Abu Dhabi Art To Spotlight UAE Emerging Artists At Venice Biennale 2024

Abu Dhabi Art has unveiled its plans to feature the Beyond Emerging Artists (BEA) programme at this year's Venice Biennale, marking a significant step for UAE-based artists seeking international exposure. The programme will showcase the works of Almaha Jaralla, Samo Shalaby, and Latifa Saeed at the Marignana Arte gallery in Venice from 16 April to 15 May, aligning with the launch of the 60th edition of the Biennale themed 'Foreigners Everywhere’.

This collaboration offers a unique platform for the three emerging artists to present their work to a global audience. Samo Shalaby, one of the participating artists, shared his enthusiasm about the opportunity, highlighting the importance of such platforms for artists looking to challenge norms and introduce fresh perspectives on art and culture. His latest installation, 'What Lies Beneath,’ aims to immerse viewers in the complexities of identity and perception through a combination of painting, installation, antiquity, and multimedia elements.

Latifa Saeed, another artist featured in the programme, looks forward to bringing her narrative to the international stage with 'Dust Devils,’ a project that explores the delicate balance of the four elements within the Gulf desert landscape. Her work aims to create a dialogue between nature and innovation, inviting viewers to contemplate the intricate harmony of air, fire, water, and earth.

The BEA programme, initiated by Abu Dhabi Art in 2017, supports three emerging UAE-based artists annually, providing them with a year-long mentorship under a guest curator and culminating in an exhibition at the Art Fair in November at Manarat Al Saadiyat. This year's curator is Morad Montazami, an art historian, publisher, and curator known for his insightful approach to art curation.

Almaha Jaralla, the third artist in the programme, draws inspiration from the historical pearl trading links between the UAE and Europe, particularly Venice. Her exhibition, 'Crude Memory,’ reflects on the rapid urban transformation in the UAE and parallels it with Venice's struggle against flooding and architectural damage, sparking a dialogue on the changing landscapes of both regions.

Abu Dhabi Art's decision to participate in the Venice Biennale for the second time underscores its commitment to expanding the horizons for emerging artists from the UAE. With the support of Friends of Abu Dhabi Art, the programme aims to offer these artists a significant boost in their careers by providing an international platform for showcasing their work.

Dyala Nusseibeh, Director of Abu Dhabi Art, emphasized the importance of such initiatives in nurturing and promoting emerging talent on a global scale. This endeavour not only highlights the vibrant contemporary art scene in the UAE but also allows young artists to engage with an international audience, fostering a cultural exchange that enriches both the artists and viewers alike.

The participation of Almaha Jaralla, Samo Shalaby, and Latifa Saeed in the Venice Biennale is a testament to the UAE's growing influence in the global art community. It reflects the country's dedication to supporting its artists and ensuring their voices are heard on the world stage, contributing to a diverse and dynamic global art narrative.