Today's Edition
MAYS IBRAHIM (ABU DHABI)
The “Between the Tides: A Gulf Quinquennial” art exhibition kicked off on Tuesday at New York University Abu Dhabi (NYUAD) Art Gallery showcasing the works of 21 artists and collectives from across the region, including the UAE, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia.
Running through December 8, the exhibition promises visitors a vibrant showcase of contemporary art that celebrates the rich and evolving artistic landscape of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region.
Displayed artworks span various mediums - including painting, video, installation, and sculpture - offering a rich tapestry of artistic expression.
Co-curated by Maya Allison, Executive Director of the NYUAD Art Gallery, and Duygu Demir, Art Gallery Curator and Research Assistant Professor, “Between the Tides” serves as a reflection of significant moments in the region’s visual arts over the past five years.
Their work evolved out of dialogues with artists and curators from across the region, of whom four became their curatorial interlocutors: Abdullah Al Mutairi, Ali Ismail Karimi, Aseel AlYaqoub, and Ayman Zedani.
“This exhibition is not just a survey; it’s an opportunity to recapture the pulse of artistic production in the GCC,” Demir explained in an interview with Aletihad.
“Every five years, we aim to highlight key cultural moments and significant works that define our shared artistic ecosystem.”
The title, “Between the Tides”, aptly encapsulates the cyclical nature of time and artistic creation in the region.
It draws a parallel between lunar rhythms and the exhibition’s recurring themes, emphasising the dynamic interplay of visibility and concealment within intertidal zones - spaces that are both vibrant and vulnerable.
The exhibition encourages visitors to forge their own pathways through the gallery, allowing for personal connections to the artworks.
The diverse themes explored by the artists invite contemplation on the current relationship between humanity and nature, echoing concerns about environmental sustainability and cultural heritage.
“Art is a way to question and reinterpret our environment,” said Demir.
“Through these works, we hope to highlight the critical and informed nature of cultural production in our region.”
Key installations include AlYaqoub and Hussein’s exploration of Kuwait’s desert landscape and Mohammad AlFaraj’s evocative representation of regional weather patterns.
Alnoaimi’s contribution - a conceptual intertidal walk - further underscores the exhibition’s thematic focus on nature and community.
The exhibition’s identity design, created by Mohammad Sharaf, is also noteworthy, utilising a playful array of typefaces that echo the GCC’s logo and hint at the geography of the region.
In addition to showcasing established talents, Demir noted that “Between the Tides” serves as a learning experience, fostering a deeper understanding of the Gulf’s multifaceted cultural landscape.
