Join us on Saturday, December 17th 2022, for a workshop randez-vous to discover art through the late 1800s, enjoying lectures, and discussions during lunch while tackling how art defined and captured the reality of its time.

Hosted at XVA Gallery, the Story of Art workshop will feature two lectures, refreshments and lunch, followed by questions and discussion with PhD Michaela Watrelot starting on Saturday 17th December from 10.00h to 14:00h. With Impressionism as the topic at hand, we will be deep-diving into each aspect of the artistic representation of the period.

Investigating the origins of the current, the workshop will focus on concepts such as the power of light, perception and form. We will gain insights to the techniques, meaning and development of painting through Europe. Progressing through the day, we will define why and how art movements evolve into new ones. For instance, how Impressionism was born claiming new techniques, new ideals, and new insights to portray subject matter.

About the Lecturer

With a PhD in Art History, Dr. Michaela Watrelot holds the role of art historian, educator and published author. Previously, Michaela earned her master’s degree at the University of Vienna and expanded her understanding of the contemporary art market while working at the international auction house Christie’s in Dubai and Vienna.

About XVA Gallery

XVA Gallery is one of the leading galleries in the Middle East that specializes in contemporary art from the Arab world, Iran, and the Subcontinent. Exhibitions focus on works by the region’s foremost artists as well as those emerging onto the scene. The gallery’s artists express their different cultural identities and perspectives while challenging the viewer to drop prejudices and borders.

XVA Gallery

XVA Gallery exhibits both locally and internationally; collaborating with galleries and participating in international art fairs, such as Art Basel Hong Kong, SH Contemporary, Singapore Art Fair and Abu Dhabi Art in 2014, in order to further expose Middle Eastern contemporary art. XVA Gallery and XVA Art Hotel are located in Dubai’s heritage district, now called Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood. XVA founded and organized the Bastakiya Art Fair from 2007- 2010 as part of its commitment to raising the profile of contemporary art practice in Dubai. For three years XVA was located in DIFC and has now expanded its premises in Al Fahidi.