ABU DHABI, (Pakistan Point News - 18th Dec, 2018) After its successful main event in November, Abu Dhabi Art’s landmark 10th edition is continuing into the new year with extended exhibitions and new performances taking place across the emirate.
Running until 26th January, 2019, "Gateway: Structures of Meaning | Architectures of Perception" explores artworks as structures through which to experience and interpret the world. The works engage with ideas of constructing meaning through language, or through our navigation of space - our physical acts of moving, seeing and speaking.
Several works at this exhibition explore systems of notation and mark making, highlighting the role of language and translation, while others explore books as structures of knowledge, and as sustenance and shelter. Some pieces dissect the architecture that surrounds us: not only the visible, physical buildings and structures but also the encoded and implicit, such as social conventions and regulations. The exhibition, curated by Hammad Nasar with Sophie Persson, is on display in Gallery S at Manarat Al Saadiyat, MAS.
Also still on show at MAS and at a number of historical sites across Al Ain, the Beyond series continues until 26th January, bringing art to the public arena with large-scale installations. Beyond: Emerging Artists has been curated by Mohammed Ahmed Ibrahim and features works by Dhabiya Al Romaithi, Taqwa Al Naqbi and Ahmed Al Areef Al Dhaheri whilst Beyond: Artist Commissions in Al Ain presents works by Imran Qureshi, Moataz Nasr and Ammar Al Attar, with the artists’ works on display at Al Jahili Fort, Al Ain Oasis and Qasr Al Muwaiji.
ATHR Gallery’s exhibition Letters continues to be on display at MAS. The timely exhibition is based on a book by Omar Saif Ghobash, the UAE’s Ambassador to France. The exhibition, featuring 31 artists from the UAE and Saudi Arabia, provides a platform for the exchange of ideas on issues around identity and challenges faced by the youth of today, exploring the contemporary experiences of being a Muslim in a globalised world. Contributing artists include Abdulnasser Gharem, Ahmed Mater, Ayman Yossri Daydban, Aya Haidar, Dana Awartani, Mohammed Ahmed Ibrahim, Shamma Al Amri, Ebtisam Abdulaziz, Hind Mezaina and Lamya Gargash.
The sixth year of Durub Al Tawaya also continues into 2019. Its extended three-month programme investigates technology as a fundamental aspect of the evolution of art and the ways it provides artists with new tools for artistic expression. Durub Al Tawaya will feature several thought-provoking presentations, including the walking performance Remote Abu Dhabi, co-presented with The Arts Center at NYUAD and taking place at specific sites until 25 January. Durub Al Tawaya will also include performances of "Five Attempts to Speak with an Alien" by Anna Rispoli, co-presented by Warehouse421, every Saturday until 26th January. Warehouse421 co-presents a new commission Diver by Monira Al Qadiri together with Durub Al Tawaya, with the Mina Port space showing the commission until the end of December 2018.
Abu Dhabi Art’s extended programming features a number of notable performances. Heterotopia - Abu Dhabi, by Akira Takayama, will take place at the Cultural Foundation each evening from Friday, 18th to Saturday, 26th January, 2019. Audiences may arrive anytime between 18:00 and 20:30.
Joe Namy’s sound performance automobile II, featuring super modified car sound systems, will take place at Corniche Abu Dhabi, Sahil Maydan, on Thursday, 24th January, 2019 at 20:30.
Sacrifice, a virtual reality performance by Meiro Koizumi, will feature at the Theatre, Manarat Al Saadiyat from Thursday, 24th to Saturday, 26th January, 2019 at 17:30, 18:30 and 19:30.
MAS will continue to show the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi Collection Commission: Abu Dhabi (2016) by internationally acclaimed artist Sarah Morris. The film, commissioned by the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi for the future museum’s collection, takes viewers on a visual journey spanning the emirate’s past and present.
Dyala Nusseibeh, Director of Abu Dhabi Art, said, "Whilst the commercial fair welcomed its last guests on 17th November, we are delighted to extend and expand on Abu Dhabi Art’s exhibitions and programming across the emirate of Abu Dhabi until January 2019. We are dedicated to offering a year-round platform for contemporary art in the Emirates through such programmes and are confident that visitors will appreciate the opportunity to participate and engage at a slower, potentially more rewarding pace outside the bustle of the fair."
Abu Dhabi Art 2018 was held at Manarat Al Saadiyat from 14th to 17th November.
