Abu Dhabi: The Louvre Abu Dhabi will not only encourage greater interest in the arts but also expose local artists to world-class international art through the ages, Emirati artists have said.
The November 11 opening of the facility is therefore a much awaited event among the community of Emirati artists, and many who live outside Abu Dhabi say they will soon come down to visit the museum.
“This top-notch museum could actually push residents to take the rich world of art and culture more seriously,” said Faisal Abdul Qader, 55, an artist from Dubai.
- Faisal Abdul Qader
“There is still very little awareness about this vast world, and the fact that anything can be art, and I feel that the Louvre Abu Dhabi will finally begin creating a place for art in our collective psyche. In addition, it will help local artists hone their talent as they get exposed to the works of masters from around the world,” he added.
The Louvre Abu Dhabi, the result of a 2007 intergovernmental agreement between the governments of UAE and France, will be a universal museum that tells the story of humanity through its galleries. As of now, the facility has 620 items in its permanent collection, including pieces by French painter Edouard Manet and Ottoman art expert Osman Hamdi Bey.
Another 300 other pieces that are on loan from French and regional institutions will also be on display once the Louvre Abu Dhabi opens, including masterpieces like Leonardo da Vinci’s La Belle Ferronniere and Vincent Van Gogh’s self-portrait.
Hind Mezaina, an Emirati artist and writer who is also part of the Louvre Abu Dhabi’s opening festivities, said she is particularly excited to see the artworks on display.
- Hind Mezaina
“With that being said, I also hope that the Louvre Abu Dhabi will start a dialogue about the arts, and that its programme of events will allow the community to engage with, and learn from, one another,” she said.
Abdul Qader added that a visit to the museum will also be eye-opening for many. “There is nowadays a general perception that the Arab region is best-avoided, despite the richness of its culture and talent. This museum, [which is expected to attract international visitors] should therefore be a learning experience for those who have not yet delved into Arab culture and civilisation,” he said.
Ammar Al Attar, a 35-year-old photographer from Ajman, believes that the Louvre Abu Dhabi will also start a conversation about cultures and their interconnectedness.
“At a time like this, it is very important for people to understand the common strands between communities so that it promotes coexistence and tolerance, and I believe the museum will provide this kind of exposure. I live in Ajman but I am planning a trip down soon,” he said.
Despite the enthusiasm, some are still waiting to see how the new facility will help connect local talent with international experts.
“I hope the Louvre Abu Dhabi will pay particular attention to Emirati talent and UAE history and heritage, especially as there are a lot of skilled and passionate artists in the UAE,” said Lateefa Mohammad, a 28-year-old artist who specialises in portraits.
- Lateefa Mohammad
Mohammad has never visited the Louvre Museum in Paris.
“I am interested in the pieces on display, but as a one-time student of architecture, it is the architecture of the Louvre Abu Dhabi that I am most interested about,” she said.
