Efie Gallery, a leading platform for contemporary African art in Dubai, has officially opened the doors to its expansive new 4,400 sq. ft. space at Alserkal Avenue with a landmark solo exhibition by celebrated Cuban artist María Magdalena Campos-Pons. Titled I Am Soil. My Tears Are Water, the exhibition marks Campos-Pons’ debut in the Middle East and is on view from 14 April to 25 May 2025, following an opening reception held on the evening of 13 April.
The gallery’s relocation from Al Khayat Avenue to Alserkal Avenue is a strategic and symbolic move that underscores Efie Gallery’s deepening commitment to presenting African and diasporic narratives within a global context. The two-story venue, designed by Dubai-based architect Suhaira Yousif in close collaboration with the Mintah family—founders of the gallery—offers an expanded platform for immersive installations and ambitious exhibitions that bridge Africa, the Middle East, and the wider world.
A Home Rooted in Culture and Innovation
Efie Gallery’s new home blends contemporary design with cultural resonance. The purpose-built space is defined by its use of concrete, wood, and steel, with a distinctive Barrisol Light ceiling that evokes the feeling of natural daylight. Its ground-floor gallery spans 1,500 sq. ft. and boasts 30-foot-high ceilings, ideal for showcasing large-scale artworks and transformative installations.
In keeping with the gallery’s interdisciplinary spirit, the new location features an expanded Rekord Gallery—an immersive listening space hidden behind a trap door. It houses a permanent collection of more than 2,000 rare vinyl and shellac records dating back to the 1940s, displayed across 32 meters of wall shelving. With mirrored ceilings, bespoke furniture, and a 360° sound system, Rekord Gallery remains a testament to the intersection of sound and visual culture at the heart of Efie Gallery’s curatorial vision.
María Magdalena Campos-Pons: A Poetic Debut
Curated by Faridah Folawiyo, I Am Soil. My Tears Are Water explores the spiritual and ecological entanglements of diasporic identity. Campos-Pons presents new paintings, sculptures, and site-specific installations that incorporate flora and fauna native to Latin America, Africa, and the Middle East—such as hibiscus, sugarcane, and guava leaves—evoking shared histories and botanical symbolism across continents. The exhibition is accompanied by sound composed in collaboration with multifaceted musician Kamaal Malak, enhancing the sensory depth of the artist’s exploration of nature, memory, and belonging.
Looking Ahead: A Dynamic Exhibition Program
Efie Gallery’s new space is already setting the tone for an ambitious year ahead. Upcoming exhibitions include:
- A film and photography show featuring works by Kelani Abass, Sumayah Fallatah, Samuel Fosso, and others, curated by Ose Ekore (29 May – 30 July 2025)
- The Birth of a People, an exhibition of modern African art from 1957 to 1999 (autumn 2025)
- The Shape of Things to Come, curated by Dexter Wimberly (autumn 2025)
These exhibitions reflect Efie Gallery’s commitment to shaping and showcasing vital contemporary narratives from Africa and its global diaspora.
Vision and Community
“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,” said gallery co-founder and director Kwame Mintah. “Alserkal Avenue provides the perfect environment for us to push boundaries, presenting ambitious exhibitions that challenge and inspire.”
Basmah El-Bittar, Director of Alserkal Avenue, expressed enthusiasm about the gallery’s new presence: “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.”
About Efie Gallery
Efie Gallery was founded in 2021 by Ghanaian siblings Kwame, and Kobi Mintah, along with their mother Valentina Mintah. Dedicated to showcasing and supporting artists of African origin, the gallery takes its name from the Twi word “Efie,” meaning “home”—a reflection of its commitment to themes of identity, belonging, and cultural connection. Now located at Alserkal Avenue, Efie Gallery is set to deepen its role as a space for cross-cultural exchange, artistic innovation, and the vibrant celebration of African creativity.
Listings Information:
María Magdalena Campos-Pons | I Am Soil. My Tears Are Water
On View: 14 April – 25 May 2025
Opening Reception: 13 April 2025, 7–9 PM
Hours: Monday – Saturday, 11 AM – 7 PM
Location: Efie Gallery, Warehouse 61, Alserkal Avenue, 17th St, Al Quoz Industrial Area 1, Dubai, UAE
Website: www.efiegallery.com
Instagram: @efiegallery
Contact for Press: Sophie Campos – sophie@sophiecampos.com | +44 (0)7917115678
