Abu Dhabi: The fourth edition of the Emirati Expressions exhibition opened its doors to the public on Thursday November 12 at Manarat Al Saadiyat.
The VIP opening of the exhibition was held on Wednesday November 11 and was attended by the chairman of Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority Mohammad Khalifa Al Mubarak as well as the event’s curators, artists and other exclusively invited guests.
The bi-annual exhibition which will be running in parallel to Abu Dhabi Art next week is seen as a good platform for emerging artists to present their work to a wider audience.
Reem Fadda, the associate curator of the event told Gulf News; “Having this as part of Abu Dhabi Art is very important for us and very important for all the artists. Abu Dhabi Art is going to showcase several international gallerists and galleries. This is a great opportunity for young artists to feature their best works, you never know who is going to pick them up”
Saeed Al Madani an upcoming artist who is participating in the exhibition for the first time said he was looking forward to having his work included as part of Abu Dhabi Art; “It’s overwhelming to think about Abu Dhabi Art. To get that kind of exposure is great, I think it’s a great step for an emerging artist like myself.”
This year’s exhibition, which is on until March 31 2016, is a refreshing mix of various art mediums by 15 Emirati artists from around the UAE. The artists and curators have provided a range of interactive pieces which offer visitors the chance to not only enjoy arts in a traditional sense but they also encourages participation.
Fatimah Al Qasimi’s photographs are presented on gigantic curtains which have to be pulled to the side before you can see the next piece. The idea is to replicate the backdrops usually found in photography.
Hind Bin Demaithan is exhibiting an interactive piece whereby she has created a traditional-looking Majlis with mats and cushions with a surprise modern twist.
Another artist Zeinab Al Hashemi has created a sculptural installation highlighting the vast uses and needs of a camel.
There are benches made with wooden cubes which can be pulled out to make shapes or write letters. There is even an empty canvas placed in the gallery which artist Shamma Al Amri will be painting on throughout the exhibition as visitors watch.
The interactive element of the exhibition have been well-received by the spectators.
Abu Dhabi resident Mohammad Al Mansouri said; “It’s really nice, I really like how it is so interactive. You are used to going into exhibitions or museums and it is ‘don’t touch, don’t sit and don’t do that’, but here you are touching and pulling on everything. You even get to take things home such as the printouts.”
Shamsa Lootah, a Dubai resident who travelled to Abu Dhabi for the exhibition said; “I am not normally in the art scene, but this experience has encouraged me to come back. The atmosphere is so refreshing and it is nice to support nationals, I can really relate to that.
Another Dubai resident visiting the exhibition, David Thompson, said; “I think it’s a very good representation of Abu Dhabi. It is a very good show, I have been to a few of the Emirati Expressions and this year is on a different level. It has definitely grown.”
