Wednesday 23

Apply for the Watermill-ArteEast Residency
Artists, art practitioners and institutions based in the Middle East are encouraged to apply for the prestigious Watermill-ArteEast residency, which is supported by the Watermill Centre, Long Island, New York. The successful entrant will win a US-based residency during January 2013 to June 2013. They will receive funding for travel, accommodation and will be expected to give a talk on the work done while in residence.
Those interested should visit the website and submit their works before June 1 2012. arteeast.org/pages/events/2072/.

Modern Indian Art
Featuring the varied works of 15 international-scale contemporary Indian artists, including MF Husain, Jamini Roy, Krishen Khanna and Ajolie Ela Menon.
Until June 15. ProArt Gallery, Palm Strip Mall, Jumeirah, opposite Jumeirah Mosque (04 345 0900).

Moments Shared: The Treasured
Temporary Iraqi-born, London-raised artist Alia Dawood’s latest exhibition touches on the temporary, passing moments she has captured and experienced while in Dubai.
Until May 31. Showcase Gallery, Unit 35, Alserkal Avenue, Street 8, Al Quoz 1 (04 379 0950).

Through the Looking Glass
In her debut solo exhibition, Emirati photographer Lamya Gargash focuses on identity, perception and acceptance in today’s society. Her subjects have all been shot looking at their reflection in a mirror where they must face their exaggerated imperfections, which are distorted and magnified using protheses. The artist cites US conceptual portrait artist Cindy Sherman as a major influence on her work.
Until May 30. The Third Line, near The Courtyard, between Marlin Furniture and Spinneys, Al Quoz (04 341 1367).

Thursday 24

Fighter
Emirati pop artist Khawla Al Marri’s quirky exhibition depicts seven of her closest friends and the inner strength that they embody.
Until June 2. The Ara Gallery, Burj Plaza, Downtown Dubai (04 454 2784).

Respect to Time
The new DIFC gallery’s launch exhibition features a selection of photographic works, sculptures and paintings by both emerging and international-scale Iranian artists.
Until June 16. RIRA Gallery, Gate Village 3, lower level, DIFC (04 369 9339).

The Imprint
Iranian artist Niloufar Banisadr presents an interesting solo exhibition of photographs featuring beach towels imprinted with the figures of the people that lay upon them.
Until June 7. Cuadro Fine Art, Gate Village 10, DIFC (04 425 0400).

Friday 25

Islamic Design, Discovery and Vision: Owen Jones
Don’t miss this rare exhibition in Sharjah. It takes inspiration from treasures that make up the V&A (Victoria and Albert) collection to tell the story of 19th-century architect and explorer Owen Jones, who is known to have introduced elements of Islamic design into Britain.
Open Fri 4pm-8pm. Until July 15. Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization, Corniche Street, Al Majjarah, Sharjah (06 565 5455).

Outdoor Art Project
An al-fresco exhibition launched by Dubai Culture and Dubai Properties Group, featuring the structural works of 12 UAE artists.
Until September 1. The Executive Towers, Bay Avenue, Business Bay (04 515 5004).

Saturday 26

Colours of the World
This exhibition includes the canvas and sculptural works of 19 international artists, including Mark Kaplan from Russia, Lee Dong Uk from Korea, Diego Masi from Uruguay and Patrick Boussignac from France.
Until May 30. Jumeirah Emirates Towers Boulevard (04 323 0909).

FunFilm Factory: An Introduction to Animation
Experienced animator Myles Cummings is holding a course for aspiring animators and cartoonists every Saturday over five weeks (the course started on Saturday May 5). Individual classes can be booked for Dhs400 each, which includes lunch.
10am-5pm. Until June 9. Cartoon Art Gallery, 4B Street, Al Quoz 1 (055 774 1306).

Pecha Kucha night
The 11th instalment of this artistic community and networking evening will bring together locally based talent and presenters, who will share 20 slides or images for exactly 20 seconds each.
7.30pm-11pm. The Pavilion, Emaar Boulevard, Downtown Dubai (04 447 7025).

Sunday 27

After Spring
Syrian artist Kevork Mourad works mainly in black and white, showing his heritage through his use of mosaic-style patterns, and using the monochrome landscape to create a message about war and the cruelty of humanity.
Until June 21. Courtyard Gallery, Interchange 3, exit 43, Al Quoz (04 347 9090).

Colours of Eternity
This vibrant exhibition showcases the works of three well-known Russian artists, including Alexandr Filippov, Albert Tsamaladz and watercolour expert Alexandr Matiash. Each of the artists has a classical style, and their colourful works depict nature and landscapes.
Until May 31. Wafi Mall Gallery Area, Khan Murjan, Wafi (04 447 0576).

Monday 28

Conversations
Remarkable artworks by children with special needs are up for auction tonight at this one-off event that features live music, catering and a silent auction. Better yet, it’s open free to the public. The artworks will be on show until June 5.
Until May 28. 7pm. Salsali Private Museum, Warehouse 14, Alserkal Avenue, Al Quoz (04 380 9600).

It’s No Longer About Me
Up-and-coming Syrian painter Mohannad Orabi presents a solo exhibition that focuses on the concept of self awareness. In this series, his subjects are forced to come to terms with themselves, their situations and the events around them.
Until June 16. Ayyam Gallery DIFC, Gate Village 3 (04 439 2395).

Memories Wrapped in Gold Paper
The recent body of work by acclaimed Spanish artist Lita Cabellut features portraits that embody the character and humility of the subject. Each features a humility that depicts the message that all humans are equal.
Until May 30. Opera Gallery, Gate Village 3, DIFC (04 323 0909).

The Line of Life
Skilled Turkish artist and drawer Gulay Semercio˘glu uses wires, wood and screws to create minimalist-style line-driven artworks that are brought to life with changes to light.
Until June 24. Gallery Etemad, Alserkal Avenue, Al Quoz 1 (04 346 8649).

Tuesday 29

ArtIIgether
Nine artists from countries including Australia, France, Bulgaria, Germany, New Zealand, India, Lebanon and the UAE will display 50 paintings across varying mediums in this one-day event. The artists have been painting together for four years and their styles range from abstract to impressionism and surrealism. Together they present a speed-painting demo. The works will all be on sale, with 30 percent of the profits going to the Dubai Autism Centre.
Free. 7pm-11pm. Until May 29. Crowne Plaza Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Road (050 354 8812).

Corrupted Theories
French-born Algerian artist Abdelkader Benchamma presents his first solo show in the Middle East. The body of work features fine graphic sketches on paper and three wooden floors that appear to have shattered like glass.
Until July 15. Gallery IVDE, Alserkal Avenue, Al Quoz 1 (04 323 5052).

I Love You Green
Saudi Arabian artist Hussein Al Mohasen uses graffiti on canvas and inspiration from Arabic music, poetry and calligraphy to reinvent the relationship between spaces and script. His paintings also feature figurative works combining machinery and objects with bold colours.
Until June 14. XVA Gallery, Building 7, Gate Village (04 358 5117).