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DUBAI: Lebanese-Finnish gallerist Taymour Grahne has inaugurated a new project space and art advisory in Dubai, offering a location for exhibitions alongside the firm’s office in London.

The inaugural show in Dubai is titled “Arranging Flowers” by US painter Gail Spaien. It presents a new body of work that reimagines domestic interiors through flattened perspectives and vibrant patterning.

Grahne told Arab News: “I wanted to start my Dubai program with an artist who has not shown in the region previously, in keeping with Taymour Grahne Projects’ ethos of introducing new artists to the region.

“And for audiences in the city to discover artistic voices they might not otherwise encounter.”

He added: “Gail’s practice explores the idea of home and domestic space as a site of meaning, while also weaving in inspirations from nature, landscape, ritual textiles, and pattern.

“These themes are universal, and they also connect strongly with life in Dubai, where ideas of belonging and home are important to many.”

The outpost is billed as a project space, rather than as a traditional gallery.

“Rather than focusing on exclusivity or long-term representation, the ‘project space’ model keeps things agile and experimental,” Grahne explained.

He added that “by not having a fixed roster, I can continually bring fresh perspectives from around the globe to the project space.”

Just a few of the artists whom Grahne has exhibited in the past — he previously ran a project space in New York — include contemporary creatives Francesca Mollett, Dominique Fung, Lamia Joreige, and Faycal Baghriche.

Meanwhile, Grahne and his team have placed artworks in major museum collections, including at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York; The Guggenheim Museum, New York; The Barjeel Art Foundation, Sharjah; The Dalloul Art Foundation, Beirut; and The British Museum, London.

“My expertise spans both modern and contemporary art from the Middle East as well as international contemporary art, with a strong focus on the art scenes of New York, London, and Los Angeles.

“That allows me to tailor collections that are globally relevant while also being deeply connected to the region’s own artistic heritage,” Grahne explained.

He added that his Middle Eastern and European background, as well as a childhood spent between London, Beirut and New York, has helped him “connect with collectors across geographies.”

As for why he chose Dubai for the first Taymour Grahne Projects in the region, he points to the city’s unique role as a connective hub.

“Dubai sits at the crossroads of Abu Dhabi, Doha, Riyadh, and beyond, with each of these cities making huge investments in culture … while my immediate focus is on Dubai, I see the region as deeply interconnected,” he said.

DUBAI: US actress and film producer Jessica Chastain made a statement this week in designs by Lebanese couturier Elie Saab.

During her appearance on “Late Night with Seth Meyers,” Chastain wore the designer’s Appliqued Cape-Effect Cady Jumpsuit.

The sleeveless red design featured a fitted bodice and wide-leg trousers. She opted to forgo the matching cape, keeping the look streamlined and modern, with her long hair worn loose and minimal accessories.

Saab also shared images on Instagram of Chastain’s appearance on “LIVE with Kelly and Mark,” where she chose a bold red tailored suit.

The look included a long double-breasted blazer with structured lapels and flap pockets, styled with high-waisted, wide-leg trousers for a sharp monochrome finish.

Chastain has long shown her appreciation for Saab’s creations.

In 2024, she wore a purple jumpsuit by the designer to the Annual Breakthrough Prize Ceremony at the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles.

She has also championed fellow Lebanese couturier Zuhair Murad on multiple occasions.

In 2022, she chose a red off-shoulder embroidered gown from his Spring/Summer 2020 collection for the 13th Annual Governors Awards.

At the time, she shared on Instagram: “I’ve had my eye on this @zuhairmuradofficial for quite some time. Thank you for letting me wear this beautiful piece.”

In 2023, she opted for a black sequined gown adorned with glittering embellishments and a plunging neckline at the 48th Chaplin Award Gala in New York City. The look was from Murad’s Fall/Winter 2022 couture collection.

The latest celebrity to champion Saab is US actress Danielle Deadwyler.

Earlier this week, she showed off a bubblegum pink cocktail dress at a screening of “The Piano Lesson” in New York.

The outfit hailed from Saab’s Spring/Summer 2024 ready-to-wear collection and featured a belted waist with a slightly flowing skirt.

Saab also shared an image on Instagram this week of British actress Emilia Jones wearing a set from his Resort 2026 collection to HBO’s “Task” New York premiere.

Saab is known for his intricate embroidery, flowing gowns and red-carpet glamour. His designs have been worn by stars including Beyonce, Angelina Jolie, Halle Berry, Jennifer Lopez and Taylor Swift.