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Elysian Awakening at RARARES Gallery, Dubai

exhibition · 2026-04-23

RARARES Gallery in DIFC Gate Village, Dubai, will open its fourth exhibition, Elysian Awakening, on April 29, 2025. The show presents works by five female artists: Emirati artists Zeina Abdullah and Fatma Lootah, alongside international artists Barbara Duran, Natalie Katwal, and Sara Alkhayyal. The exhibition reimagines spring as a state of becoming—raw, transformative, and rebellious—rather than a delicate season. It explores themes of feminine strength, resilience, and creativity through contemporary lenses. Lootah's work bridges tradition and modernity, focusing on women's resilience in the Gulf. Alkhayyal's bold compositions evoke liberation and inner strength. Duran uses texture and materiality to address motherhood and empowerment. Abdullah's ceramics delve into identity, memory, and cultural connections. Katwal critiques societal norms and champions personal freedom. The press release was issued by RARARES Gallery.

Key facts

  • RARARES Gallery is located in DIFC Gate Village, Dubai.
  • Elysian Awakening is the gallery's fourth exhibition.
  • The exhibition opens on April 29, 2025.
  • Participating artists: Zeina Abdullah, Fatma Lootah, Barbara Duran, Natalie Katwal, Sara Alkhayyal.
  • Fatma Lootah is a celebrated Emirati artist.
  • Zeina Abdullah is known for intricate ceramics.
  • Barbara Duran's work focuses on texture and materiality.
  • The exhibition reinterprets spring as a state of becoming, not a season.

Entities

Artists

  • Zeina Abdullah
  • Fatma Lootah
  • Barbara Duran
  • Natalie Katwal
  • Sara Alkhayyal

Institutions

  • RARARES Gallery

Locations

  • DIFC Gate Village
  • Dubai
  • United Arab Emirates

Sources