Iris Projects made debut in Art Dubai with Abdullah Al Othman's artworks
Muhammad Yusuf, Features Writer
Contemporary art gallery Iris Projects had its debut participation in Art Dubai, unveiling a new large-scale, site-specific installation by Saudi artist Abdullah Al Othman (April 16-20). Iris Projects showed Abdullah Al Othman's work in the Bawwaba section at Art Dubai (Booth W4), curated by Mirjam Varadinis; the section highlighted artists from the Global South and Iris Projects was the only gallery from the GCC participating there.
Manifesto: the Language & the City (2025) was a series of multimedia works originally conceived for the Diriyah Biennale (2011) and subsequently presented at the 16th Lyon Biennale (2022). In this most recent iteration, the artist continued to chronicle the linguistic and architectural evolution of Riyadh, commenting on the fluidity of language, architecture and collective memory, in times of transformation.
Concurrently, Iris Projects is also presenting a solo exhibition by Al Othman in its gallery spaces in Abu Dhabi. Structural Syntax is curated by Irina Stark; it is Al Othman's first solo show in the UAE and is a commentary on fleeting nostalgia and vanishing collective history.
The interplay between structural anatomy and language in the artist's work is 'akin to applying ultraviolet light to the skeleton of a building, deconstructing traditional forms to reveal new cultural narratives and systems of meaning,' says Iris Projects.
The exhibition opened on April 18 in Iris Projects gallery, M_39, MiZa, Abu Dhabi. Iris Projects is the first commercial gallery to open in Abu Dhabi's MiZa cultural district. Al Othman's upcoming publication, Language and City, which spans five years of the artist's research, is also set for release this month.
Lights shine brightly in Abdullah Al Othman's Structural Syntax.
He says that 'architectural and linguistic identity has always been a source of inspiration and a special passion for me. It is not just a reflection of a place, but a living image of people's history, interactions, dreams, memories, and obsessions.'
Maryam Al Falasi, Founder of Iris Projects, said that 'we are delighted to debut at Art Dubai with a site-specific installation by acclaimed Saudi artist Abdullah Al Othman. Known for his rigorous conceptual approach, he researches the site of advertising signs in Riyadh, and then recreates them to create an identity of the city, condensed from its typographic, visual and architectural identity.
As the first commercial gallery to open in MiZa, Abu Dhabi, we're excited to bring this thought-provoking work to Dubai audiences ahead of Abdullah's highly anticipated first solo exhibition at our gallery.'
Irina Stark, Curator of Structural Syntax, said that 'Al Othman's work reflects his broader interest in the relationship between language and form, exploring how visual elements can act as a means of communication, transcending the limits of spoken or written words. As part of this exhibition, he encourages the audience to decode the language of structure, inviting to engage with each piece as both an intellectual and emotional experience.'
Abdullah Al Othman (b.1985) is one of Saudi Arabia's most innovative contemporary artists and a published author, renowned for his multidisciplinary approach to art. For nearly a decade, he has cultivated a visual language rooted in Arabian urban landscapes, architecture, and linguistic history. His monumental installations and sculptures archive and reinterpret the evolving symbolism and narratives that shape his environment.
His practice spans drawing, sculpture, video, and large-scale installation, often incorporating elements of architecture and storytelling, to explore themes of identity, space, and the evolving cultural landscape of Saudi Arabia.
His work has been exhibited internationally including Lyon Biennale, Desert X AlUla and Diriyah Biennale, among others. His recent works highlight a continued exploration of the intersection between language semantics, art and the built environment. He lives and works in Riyadh.
Through Iris Projects, Maryam Al Falasi represents leading regional artists, manages multiple art and cultural projects throughout the UAE, and is a trusted advisor to top collectors. Through her work, she aims to connect regional artists with international audiences.
In addition to her professional achievements, she is a renowned art collector, dedicated to preserving the history of the UAE through her personal archive; it has significantly enriched exhibitions and museums across the UAE. She holds a Bachelor's degree in History of Art and Archaeology from Sorbonne University in Abu Dhabi and has completed multiple courses at Sotheby's Institute of Art.
Maryam Al Falasi is an influential speaker on the regional art scene, having participated in panels organised by Christie's and FIKR Institute. In 2022, she was recognised as one of the 50 Emirati Women Achievers by StartAD.
She also serves as a brand ambassador for Skira and Museum Studio, and is a member of Young Arab Leaders. Irina Stark is a Los Angeles-based art advisor and curator, with a particular focus on the Asia Pacific region. In the last two consecutive years, she was included in ARTnews's lists of 'The Top 75 Art World Professionals' and 'The 135 Top Art World Professionals'.
Prior to establishing her creative consultancy, she worked for over 15 years at leading European and American commercial art galleries and institutions. She holds an MA in Art History and Curatorial Studies as well as an MPhil in Geopolitics.
