Lawrie Shabibi is a contemporary art gallery on Alserkal Avenue in Al Quoz, Dubai, with a focus on artists from the Middle East and North Africa. Its changing exhibitions bring established artists and emerging voices together, often exploring themes such as memory, identity and history. You might encounter sculpture, film, painting or photography, including work by artists such as Asad Faulwell and Zac Ové. The gallery also holds screenings and discussions, so check its current programme before you go.
A gallery for regional contemporary art
Lawrie Shabibi opened in 2010, founded by William Lawrie and Asmaa Al-Shabibi. The gallery focuses on contemporary artists from the Middle East and North Africa, bringing work by established figures and emerging artists into the same programme. Its exhibitions also include artists from beyond the region.
A recurring interest is how art engages with socio-political themes, memory, identity and history. The gallery has also presented historical exhibitions featuring older generations of artists from the Arab region. Check the current exhibition before visiting, since the works on view change over time.
Artists and different ways of working
The gallery has shown artists including Asad Faulwell and Zac Ové. Faulwell’s series Femmes D’Alger pays tribute to Algerian women who fought alongside men during the country’s war of independence from 1954 to 1962. Ové works across sculpture, film, painting and photography, often bringing together found, cast and recovered objects.
Other artists associated with the gallery’s exhibitions include Nadia Kaabi-Linke, Adel Abidin, Mounir Fatmi and Nick Devereux. The range of names and media means that a visit can take you from an individual artist’s story to a broader view of contemporary art from the region. The exhibition itself determines what you can see on the day.
Exhibitions, screenings and events
Exhibitions are the main reason to visit, but the gallery’s programme can include screenings and discussions as well. These give visitors a chance to engage with artists’ work through moving images or conversation, depending on what is scheduled. The gallery also participates in art fairs and publishes catalogues.
Lawrie Shabibi is on Alserkal Avenue in Al Quoz. If you are planning around a particular artist or event, check the gallery’s website or social media for current programme and opening details. The gallery has been part of Art Dubai, where works by artists including Nadia Kaabi-Linke, Adel Abidin, Mounir Fatmi and Nick Devereux have been highlighted. Confirm the current schedule before making a special trip.
FAQ
Where is Lawrie Shabibi?
The gallery is on Alserkal Avenue in Al Quoz, Dubai.
What kind of art does Lawrie Shabibi show?
It focuses on contemporary art, particularly by artists from the Middle East and North Africa. Exhibitions can include sculpture, film, painting and photography.
Does Lawrie Shabibi hold events?
Its programme can include screenings and discussions, as well as exhibitions. Check the gallery’s website or social media for current events.
How long should I spend at Lawrie Shabibi?
The available information does not give a typical visit length. The time needed depends on the exhibition and whether you attend a screening or discussion.
