotal exhibition.
Opening on April 29th, the show marks a curatorial invocation of spring not as a season, but a state of becoming—where cultural roots are torn up and replanted, identities are reimagined and the feminine voice sheds light on a new path. RARARES are paving the way for local artists to have their voice heard, Elysian Awakening is a visceral response to the season’s symbolism – not just of growth, but of rupture. Spring in this context is not delicate – it is rebellious, blooming, untamed.
Participating Artists:
Fatma Lootah: A celebrated Emirati artist, Lootah’s work navigates the delicate interplay between tradition and modernity. By intertwining cultural symbolism with compelling visual narratives, she gives voice to the resilience of women in the Gulf region, creating a bridge between past and present.
Sara Alkhayyal: Renowned for her bold and dynamic compositions, Alkhayyal’s pieces in Elysian Awakening evoke liberation and transformation. Her art captures the inner strength of women as they navigate personal and societal challenges, inviting viewers to experience their journey.
Barbara Duran: With a keen focus on texture and materiality, Duran’s innovative use of mediums reflects the emotional and physical experiences of women. Her works explore themes from motherhood to personal empowerment, inviting contemplation on the complexities of womanhood.
Zeina Abdullah: Known for her intricate ceramics that resonate with emotion, Abdullah’s work explores identity, memory and cultural connections. In Elysian Awakening, she delves into the rich layers of womanhood, celebrating both strength and vulnerability in her art.
Natalie Katwal: Drawing from her experiences as a contemporary woman, Katwal’s work critiquessocietal norms while championing personal freedom. Her pieces offer a nuanced exploration of women’sroles in today’s world, sparking dialogue around identity and autonomy
Press release from RARARES Gallery
Image: Barbara Duran. La rabbia antica deglio orfani. 2024. Gold, silver and pigments on canvas. 80 x 80 cm. Image courtesy of the artist