Iris Projects represents a growing roster of both emerging and established contemporary artists from the GCC region. MiZa, an acronym for 'Mina Zayed', was built in the 1970s, within the working port of Abu Dhabi. The area is being re-imagined as a new home for Abu Dhabi's and the UAE's cultural industries.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Campaign ME
4 days ago
- Campaign ME
The GCC Luxury Insider
WELCOME TO THE INSIDE This piece explores the stealth luxury trends that are transforming a market known for glamour but more accurately defined by an insider sense of distinction, an IYKYK mindset that's key to understanding the GCC's emergence as a bonafide global tastemaking hub. The influence of stealth luxury doesn't mean GCC consumers have lost interest in luxury; far from it, and their standards are higher than high. But the definition is evolving, too, because when everything is premium… nothing is premium, anymore. Luxury means exclusive, yes, but it's also the joy of reclaimed time, the insider's table, the unlisted experience, the thrill of access over display, and of a life filled with stories worth telling, told through UGC that says more by what it leaves out. The most powerful signals are now nearly invisible, yet unmistakable to those who know. This is the era of the high-end insider: present at every moment that matters, never trying too hard, often ahead of the curve. And just as often, proudly off-trend, maybe even a little weird, whimsical or unique in their rejection of what everyone else is falling for. They open doors others don't even see. And in a louder-than-loud world, the most disruptive thing a brand can offer them is a quietly indulgent space to reconnect to their head, hands, and hearts, one incredible insider experience at a time. Let's dive deeper. 1. LUXURY IS LOCAL Nothing shows you don't get it like not getting the nuances of GCC cultures and subcultures. Hyperlocal and authentic aren't a hook for a regional campaign; they're bare minimums for credibility and prestige. Don't wait for National Day to do something with local relevance; that's what an outsider would do. And that's what many agencies are to the region: outsiders who think Dubai Bling is what luxury looks like in the Middle East. (Hint: not even close.) KSA and Abu Dhabi are prime markets that are misunderstood and under-invested in by luxury brands. The trend is clearly beginning to change, but the potential is 10x what we're currently seeing. 2. LUXURY IS GLOBAL High-end consumers around the world are hungry for discovery. Through social, they peer into diverse cultures, travel opportunities, and global events and moments that are quite tangibly building a new cultural elite that's defined not only by access through traditional institutions but rather being the first to know before a destination / trend is over saturated. 3. THE EARNED POWER OF IYKYK Today's luxury consumer isn't showing off. They're tuning in. Not impressed by exclusivity that feels engineered, they want access that feels earned through credibility. That's why who they follow is not just who's at the centre of the trend; it's who's creating it, curating it, and has true access to where it's being made. To be seen as someone who just wants to be seen is… embarrassing. But someone who's driven by passion, connection, and quality… that's something worth associating with for the premium consumer. It's why supper clubs and homegrown hot spots continue to win against flashy new purely hype-driven spots for buzz creation, marketing ROI, credibility and covetability. 4. THE PREMIUMISATION OF SWEAT Across sports, fitness, and entertainment, what once belonged to the masses (fitness) is being carved into private, elevated, experiences. Private gyms, wellness clubs and even saunas with velvet-rope memberships are gaining steam (pun intended) along with clinics and beach clubs. The luxury-meets-sports collabs aren't over, either. See Jacquemus' premium gym gear, for example, which intersects fashion, home accessories and fitness, or the high-end destinations that are part gym, part club, part beach. For this consumer, sweat is not just sweat; it's exclusivity, performance, self-mastery, and community. A sure-fire ticket to presence, connection, and truth in a world where doom-scrolling affects the wealthy as much as anyone. Sport and luxury intersect at a place that is sensory, grounding, intentional, mindful, and stimulating, all at once, yet brands are underutilizing this rich territory in the region. 5. MEMBERS-ONLY MAGIC We are still in the early days of a members-only trend that'll see access to insider spaces become more important to the GCC's luxury consumers. The pace of growth and types of private spaces defined by art, music, fashion, wellness, sports, automotive and more, will surprise and challenge brands to think bigger, beyond just the pop-up or private influencer dinner. If they don't, the gap in consumer understanding between marketers and luxury-savvy experiential destination builders will continue to widen.
