Recently, aqnb went to Dubai in search of its art scene and found the work of photographer Richard Allenby-Pratte. Exhibiting at Shelter in Alserkal Avenue, it features several eerie depictions where the animals have reclaimed the land after what feels like an inevitable apocalypse, accompanied by an unsettling sci-fi narrative with this evocative standfirst:
“In the year 2017 Dubai was abandoned by all but a small number of Bedouin origin families. Before leaving, the caretakers of the UAE’s zoos, wildlife parks and private animal collections opened the gates and cages of their facilities. Some of the animals refused to leave their accustomed accomodations and died there, but many escaped out on to the empty streets.” **
