Louvre Abu Dhabi is still making waves with its groundbreaking exhibition, Cartier: Islamic Inspiration and Modern Design, a captivating showcase that traces the Maison’s luxurious designs back to their Islamic art influences. If you haven’t seen it yet, there’s still time as the exhibition runs until Sunday March 24. Encompassing literature and miniatures, Louis Cartier’s vast collection of Islamic art is on display at the iconic gallery in the Capital.

Fakhera Al Kindi, Senior Curatorial Assistant at the Louvre Abu Dhabi, co-curated the exhibition along with Judith Henon-Raynaud, Chief Curator and Deputy Director of the Department of Islamic Art at the Musée du Louvre, and Évelyne Possémé, Former Chief Curator of Ancient and Modern Jewellery at the
Musée des Arts Décoratifs.

Fakhera sheds light on the exhibition’s central theme of cultural interaction. “It demonstrates the
cross-influence,” she says. “We have a lot of artists from this region who were looking to Europe for
inspiration, and now we see the opposite.” This artistic exchange is exemplified by the exhibition’s
vast array of over 400 pieces, which includes her favourite, a 1924 vanity case that reflects the design
aesthetic of a 19th-century Iranian wooden chest.

Fakhera further elaborates on what makes the Louvre Abu Dhabi exhibition stand out. “One
of the greatest advantages we have in this region is that we have a big pool of great collectors of
Islamic arts. These collectors are very open to working with us and are always willing to share their collections. It’s an opportunity to bring in the voice of the region through them and the Islamic arts to the exhibition.”

“The narrative is also very clear, very well organised,” she observes, highlighting the thoughtful curation
that went into the exhibition. Shaikha Alzaabi, Production Officer at the Louvre Abu Dhabi, discusses the exhibition’s regional significance and the intricate process of creating its cultural programmes. “We see the museum as a white canvas where we are the artists, and we paint the cultural programmes on the walls of the museum to complement the exhibition and to bring it to life,” she says. This approach transforms the exhibition into a dynamic and interactive experience enriched by diverse cultural programming.

Highlighting the exhibition’s groundbreaking nature, Shaikha says, “Having first toured the Paris
Musée des Arts Décoratifs and the Dallas Museum of Art in 2021- 2022, this is the first iteration of
this exhibition to happen in the Middle East.” She outlines the story behind Cartier’s Islamic inspiration,
underscoring the importance of bringing new experiences to people. The exhibition’s programming
is extensive, with outdoor film screenings, community talks, and expert-led discussions all aimed at
arousing curiosity and deepening understanding of Islamic art and its historical significance.

Shaikha mentions a screening of the documentary Islamic Art Mirror of the Invisible World, and a community talk on Islamic architecture and its influence led by Michael Muhanna, founder and Executive Director Afikra, a global organisation that aims to promote the diversity and richness of the Arab world’s cultures and histories.

Shaikha recalls past collaborations between the Louvre Abu Dhabi and Cartier, such as the 10,000 Years of Luxury exhibition and the Women Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai. These collaborations have significantly
influenced the museum’s approach to cultural programming, bringing audiences unique and
immersive experiences. “The beauty of Islamic art is not limited to the Middle East. It’s a broad element
that spans East and West,” Shaikha adds, emphasising the exhibition’s universal theme
of Islamic art.

The Louvre Abu Dhabi’s Cartier: Islamic Inspiration and Modern Design is an all encompassing event. By offering a holistic perspective that encourages community members to explore this vibrant cultural
interchange further, it honours the lasting impact that Islamic art has had on modern luxury and design.

Cartier, Islamic Inspiration and Modern Design is running at Louvre Abu Dhabi until March 24.