Louvre Abu Dhabi, in collaboration Richard Mille, presents the third edition of the Art Here exhibition, reaffirming their commitment to nurturing the vibrant arts scene in the region. Opening under the museum’s iconic floating dome, Art Here 2023 explores the interplay of shadows, reflections, and sunlight until February 18, 2024.
Curated by art curator Maya El Khalil, the exhibition’s theme, ‘Transparencies,’ is embodied in sculptures and installations by a select group of artists from the region. Notable participants include Alaa Tarabzouni, Farah Behbehani, Hashel Al Lamki, Nabla Yahya, Sarah Brahim, Sawsan and Bahar Al Bahar, and Zahrah Al Ghamdi.
View the digital display here.
Each artist brings a unique perspective to the theme. Siblings Sawsan and Bahar Al Bahar craft handblown glass sculptures in Waterdust, while Alaa Tarabzouni uses stained-glass panels for Remember to Forget, depicting Riyadh’s streets. Sarah Brahim’s Flesh Memory encapsulates breath using algae biomaterial, and Nabla Yahya employs a three-dimensional cartographic representation of the Suez Canal in Softbank. Farah Behbehani pays homage to a 10th-century Syrian Muslim astronomer in Hiya (She), and Zahrah Al Ghamdi’s Anthropocene’s Toll urges introspection on our relationship with the natural world. Hashel Al Lamki’s Foraminifera explores fabric layers and natural pigments.
Manuel Rabaté, Director of Louvre Abu Dhabi, expressed excitement about the exhibition, emphasizing its role in providing a platform for regional artists. Peter Harrison, CEO of Richard Mille EMEA, highlighted the collaboration’s contribution to showcasing Middle Eastern talent globally.
The distinguished jury, led by H.H. Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, selected seven shortlisted artists from over a hundred submissions. The winner of the Richard Mille Art Prize, worth USD 60,000, will be announced in early 2024, further elevating the recognition and support for emerging artists in the UAE and GCC.