Saudi Artist Alia Ahmad to Showcase First Solo Exhibition in the UAE

Saudi Arabian artist Alia Ahmad is set to hold her first solo exhibition in the UAE at Lawrie Shabibi gallery in Dubai, running from September 18th to October 22nd.

Titled ‘Aspects’ (مظاهر), the exhibition features a new collection of paintings and watercolours by the emerging artist. Through segmented compositions of floral and geometric shapes, characterised by tonal contrasts, modulated colours and gestural forms evoking themes of growth and transformation, Ahmad explores the rapidly evolving environment of her home city, Riyadh.

Born in Riyadh in 1996, Alia Ahmad graduated from King's College London with a BA in Digital Culture in 2018 and recently completed her Master’s at the Royal College of Art. Her upcoming solo in Dubai follows previous solo shows in London (2024), Paris (2024), Jeddah (2023), and Kuwait (2021). She has also participated in critically acclaimed group shows, including the Diriyah Contemporary Art Biennale in Riyadh earlier this year in 2024.

Founded in 2010 and located in Dubai's Alserkal Avenue, Lawrie Shabibi has been a pioneer in the development of the UAE’s contemporary art scene. The gallery primarily focuses on supporting emerging artists from the Middle East, North Africa, and the Arab diaspora, with a strong emphasis on exploring socio-political issues such as identity, memory and history.