"Solace in Soil": Nature, Africa, & UAE at Efie Gallery

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Discover the Fusion of Geography, Culture, and Identity

_{Efie Gallery in Dubai's bustling industrial area of Al Quoz is currently hosting a unique duo exhibition that bridges continents and explores profound themes of geography, culture, and identity. "Solace in Soil," curated by Emirati Shamma Al Mheiri, showcases the extraordinary works of Emirati artist Dr. Mohamed Yousif and Kenyan sculptor Maggie Otieno. Running until October 6, this exhibition is a must-see!}

_{Enchanting Sculptures: A Whimsical Exploration}

_{Step inside Efie Gallery, and you'll be greeted by whimsical, delicately crafted sculptures made from natural materials that seem almost alive. The artworks embody a rhythmic sense of movement, with curvaceous, abstract forms fashioned from palm tree fronds, wood, and steel.}

_{Dr. Mohamed Yousif's Camel Movement Series}

• _{Camel Movement Series (2005): This captivating installation by Dr. Mohamed Yousif, composed of dried palm seed branches, jute rope, neem tree branches, and almond tree branches, subtly emulates the gentle movements of camels in the desert.}

_{Maggie Otieno's Still Whole}

• _{Still Whole (2024): Maggie Otieno's abstracted head sculpture made from steel gracefully tilts to one side, creating an aura of contemplation and tranquility.}

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A Celebration of Earthy Hues and Natural Materials

_{Both artists retain the natural colors of their materials, offering viewers a sense of connection to the earth, comfort, and play. This exhibition beautifully explores the practices of both artists and their engagement with their natural environments, reflecting the unique culture and identity of their birthplaces.}

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Connecting the Arabian Gulf and East Africa Through Art

_{"Solace in Soil" is a groundbreaking exhibition that delves into the connections between the Arabian Gulf and East Africa. It celebrates the commonalities linking both artists while highlighting their distinctive creative processes. Despite geographical and cultural differences, their works come together to create a harmonious dialogue.}

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Movement and Stillness: A Dynamic Contrast

_{The exhibition emphasizes the interplay of motion and stillness through sculpture:}

• _{Dr. Yousif’s Gazelles (2005): Made from exhaust pipes, bicycle wheels, and metal wires, this installation captures the rhythmic movement of the Arabian gazelle.}
• _{Otieno’s Unforgotten Memories I (2024) and The Sojourner (2021): Tall, elongated figurative forms made from mild steel and railway sleepers, these sculptures evoke a sense of solemnity and contemplation.}

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Maggie Otieno: Transforming Distressed Materials

_{Maggie Otieno, born in Nairobi in 1974, focuses on creating tall, elongated figures from distressed railway sleepers. These pieces, over 150 years old, tell stories of diverse cultures and histories. Otieno’s work is not just aesthetically striking but also rich in materiality and narrative.}

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Dr. Mohamed Yousif: Pioneering Emirati Sculptor

_{Born in 1953 in Sharjah, Dr. Mohamed Yousif is one of the UAE’s pioneering sculptors. His work, often inspired by the desert landscape, has been featured in numerous prestigious exhibitions globally.}

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Curator’s Vision: Shamma Al Mheiri

_{Curator Shamma Al Mheiri has meticulously crafted this exhibition, emphasizing the individuality of each artwork and their collective harmony. The pieces complement each other beautifully, enhanced by the mystical shadows they cast on the gallery walls.}

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Join the Artistic Journey

_{"Solace in Soil" marks Efie Gallery’s first showcasing of an Emirati artist and addresses the gap in presenting African artists in Dubai and the UAE. This exhibition forges cultural dialogue through art, celebrating the organic and manmade materials that both artists revere.}

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Don't Miss Out!

_{Visit Efie Gallery before October 6 to experience the magical and contemplative world of "Solace in Soil."}

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