Art Dubai to showcase artists from 'Global South' in run up to March: first, Timo Nasseri

Weeks ago it announced that it will proceed with a physical fair in March, but Art Dubai has not given up on the virtual realm just yet. On Tuesday, it kicked off a digital programme of online solo exhibitions featuring artists from the so-called Global South.

Named Art Dubai Portrait Exhibitions, the programme will take place over the coming months, focusing on one artist every two weeks. The works shown in each exhibition are available to acquire via the artists’ respective galleries.

Berlin-born Timo Nasseri is first on the list. Represented by Sfeir-Semler Gallery, he presents a new body of work titled A Universal Alphabet, an exploration of geometric patterns and the absolutism of their meanings across contexts. This is a running theme in Nasseri's practice, which looks at metaphysics and the infinite through geometry that references his Iranian roots.

A Universal Alphabet includes colourful paintings of symmetrical shapes and sculptures of fictionalised letters that resemble alien-like code. Nasseri drew inspiration from the Dazzle camouflage patterns of boats used in World War I. These dazzle patterns consisted of colourful shapes that weave and cut into each other, making it harder for the vessel to be a target as it moved through water.

Nasseri transforms these patterns into totem-like shapes, blending in elements from ancient cultures across Latin America, Africa and Asia. He has also taken the camouflage designs to create an alphabet of 750 letters, which he turned into sculptures from cut metal.

The online exhibition, which runs until Monday, October 12, includes a short video introduction to the artist, a detailed description of his project and images of the available artworks.

Art Dubai has done away with the virtual tours and 360 views that currently fill the virtual art exhibition space and instead opted for a more straightforward and decluttered presentation, with each element of the show unfolding methodically.

Other artists on the programme include Mohamed Ahmed Ibrahim, who has recently been tasked with representing the UAE at the 2022 Venice Biennale, Dia Azzawi, Naqsh Collective, Aya Haidar, Abdul Rahman Katanani and Mohammed Kazem.

More information can be found on artdubai.ae