Mariam Nihal

Saudi Gazette

 

JEDDAH — Abu Dhabi Art’s sixth edition was launched exclusively for media and VIPs from Nov 3-4. This year's program brings a range of exhibitions, live performances, panel discussions and local cultural aspects to life. Abu Dhabi is seen as the new art icon and Middle East's top destination with Louvre opening next year.



Saadiyat Cultural District has been developed under the patronage of Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. 



The sixth edition of Abu Dhabi Art gathers international attention and brings in thousands of people to witness visual and performing arts, discussions and remains faithful to it's core cultural events.



This month's exhibition showcases new and returning art galleries from around the world including a “Beyond section” that displays selected works in public areas throughout the city for six months.



Local UAE-based galleries showcasing their work this year are Meem gallery, Salwa Zeidan in Abu Dhabi, Lawrieshabibi, Hunar, Ayyam gallery, The third line and Gallery Ivde.



Abu Dhabi Art 2014 also marks a pivotal point in the Middle East's art movement.



The event will open for public from November 5-8 and will cater to an international audience focusing on it's own cultural development.



“Helping foster a viable cultural and intellectual eco-system, Abu Dhabi Art provides a stimulating environment, which, through direct exposure to some of the world’s leading artists, academics and gallerists, enables the audiences and the communities to explore the creative vitality of Abu Dhabi’s maturing cultural landscape,” said Rita Aoun-Abdo, executive director, Culture Sector, TCA Abu Dhabi.



Following five successful years of previous Abu Dhabi Art editions and ahead of the highly-anticipated museum openings, she said Abu Dhabi Art 2014 continues to deliver a cultural platform, destination and ethos which engage the broadest possible array of participants, from promising design students to long-standing patrons.



Abu Dhabi Art Talks will include a daily forum which includes talks with artists and media influential, including Jean Nouvel, Hassan Hajjaj, Martin Creed, Ernesto Neto and many others.



In cooperation with Salama Bint Hamdan Al Nahyan Foundation, UAE collectors Abdulrahman Al Owais and Saif Mohamed Al Hajeri, a series of debates about art and culture development will be curated at the event.



Durub Al Tawaya'a's comeback in its second edition will feature art inspired by philosophical themes of Hayy Bin Yaqzan, a 12th century novel written by Andalusian scientist and philosopher Ibn Tufail. The program consists of work by Cevdet Erek, Joe Namy, Tim Etchell, William Kentridge and Philip Miller.



This year's performing arts segment with video and audio installations called “Hours and Colours” will host performances by Amala Dianor, Moussa Sarr and American artist Patti Smith.