SARA ALZAABI (ABU DHABI)


Offering a captivating visual journey, the “Art Here 2023” exhibition at Louvre Abu Dhabi showcases works of artists from across the region, reflecting this year’s theme of “Transparencies”.

Curated by independent art curator and advisor Maya El Khalil, the exhibition, set against the backdrop of the museum’s outdoor spaces, weaves together both material essence and metaphorical depth.

Emirati painter Hashel Al Lamki, UAE-based Indian artist Nabla Yahya, Saudi visual and performance artist Sarah Brahim, UAE-based Syrian sibling artists Sawsan and Bahar Al Bahar, Saudi visual artist Zahrah Al Ghamdi, Saudi art curator and independent artist Alaa Tarabzouni and Kuwaiti multidisciplinary artist Farah Behbhani, are showcasing their works at the exhibition.

“SoftBank”, Yahya’s compelling installation, unveils hidden narratives of the Suez Canal’s creation (1859-1869). The artwork, featuring an occidentalised healing bowl engraved with the “ideologies of hyper-capitalists”, exposes the imperialist exploitation and forced labour’s tragic toll during construction.

Meticulously spotlighting overlooked details, it challenges sanitised narratives presented at the 1867 Exposition Universelle. Yahya’s thought-provoking exploration sheds light on the human cost behind the engineering marvel of the Suez Canal.

“Remember to Forget” (2023), by Tarabzouni presents a captivating triptych of monochromatic stained-glass panels, offering a reflective glimpse into the artist’s neighbourhood on the cusp of redevelopment. Departing from tradition, these panels capture the unique textures defining the area. As Riyadh evolves, the artwork pays homage to the neighbourhood’s current state, preserving its intricate details.

Tarabzouni’s exploration of physical and psychological boundaries reveals fleeting moments of community life and overlooked connections that shape our experience of a place.

As for “Foraminifera” by Al Lamki, the water-based pigments on textile raise sparking questions about perception and comprehension. This multisensory installation revives ancient materials through painting techniques, prompting viewers to engage atmospherically or explore material semantics.

Al Lamki’s expertise in colour and material behaviour symbolises a tangible link to tradition, creating a nuanced experience without being didactic.

Behbehani’s “Hiya (She)” pays homage to the 10th-century Syrian astronomer Mariam Al-’Ijliya, creator of the astrolabe instrument that observes time concepts. Inspired by Iran’s Tughrul tower, the 48-panelled glass installation mimics its 24-sided shape. Resembling stained glass in sacred monuments, the colours shift with the day, echoing the Umayyad dynasty’s intricate patterns of a captivating blend of history and art.

Al Ghamdi’s “Anthropocene’s Toll: A Planet Asphyxiated” is a compelling plea for environmental introspection. Through a confined assembly of twisted tree limbs, plastic waste, bones, and debris, the installation vividly represents Earth’s struggle against human-induced degradation. This powerful metaphor portrays the planet’s desperate distress, urging collective action against climate change. Al Ghamdi’s blend of natural and man-made elements emphasise the urgent need for stewardship to ensure a sustainable future.

Sawsan and Bahar Al Bahar’s “Waterdust” is a mesmerising tribute to the Damascene fountain. Through exquisite handblown glass sculptures, the artwork captures the enchanting dance of sunlight under the dome, showcasing the skilled craftsmanship from Bab Sharqi, Damascus, to Berlin.

Beyond its aesthetic allure, the project serves as a vital link to the fading tradition of glassblowing in Damascus, seamlessly blending ancient craft with the vibrancy of contemporary art. These economically resilient sculptures embody a timeless connection to heritage, tracing the interplay of light across glass, water, and human hands through the centuries.

Brahim’s “Flesh Memory” elevates art to new heights, capturing the intangible essence of breath through algae biomaterial. This ethereal creation explores the interconnected lineage of life, where breath becomes a conduit for shared experiences across generations.

The installation symbolises the symbiotic relationship between biological and atmospheric processes, emphasising the vital role of breath in sustaining life.

The exhibition runs until February 18.