Efie Gallery will inaugurate a new two-story, 4,400 sq. ft. space in Alserkal Avenue in April with a monumental solo exhibition by internationally acclaimed Cuban artist María Magdalena Campos-Pons.
“This expansion is more than just a new space—it’s a statement of our commitment to creating deeper artistic exchanges between Africa, the Middle East, and the global diaspora. 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.”
Co-founder and director Kwame Mintah
Following an extensive renovation led by the Mintah family in collaboration with Dubai-based architect Suhaira Yousif, the new space expands the gallery’s capacity to showcase immersive and large-scale installations by its roster of artists and beyond. The relocation underscores Efie Gallery’s commitment to representing and advancing artists of African origin—both from the continent and its global diaspora—while fostering cross-cultural artistic dialogue in the Middle East and beyond. Situated in Dubai’s leading cultural district Alserkal Avenue, this new location enhances the gallery’s presence within the region’s dynamic arts ecosystem. The family-run gallery will continue to be directed by Kwame Mintah, co-founder of the gallery. The opening exhibition coincides with Art Dubai, where the gallery will also participate as an exhibitor.
“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. Since 2008, Alserkal Avenue has been a home to artists, galleries, and creative concepts that challenge norms and break boundaries—and I truly believe Efie Gallery’s programme will spark new conversations and expand our community further.”
Basmah El-Bittar, Director of Alserkal Avenue
A Purpose-Built Space
Designed to reflect the founders’ African spirit whilst prioritising artists’ needs, the gallery’s new home will feature a concrete, wood and steel aesthetic with a Barrisol Light ceiling providing a feeling of natural light in the main exhibition area — a 1,500 sq. ft. ground-floor gallery with soaring 30-foot-high ceilings that allows artwork to take center stage.
Efie Gallery’s hybrid approach to visual art and music will continue with an expanded Rekord Gallery, an immersive and exquisitely designed listening space accessed through a trap door featuring 360° audio, mirrored ceilings and bespoke furniture. This space houses the gallery’s permanent collection of over 2,000 original vinyl and shellac records, dating from the 1940s to today, displayed across a combined length of 32 meters of wall shelving. In addition, it will host rotating exhibitions from guest record collectors.
Opening exhibition
The opening exhibition I Am Soil. My Tears Are Water will present new works by gallery artist María Magdalena Campos-Pons, curated by Faridah Folawiyo (14th April – 24th May 2025). Focusing on flora and fauna native to Latin America, the Middle East and Africa, Campos-Pons examines diaspora and relativity—the idea mthat all life is intertwined. Hibiscus, sugarcane, and guava leaves, among other botanicals rich in cultural significance, feature prominently. Through painting, sculpture, and site-specific installation created in collaboration with multifaceted musician Kamaal Malak, the exhibition is an exploration of nature, spirituality, and the interconnectedness across cultures and geographies. This inaugural exhibition sets the foundation for a dynamic program designed to foster engagement and advance contemporary artistic narratives.
Upcoming programming
Planned exhibitions in the new space include: A film and photography show featuring Kelani Abass, Sumayah Fallatah, and Samuel Fosso, among others, curated by Ose Ekore (29th May – 30th July 2025) A show of modern African art, The Birth of a People, works from 1957-1999 (autumn 2025)
The Shape of Things to Come – curated by Dexter Wimberly (autumn 2025)
