Efie Gallery to Inaugurate New Space with María Magdalena Campos-Pons’ First Solo Exhibition in the Middle East

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In April 2025, Efie Gallery, a contemporary art gallery based in Dubai, will relocate to a newly renovated, two-story, 4,400 sq. ft. space at Alserkal Avenue.

Following an extensive renovation, the gallery’s new home, designed with a modern aesthetic featuring concrete, wood, and steel, includes a 1,500 sq. ft. main exhibition area on the ground floor with 30-foot-high ceilings, offering an ideal setting for showcasing large-scale artworks. Additionally, the space will house the Rekord Gallery, a purpose-built, immersive listening room accessed via a trap door, featuring 360° audio, mirrored ceilings, and bespoke furniture.

 

Founded in 2021, Efie Gallery is dedicated to representing and promoting artists of African origin, both from the continent and the global diaspora. The gallery has established itself as a key player on the international stage, representing prominent artists such as El Anatsui, Abdoulaye Konaté, and Aïda Muluneh.

 

Basmah El-Bittar, Director of Alserkal Avenue, expressed her pleasure about the gallery’s arrival, stating: "We are excited to welcome Efie Gallery to the Avenue. We’ve long admired their commitment to representing voices of artists of African origin, and their arrival marks a bold new chapter for our programme."

 

María Magdalena Campos-Pons. Courtesy of the artist.

 

To mark the gallery's opening, from the 14th of April to the 24th of May 2025, Cuban artist María Magdalena Campos-Pons will present her debut solo exhibition in the Middle East, curated by Faridah Folawiyo, titled I Am Soil. My Tears Are Water. 

 

Efie Gallery, a family-run business, will continue to be led by co-founder Kwame Mintah. Commenting on the move, Mintah shared, "Alserkal Avenue provides the perfect environment for us to push boundaries, presenting ambitious exhibitions that challenge and inspire. We look forward to welcoming visitors into a space where art and music intersect in dynamic ways."

 

Render of Efie Gallery Dubai's new Alserkal location. Courtesy of Efie Gallery, Dubai.

 

Kwame Mintah. Courtesy of Efie Gallery, Dubai.

 

This opening exhibition coincides with Art Dubai, where the gallery will also participate as an exhibitor. Upcoming exhibitions at the new location include:

 

  • 29 May – 30 July 2025: A film and photography show featuring Kelani Abass, Sumayah Fallatah, and Samuel Fosso, among others, curated by Ose Ekore

  • Autumn 2025: The Birth of a People, works from 1957-1999

  • Autumn 2025: The Shape of Things to Come, curated by Dexter Wimberly 

 

 

Cover image: Render of Efie Gallery Dubai's new Rekord Gallery. Courtesy Efie Gallery, Dubai.