As The Sun Appears From Beyond Exhibition Celebrates Islamic Art At Louvre Abu Dhabi

The Ministry of Culture, under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, has organised an art exhibition titled "As the Sun Appears from Beyond" at the Louvre Abu Dhabi. This event is part of the activities accompanying the 18th edition of the Al Burda Award 2024. The exhibition will run until January 19, 2025, showcasing Islamic art's evolution over two decades.

Sheikh Salem bin Khalid Al Qasimi, Minister of Culture, expressed pride in being part of this artistic journey. He stated, "The exhibition ‘As the Sun Appears from Beyond’ is an exceptional opportunity to celebrate Islamic art and its development throughout the ages, and an affirmation of the UAE’s commitment and belief that art is a vital tool for promoting cultural dialogue between peoples, which is reflected in this exhibition."

The exhibition highlights award-winning pieces from the Ministry's collection and underscores the UAE's leadership in fostering artistic innovation. It focuses on "light," inspired by Surat Al-Ma’idah, verse 15: "There has come to you from Allah a light and a clear Book." Visitors can explore over 60 unique works across various fields like calligraphy, ornamentation, and poetry.

Prince Rahim Aga Khan attended the opening ceremony and remarked on the significance of this event. He said, "The ceremony and the related exhibition marking 20 years of Al Burda Award highlight the importance of pluralism and the great potential of art and culture to bring people together for peace and understanding. We deeply value our partnership with the UAE and the Ministry of Culture in particular."

The exhibition is a result of collaboration between the Ministry of Culture and Toronto's Aga Khan Museum under a Memorandum of Understanding. It showcases Islamic arts' evolution through time, featuring both traditional pieces and contemporary interpretations. The event also marks achievements from Al Burda Grant programme's first edition.

Visitors begin their tour in the Archive Section, which documents Al Burda Award's development over two decades. This section offers a visual historical perspective with photographs and videos highlighting key milestones since its launch in 2004. It serves as a tribute to artistic achievements enriching Islamic art.

Immersive Artistic Experience

The Poetry Section presents winning works from various editions of Al Burda Award. Poetry has been central to this award since its inception in 2004. This section features poems in classical Arabic and Nabati poetry reflecting local dialects. These poems address "light" as a theme celebrating Prophet Mohamed (PBUH) as a symbol of guidance.

The forum area on the lower floor explores Hilya aesthetics—a distinctive type of Arabic calligraphy highlighting Prophet Mohamed (PBUH)'s characteristics. This section traces this noble art form's development while emphasising its importance in contemporary Islamic art.

Artistic Reflections on Spiritual Themes

A section titled "Holy Qur’an: Noor Ala Noor" focuses on Qur’anic chapters such as Surat Al Najm, Surat Al Rahman, and Surat Al Tawba. Here, calligraphic works interact with decorative arts. Another section displays artistic reflections on unity, mercy, and spiritual guidance called for by Prophet Mohamed (PBUH).

The exhibition also includes "Qasidat Al Burda and Nahj Al Burda" sections celebrating classical Arabic poetry through traditional calligraphy, geometric patterns, modern art works reflecting dedication to spiritual illumination connected to Prophet Mohamed (PBUH)'s legacy.

This exhibition represents a global platform celebrating Islamic art forms like poetry while promoting deeper understanding through spiritual communication means—marking both essence for its 18th edition celebration alongside commemorating prestigious award’s 20th anniversary.

With inputs from WAM