ABU DHABI (WAM)
The inaugural Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennial will commence on November 15, 2024, featuring over 70 UAE-based and international artists who will present site-specific installations and performances in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain, themed ‘Public Matter.’
Organised by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) as a key pillar of its Public Art Abu Dhabi initiative, artists will include Allora & Calzadilla, Arquitectura Expandida, Christopher Joshua Benton, Farah Al Qasimi, guBuyoBand, Hashel Al Lamki, Kabir Mohanty, Khalil Rabah, Oscar Murillo, Radhika Khimji, Sammy Baloji, Tarik Kiswanson, Wael Al Awar, Zeinab Alhashemi, and more.
The first Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennial focuses on redefining the concept of "public" within the unique context of Abu Dhabi, considering factors such as environmental conditions, communal living, and city planning.
It highlights the influence of a diverse, immigrant population on the city's public life and emphasises values like hospitality and generosity.
The Biennial aims to explore the cultural experiences of various transitory communities and their integration into public spaces.
By showcasing site-specific artworks and performances in accessible downtown locations, it underscores the significance of public art as a communal resource.
DCT Abu Dhabi Chairman, Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, said, "We are launching the Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennial as part of our wider cultural vision, providing a unique platform for our community to both appreciate our cultural heritage and be inspired by contemporary art. It also reflects our commitment to supporting creatives in Abu Dhabi, the global south and the rest of the world through flagship art programmes. Taking over key sites in Abu Dhabi City and Al Ain, the Biennial will further position the emirate as a centre for culture and creativity, and ensure transformative, inclusive and accessible art encounters are available to both our residents and visitors.”
DCT Abu Dhabi’s Culture Sector Executive Director, Rita Aoun, said, "The Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennial embodies the essence of Abu Dhabi's rich heritage, inviting our community to engage with the city's history, aesthetics, and societal values through diverse artistic expressions. Our public art initiatives foster the collective cultural identity of the emirate, enhancing the experience of art for everyone and strengthening our residents’ sense of pride. Our goal is for everyone in Abu Dhabi, whether resident or visitor, to forge their own connection with the city, inspired by the unique stories and creativity of our artists."
Arquitectura Expandida’s commission “Urban Negotiation” will create new urban landscapes and stories by designing and constructing self-built mobile furnishings.
Farah Al Qasimi's auditory sculpture encourages passers-by to engage with the sound and reflect on the ocean's importance in the region.
Others will make use of the historical, architectural, and social textures of the outdoor metropolitan environment.
Oscar Murillo’s 80-metre-long canvas will be stretched across 1 percent of Abu Dhabi’s Corniche, exploring the city’s rapid urban expansion.
Christopher Joshua Benton will transform the Carpet Souq into a vibrant communal space and Zeinab Alhashemi will pay homage to Abu Dhabi’s Central Bus Terminal, welcoming viewers to explore the interplay between urban development and nature’s resilience.
The Biennial is one of three pillars of the Public Art Abu Dhabi initiative, announced by DCT Abu Dhabi in March 2023.
The initiative includes annual direct commissions works, the biannual Manar Abu Dhabi light art exhibition (the first edition ran from November 15, 2023 to January 30, 2024), and the upcoming Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennial.
The Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennial affirms DCT Abu Dhabi’s dedication to commissioning public art for the emirate and will occur in alternate years to Manar Abu Dhabi, whose inaugural edition attracted over 650,000 visitors with 37 installations by 22 artists, with 50 percent of them UAE-based.
Offering an immersive experience under the theme of 'Grounding Light', the 78-day event, part of DCT Abu Dhabi’s efforts to nurture creative talent, featured an extensive public programme including talks, workshops, performances, and educational activities, engaging youth, students, and the public in a transformative cultural showcase that honoured Abu Dhabi's legacy while embracing its future.