Wednesday, February 3rd. The Dubai International Art Centre.
I had never been – had not even in point of fact had heard of it. On getting the invite, I assumed an imposing building housing the latest collection of pottery from Homa Farley, one of Iran’s few contemporary potters. Mrs Farley hangs her hat, and also tutors a new breed of potters, in Dubai.
The exhibition, I was sure, would be brilliant. On tha count i was correct. But the Dubai International Art Centre surprised me in good measure. It is a bijou little art house, safely ensconsed in a villa on the by-road between Mercato Mall and Town Centre off the Jumeirah Beach Road. It is bare, minimal and ideal for housing small art exhibitions. Start with a couple of austere whitewashed rooms with overhead lighting on steel rails, add a few glass cases for the more delicate items, and the composite offers a cosy, functional art centre in the middle of the town centre, yet seemingly far from the ruslte, hustle and buste. It always amuses me how expectionally good Dubai is at hiding its art and cultural offerings, like a jealous housewife securing the family jewels away from prying eyes.
Homa Farley was in her element. She used the enclosed space to express a wide range of her indisputable skills.
There was swirly stoneware, looking delicate despite its durability, juxtaposed with intricate textured pots offering a cornucopia of shades. Pots, plates, vases, and vessels inspired by flora and the dynamism of the ocean were on display. Ms Farley also seems to be emulating Picasso in exploring a blue phase – much of the work was presented in seemingly infinite shades of blue. Yet dabes of earthen and green were also conspicious, rubbing shoulders demurely.
Mrs Farley’s generosity with her brilliance was in evidence in the adjacent room; for it showcased works from her students in the UAE. The breadth of work was immersing – Bahaus-esque functional vases and tea pots were mixing with vessels with a Romantic bent. A vertical plant installation in small cuboid pots was eye-catching, as was a shallow vessel wrought in the texture of overlapping leaves. From simple functionalism to the very ornate, from water fountains and lattice trays to a vessel shaped like a cloth sack, Mrs Farley’s students were both expressive and impressive.
The occassion wrapped up with canapes al fresco, a little fizzy fermeted grape juice drawing the guiltily attention of more than a few visitors, and general conversation.
Here’s hoping all my visits to the Dubai International Art Gallery are as inspiring.
Check out the venue, and also look up Mrs Farley on Facebook to say bonjour. She’d love to hear from you.
