Voices of the Region: Artists Redefining Contemporary Expression
From the intricate hand-embroidered pieces of Margaux Derhy to Hashel Al Lamki’s Endless Love oil painting, Hot Spots is as much an exploration of cultural heritage as it is a celebration of individual artistic vision. Running until 10 March, the exhibition marks the first collaboration between Tabari Artspace and The Third Line, offering a dynamic representation of the region’s artistic landscape. Acting as a platform for artists to share their stories and heritage with a wider audience, Hot Spots adopts a commercial vernacular, drawing from the language of travel marketing and the visual codes of advertising to reframe the way regional art is presented and perceived. Sotheby's International Realty
Margaux Derhy – Déjà Magicienne (Already a Magician)
French-Moroccan artist Margaux Derhy’s work is a testament to the evolving language of contemporary embroidered art, born from a collaboration between the artist and ten women she trained in advanced embroidery techniques. Through meticulous craftsmanship, her embroidery achieves delicate variations in colour and texture, echoing the depth and complexity of painted surfaces. A defining feature of Derhy’s work is her use of blank faces, a deliberate choice that redirects focus towards posture, clothing, and spatial relationships. This approach invites deeper reflection on themes of identity, presence, and cultural belonging, positioning her practice within the broader discourse of contemporary Middle Eastern and North African art. Beyond its aesthetic impact, Derhy’s work is a bridge between artistic tradition and social empowerment. By elevating embroidery to the realm of fine art while providing sustainable income for women with limited economic opportunities, she creates a dialogue that is both deeply rooted in heritage and globally relevant.
