Abu Dhabi Art has announced an exciting initiative for its 2024 edition—the Artist Commissions in Cultural Sites programme, featuring the works of three distinguished artists: Dina Mattar, Ahmed Saeed Al Areef Al Dhaheri, and Manal Mahamid. This innovative programme highlights the cultural and symbolic significance of the gazelle, an emblem of beauty, resilience, and environmental harmony in the Arab world. The artists’ creations, showcased at historic and iconic locations, offer profound reflections on shared heritage and artistic expression.
Ahmed Saeed Al Areef Al Dhaheri: Mythology Reimagined at Al Jahili Fort
Ahmed Saeed Al Areef Al Dhaheri presents a captivating exploration of personal mythology with his works displayed within the historic Al Jahili Fort. His art revolves around the enigmatic Lady Lioness, a mythological figure inspired by childhood memories. Through both new and existing works, Al Dhaheri transforms the gazelle into a symbol of nostalgia and storytelling, blending local heritage with universal themes of resilience and strength.
The historic ambiance of Al Jahili Fort provides a perfect backdrop for Al Dhaheri’s thought-provoking pieces, bridging the gap between tradition and contemporary narratives. Visitors can expect a profound experience that intertwines history, mythology, and personal introspection.
Manal Mahamid: Cultural Symbolism in Sculpture at Al Ain Oasis
For Manal Mahamid, the gazelle serves as a deep cultural and environmental motif. Her sculpture, created for the serene Al Ain Oasis, delves into the gazelle’s shared heritage across the UAE and the Levant. Drawing inspiration from literature, poetry, and ecological discourse, Mahamid presents a work that resonates with the gazelle’s enduring significance as a symbol of natural beauty and perseverance.
By placing her sculpture within the lush, tranquil setting of Al Ain Oasis, Mahamid emphasizes the gazelle’s connection to nature, fostering a dialogue on preservation and the shared cultural identity that binds the Arab world.
Dina Mattar: A Multidisciplinary Tribute to the Gazelle
Dina Mattar brings a vibrant and diverse approach to the programme with her multidisciplinary body of work, including paintings, tatreez embroidery, and works on paper. Her pieces are richly infused with the imagery of the gazelle, drawing from stories, legends, and landscapes adorned with intricate depictions of plants and flowers.
Mattar’s creations reflect an artistic dialogue between traditional practices and contemporary expression, offering a feast of visual and cultural exploration. Her work celebrates the gazelle as a timeless muse, weaving narratives that resonate with both the past and the present.
Abu Dhabi Art’s ‘In and Around’ Sector: A Showcase of Global Perspectives
Alongside the cultural site commissions, Abu Dhabi Art 2024 will present the ‘In and Around’ sector, a curated exhibition of seven works that span diverse themes, perspectives, and mediums. These works will be on display at Manarat Al Saadiyat during the fair from 20-24 November 2024, offering visitors a dynamic engagement with contemporary art.
Key Highlights from the ‘In and Around’ Sector
- Abdoulaye Konaté (Efie Gallery)
Konaté’s large-scale textile installations blend West African traditions with poignant reflections on socio-political and environmental challenges. - Raed Yassin (Gallery Isabelle Van Den Eynde)
Yassin’s City Mirage repurposes vintage shop signs from Beirut, narrating the city’s economic struggles and the resilience of its people post the Beirut port explosion. - Rayanne Tabet (Sfeir-Semler Gallery)
Découpages, a stunning frieze of 114 cut-out sheets from Jules Bourgoin’s manuscripts, reimagines 19th-century architectural motifs, connecting the past with contemporary interpretations of Arab art. - Anthony Olubunmi Akinbola (Carbon 12)
Akinbola’s works delve into critical race theory and commodification, challenging societal norms through powerful visual narratives. - Nike Davies-Okundaye (kó)
A champion of traditional Nigerian textiles, Davies-Okundaye preserves heritage through her mastery of batik and adire techniques, empowering women artisans across generations. - Dima Srouji (Lawrie Shabibi)
Srouji explores cultural history and healing by merging architecture and art, working closely with archaeologists and local craftspeople. - Stefano Simontacchi (Salwa Zeidan)
Simontacchi’s The Prism offers a luminous journey into quantum physics and infinite dimensions, inviting viewers to ponder the mysteries of the universe.
The Cultural Resonance of the Gazelle
Central to this year’s theme is the gazelle, a creature that has long been cherished in Arab culture. From its prominence in poetry and literature to its symbolism in environmental and spiritual contexts, the gazelle embodies ideals of grace, endurance, and harmony with nature. Through the works of Mattar, Al Dhaheri, and Mahamid, Abu Dhabi Art brings this symbolism to life, encouraging viewers to explore the cultural and ecological threads that unite the region.
Experience Abu Dhabi Art 2024: Key Dates and Locations
- Cultural Site Commissions
Open from 19 November 2024, featuring works at Al Jahili Fort and Al Ain Oasis. - ‘In and Around’ Sector
On view at Manarat Al Saadiyat during the fair from 20-24 November 2024.
This year’s programme is a testament to the evolving landscape of contemporary art, showcasing the region’s vibrant heritage while fostering global dialogues. Visitors are invited to immerse themselves in this unparalleled celebration of creativity, culture, and connection.
