13 Feb 2009 to 1 Mar 2009
Mon.,Wen.-Sat 12-8pm, Sun 11-7:pm Closed Tue.
Like the Spice Gallery
224 Roebling Street
Between S2nd & S3rd
11211
New York, NY
Williamsburg, Brooklyn
New York
North America
p: 718-388-5388
m:
f: 718 -388-5488
w: www.likethespice.com
Like the Spice Gallery and Mezze are proud to present Dubai Underground, an exhibition featuring seven artists from Dubai whose works reveal the hidden complexity of this glitzy Persian Gulf city. The artists featured in Dubai Underground are Hind Mezaina, Sheikha Bin Daher, Jalal Abu Thina, John Hollingsworth, Mohamed Somji, Khalid Mezaina and Reem Al Ghaith.
Palm tree shaped islands, the world's tallest building, opulent hotels and the extravagant lifestyles that go along with it- these are the first images that come to mind with the mere mention of Dubai. But beyond this superficial image is a city steeped in contradictions and paradoxes. Dubai Underground explores these contrasts as portrayed by this group of artists, some of which are Emirati (nationals of the United Arab Emirates), and others who represent the city's international complexion, coming from Tanzania, Libya and the UK. Their works reflect the myriad realities coexisting in Dubai, from juxtaposition of the wealthy elite's conspicuous consumption against the hidden plight of the laborers, who are quite literally building the city brick by brick, to the challenges young Emiratis face in defining and retaining their cultural identity when they have become a minority, making up just 15 percent of the city's population.
Dubai is the city and Emirate that forms one of the seven members of the union of the United Arab Emirates, formed in 1972 on the tip of the Middle Eastern peninsula. The city has been grabbing headlines in recent years for its ambitious architectural projects, creation of world-class enterprises and also very recently as a new hub for the emergence of the visual arts in the Middle East. The recent arrival of all the major auction houses, art fairs, a growing number of galleries and intent of museums such as the Guggenheim and Louvre to establish themselves in the neighboring Emirate of Abu Dhabi, have signaled a new awareness and interest in the way art and culture influences the shaping of this city.
Monthly Dinner Series: Du-licious Friday, February 20th, 2008, dinner served at 8:00pm Reservations Required!
Dinner planning can be like a whole new world. That's why there's Like the Spice! We're used to impressing our guests, and this month is no different. Come let us take care of your needs with Du-licious, our special dinner themed to match our current solo show, Dubai Underground.
Our dinners always offer you a night that's positively soaked in art, as well as food. As you dine you'll enjoy a discussion about the culture and concepts of Dubai, the new place-to-be for the up-and-coming. We'll also have some of the artists in attendance to discuss their work and influences, which may not always be immediately apparent to the Western mindset. We're really excited about what we might be learning!
Served family style in the gallery itself, our dinner series is designed to let you enjoy a scrumptious meal while having a thoughtful conversation with strangers. Let yourself be inspired together by the beautiful work covering our walls. Just $45 per person covers dinner, drinks and entertainment. Dinner is served at 8:00pm.
