Christie’s and Alserkal to present Marwan exhibition in Dubai - Salaam

Assalamu alaikum - Christie’s is teaming up with Alserkal to bring Marwan: A Soul in Exile to Dubai. This show was the third annual Arab Art Exhibition by Christie’s, staged in London in July and August, and it gathered nearly 200 works borrowed from leading institutions across the Arab world, Europe and the US. Now the exhibition will be one of the highlights of Alserkal Art Week 2026, shown at the multidisciplinary gallery Concrete from April 12 to 22. A Soul in Exile traces the exceptional career of the late Syrian painter Marwan Kassab Bachi, known simply as Marwan. The display includes his figurative pieces from the 1960s, the thought-provoking Marionette series and his distinctive portraits. The London presentation celebrated Marwan’s international importance. He left Syria in 1957 and lived much of his life in Germany, yet his roots in the Arab world remained central to his work. His art is often read as an expression of life in exile, influenced by an ongoing dialogue between Arab and Western cultures. When the show arrives in Dubai it will revisit these themes but be framed for a regional audience. Ridha Moumni, chairman of Christie’s Middle East and Africa and curator of the London exhibition, says: “This renewed presentation will offer fresh perspectives on Marwan’s career, highlighting little-seen aspects of his artistic journey. In London the show drew an international and varied audience and prompted meaningful conversations around Marwan’s themes of identity, exile and belonging. In Dubai we hope to reimagine his legacy for a new public, honouring him not just as a visionary artist but also as a teacher and cultural bridge whose influence shapes many generations of creatives. We are grateful to work with the Alserkal family to make this tribute happen.” A Soul in Exile has particular resonance in Dubai, since many of Marwan’s former students now live and work in the UAE. “Putting on this exhibition is a chance to connect their work with their mentor’s, and to explore his artistic legacy here in the Middle East,” Moumni adds. “It also opens the door to include Marwan’s works from both public and private collections in the region.” Wassalam. https://www.thenationalnews.com/arts-culture/2025/10/20/christies-and-alserkal-to-bring-marwan-exhibition-to-dubai/