THE ART CIRCLE
دائرة الفن
NEWSLETTER
SEPTEMBER
DECEMBER
2025
The Transformative Power of Art… and of The Art Circle
Artists often lead the way when society is changing. They challenge conventions and help people see things differently. Their work connects with the problems we face and helps start important conversations, sometimes in ways that words alone cannot. In hard times, art lets people share deep emotions when they do not know how to say them.
Message from the President
Dear Members,
I hope this message finds you well and that you are enjoying a beautiful summer, wherever you may be.
As we prepare for an exciting new season at The Art Circle, I wanted to take a moment to share some recent changes within our team.
First, I would like to warmly thank Christelle and Reema, who have both stepped down from their roles. Reema has moved away from the UAE, and Christelle is now often traveling. I am deeply grateful for their dedication and the time they invested in helping The Art Circle grow into what it is today. Their commitment and contribution have left a lasting imprint on our community.
I would also like to express my heartfelt appreciation to Asma and Lina, who have decided to embark on new and exciting projects. Both are truly exceptional women; brilliant, generous, and full of vision. They have played a vital role in shaping the spirit and direction of The Art Circle. On a personal note, I cannot thank them enough for the depth and richness they brought to everything we did together. Their energy, ideas, and presence will be greatly missed, and they leave behind a legacy we will always cherish.
The Art Circle owes so much to these four remarkable women. It is through their work and passion that our community has flourished, and I am immensely thankful to each of them.
I would also like to take this opportunity to welcome Flore, who has recently joined our team. Flore will be supporting us in a more administrative capacity, and I am very much looking forward to introducing her to each of you after the summer break.
With warmest regards,
Barbara
STUDIO VISIT: Artists RAMIN & ROKNI HAERIZADEH AND HESAM RAHMANIAN FOLLOWED BY VISIT TO ETIHAD MODERN GALLERY FOR TAC MEMBER VANDANA SUDHIR'S EXHIBITION “JOURNEYS IN MOTION”
9th September 2025
ALSERKAL AVENUE NEW EXHIBITIONS TOUR FOLLOWED BY VISIT AND MEETING WITH THE ARTISTS OF THE SIMA COLLECTIVE
24th September 2025
A DAY IN DUBAI
8th October 2025
10:30 AM
Guided visit to Jameel Art Centre exhibitions followed by a private visit to the studio of Fabiola Chiminazzo
M2M WITH NIHARIKA ANAND KAPUR
Celebrating Light, Art & Community
23rd October 2025
6:30 PM
Our dear Niharika will open the doors of her residence to our members for a Diwali celebration.
Diwali is a celebration of light and renewal — a time to gather, reflect, and share. This evening brings together the things that Niharika cherishes most: art, flavor, tradition, and the joy of community.
Niharika holds a personal south Asian art collection that blends contemporary expressions with cultural narratives — each piece chosen for its ability to evoke emotion, inspire thought, or spark conversation. Art, like Diwali, is about illuminating perspectives.
This evening will offer a lovingly curated chaat bar: sweet, spicy, tangy, unforgettable it will also give a glimpse into the art collection and the stories behind it and last but not least Diya lighting and a moment of gratitude
THE ART CIRCLE AWARD 2025
Opening ceremony and unveiling of the Winner at Bassam Freiha Art Foundation
3rd November 2025
7pm
TAC Award is back for its 5th edition, around the theme: “Story of a Dot,” The theme explores Bauhaus principles and Arab modernism, emphasizing the dot’s transformative power. Inspired by Bauhaus’ fusion of art, craft, and technology, the participants reconstructed form from its simplest shape. Kandinsky viewed the dot as a universe of potential, while Arab artists like
Etel Adnan, Dia Al-Azzawi, and Saloua Raouda Choucair used geometric abstraction to express movement and culture.
TAC Award is an initiative created by The Art Circle to support the local art scene, in an effort to highlight a different artist each year.
ABU DHABI ART 2025
18th-23rd November 2025
Manarat Al Saadiyat
The long-awaited AD Art Fair returns to Abu Dhabi, bringing together over 100 local and international galleries. The fair features artworks for sale, curated exhibitions, artist commissions, and installations.
Alongside the marketplace, a rich program of talks and performances offers global perspectives, further enriching the capital’s cultural scene.
HODA OUNSI’S PRIVATE COLLECTION
Private visit
9th December 2025
Huda Onsi Zaabri had the rare privilege of growing up in close companionship with her uncle Omar Onsi, renowned Lebanese impressionist painter. As a young girl, she and her siblings spent countless summers in the idyllic mountain village of Mayrouba, where they shared unforgettable moments with Omar and his beloved wife, Marie. Amid Lebanon's natural beauty, their days were filled with hikes, family picnics, and quiet hours watching Omar bring the landscape to life on canvas.
These formative experiences left a lasting impression on Huda, shaping her deep connection to art and memory.
Through this visit, Huda will share selections from her treasured collection of Omar Onsi's paintings, offering an intimate journey into his world seen through the eyes of his niece.
Letter from Staff
Dear members and board members of The Art Circle,
As we are all off in different parts of the world this summer, I take a moment to reflect on the last few years that I have spent within this wonderful circle. I take great pride in being part of this enriching community and I owe it all to you and what you bring to the group.
GIDA EL KHEYAMI
Head of Communication