Broadcast Pro
5 days ago
- Broadcast Pro
Saudi Film Commission highlights national cinema at SXSW London
As part of its participation the commission will screen a selection of short Saudi films under the Saudi Film Nights initiative. The Saudi Film Commission has participated in the first-ever European edition of the South by Southwest (SXSW) Festival, which is taking place in London until June 7, 2025. The event, known for gathering leading professionals across the creative industries, offers a global platform for innovation and collaboration through a wide range of programming, including film and TV screenings, exhibitions, panel discussions, live performances and networking opportunities, according to a report by Saudi Press Agency. As part of its contribution, the Commission will present a curated programme of short Saudi films under the 'Saudi Film Nights' initiative, designed to introduce international audiences to Saudi storytelling and support the global visibility of emerging national talent. In addition, the Commission will host a panel discussion titled 'Empowering the Film Industry in Saudi Arabia: From Vision to Reality.' The session will delve into cinema's role in shaping national identity, preserving heritage, and advancing Saudi content as a powerful cultural tool. Inside the Saudi pavilion, visitors will find an exhibition highlighting the achievements of the Kingdom's burgeoning film industry. Featured works include films that have achieved notable box office success, been selected for international film festivals, or received global accolades—emphasising the sector's rapid growth and increasing international recognition. The Saudi Film Commission will be joined by several other creative bodies within the Kingdom, including the Music Commission, the Culinary Arts Commission, the Fashion Commission, and MOCX, offering a comprehensive display of Saudi Arabia's diverse cultural expressions. This collaborative presence at SXSW London reflects the Film Commission's strategic efforts to elevate the Kingdom's profile in global cinema, foster cross-cultural dialogue, and position Saudi Arabia as a leading creative hub in the region.
FACT
5 days ago
- FACT
6 must-visit concept stores redefining retail in Riyadh
Where to find local brands and handmade items If you thought shopping in Riyadh was all malls and souqs, think again. Concept stores in Riyadh are so popular – they offer a cool shopping experience and are home to a carefully curated selection of products. So, whether you want handmade jewellery, a unique artwork or clothing by a local Saudi designer, there's a concept store to meet your needs. Here are the best concept stores in Riyadh. GalleryBlu If a designer shoe is like a work of art to you, then you'll be right at home at GalleryBlu. The concept store combines art with fashion, as the oh-so-pretty items are displayed like they are in an exhibition. Shop for products including Hermès Birkin bags, a Crosley Cruiser pink portable turntable, and Leblon Delienne's sculptures that celebrate popular icons – a silver Mickey Mouse, anyone? Look out for limited edition items, too, like a Louis Vuitton Virgil Abloh bag. GO: Follow @ on Instagram for more information. Number Nine Concept Store When a store labels itself as a collection of beautiful things, that's a description that we can certainly get behind. Number Nine Concept Store in Riyadh is named after the founder's favourite number and is fiercely local. The shop is brimming with Saudi brands across fashion and beauty – you can even find Diggin ' It, the locally created beard oil, here. The clothing collection includes oversized T-shirts from XO, bright hoodies from EJ and statement jumpers from Studio 23. Plus, there are modern abayas, caps, glasses and plenty of gift ideas. GO: Follow @conceptno.9 on Instagram for more information. Pattern Concept Store If a Pinterest board were to come to life, it would probably look something like Pattern Concept Store. It's all industrial chic, from its exposed piping to pastel interiors, and it has plenty of #homedecor ideas. The concept store in Riyadh prides itself on bringing together a niche collection of art, fashion and lifestyle products. Browse through cool items from the Saudi clothing company The Rasha, Italian sunglasses from Illesteva, and perfume from Sentimental. The shop also hosts art and craft workshops and, like all good establishments in Riyadh, it has a coffee shop on site. GO: Follow @pattern_saudi on Instagram for more information. Personage Personage is spread over three floors, and covers everything from street style to on-trend jewellery. The brands include necklaces from Trendy Jewellery, linens from Angel Dust's and streetwear from Designated. Her Highness Princess Deemah Bint Mansour Bin Saud Alsaud is behind this concept store in Riyadh, which regularly hosts special pop-ups and installations that combine art, activism, and fashion. Personage is on-trend where it matters, as it recently held the GFX Swap Shop. So, it was out with the old and in with the used, as it hosted workshops on how to reuse and repurpose items. When you need a break from all that shopping, visit Ooze Café on the second floor. GO: Follow @personagesa on Instagram for more information. Sum+Things When you walk into Sum+Things, be prepared to splurge – the items here are so gorgeous that you may leave with some extra baggage. If you're looking for some home improvements, then visit this concept store in Riyadh. The emphasis is on cool, contemporary household items such as vases, ornaments and furniture. Look out for special events, too, as Sum+Things has held a personal shopping experience and an Oscar De La Renta pop-up. And, if you just want to switch up your meet-up spot, check out the indoor café – it serves fruit juices, matcha lattes and food. GO: Follow @sumplusthings on Instagram for more information. Wabi Sabi Closet Come for the vegan food, and stay for the concept store. Wabi Sabi is a popular vegan restaurant in Riyadh, but tucked away upstairs is a quiet concept store selling items that fit the healthy theme. So, take your pick from oils, healing stones, organic hair and beauty items, candles and more. Plus, there are cool items including modern artwork, funky furniture and fashionable abayas. GO: Follow @wabisabiksa on Instagram for more information.
