Art & Culture
Abu Dhabi Art Extends Special Exhibitions
Abu Dhabi Art expands beyond the notion of a traditional art fair, in placing strong emphasis on a diverse public engagement programme, including art installations and exhibitions, talks and events that take place in different locations throughout the year.
Following the resounding success of the 11th edition of Abu Dhabi Art in November 2019, held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Khalid bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Member of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council and Chairman of the Executive Committee, the fair has extended the run of all three of its special exhibitions into this year.
Beyond: Emerging Artists, featuring works by Emirati artists Ayesha Hadhir, Rawdha Khalifa Al Ketbi and Shaikha Fahad Al Ketbi and curated by Rokni Haerizadeh, Ramin Haerizadeh and Hesam Rahmanian, is still on show at Manarat Al Saadiyat until 1 February. Having undertaken a year-long mentorship, the three young, Emirati talents have impressed audiences with their dynamic and thought-provoking work.
The annual Gateway exhibition, helmed by internationally renowned curator Paulo Colombo, is also still on show until 1 February. Fragments, Yesterday and Today explores the relevance that archaeological finds and everyday objects of anthropological and cultural interest may have to stories that artists narrate in their practice today. This beautifully crafted and unique exhibition features important artefacts on loan from the Al Ain Museum.
Beyond: Artist Commissions features site-specific works by internationally renowned contemporary artists Oliver Beer and Leandro Erlich at historic sites in Al Ain and Abu Dhabi city. Beer drew on the imagination and creativity of Emirati children and the famous story of Aladdin to create his pieces at Al Ain’s Al Jahili Fort and Qasr Al Hosn in downtown Abu Dhabi, while Erlich created an ephemeral and mysterious cloud installation at Al Ain Oasis that both contrasts with and complements the harsh ruggedness of the surrounding desert. Both the Qasr Al Hosn installation and the artworks in Al Ain will remain open to visitors until 28 February.
Abu Dhabi Art concluded its successful 11th edition on 23 November 2019, having seen the participation of 50 top local, regional and global galleries. More than 15,000 visitors passed through the doors of Manarat Al Saadiyat during the fair’s run, while an impressive 220 tours took place for members of the public, students, and People of Determination.
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