Four UAE Artists' Works To Be Highlighted In India In A Major Cultural Exchange

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, through Abu Dhabi Art, is set to bring two notable exhibitions to Kochi, Kerala, marking a significant cultural exchange between the UAE and India. Slated for 12 July to 15 August 2024, the Durbar Hall in Kochi will host the Beyond Emerging Artists 2023 exhibition, following its acclaim at this year's Venice Biennale. The exhibition will feature the works of Alaha Jaralla, Samo Shalaby and Latifa Saeed, who have been part of the BEA.

Simultaneously, the historical Durbar Hall will also showcase 'Gateway: Maqam,' a pioneering survey of works by the UAE artist Hashel Al Lamki. This occasion represents the first international exposure for 'Maqam,' curated by Dr. Venetia Porter, offering a unique platform for Al Lamki's work to reach new global audiences. This exhibition forms part of Abu Dhabi Art's annual Gateway exhibition, spotlighting both local and international talent through distinctive curatorial lenses.

Organized in collaboration with the Rizq Art Initiative (RAi) – a visionary project by Shafeena Yusuff Ali and Meena Vari in Abu Dhabi – these exhibitions aim to foster a dialogue that merges the unique perspectives of the Global South with the UAE's thriving cultural landscape. RAi focuses on artists from the Global South, facilitating emergent and established artists to engage with the global art conversation.

Meena Vari, spearheading RAi as the Chief Curator and Creative Director, emphasized the organization's commitment to promoting cultural dialogues that blend the diverse voices of the Global South with the UAE’s artistic vibrancy. This initiative underscores Abu Dhabi’s growing reputation as a dynamic, inclusive art hub on the international stage.Shafeena Yusuff Ali, the founding force behind RAi and a Friend of Abu Dhabi Art, expressed her pride in fostering this trans-cultural partnership. She highlighted the initiative's role in strengthening socio-economic and cultural ties between the UAE and India. Ali's vision is to leverage art's unique ability to unite people, cultures, and narratives, thereby enriching the artistic traditions and mutual respect between the two regions.

The venue for these exhibitions, Durbar Hall, holds a special place in Kochi's cultural heritage. Once the princely court of the Maharaja of Kochi, it has evolved into a contemporary art gallery, hosting a variety of artists and cultural events, including the Kochi Biennale.

Since its inception in 2017, the BEA programme has supported emerging UAE artists, offering them a year-long mentorship and the opportunity to present their work at Abu Dhabi Art's annual fair. The 2023 programme, showcased internationally for the first time, was curated by the art historian and curator Morad Montazami. Gateway, established in 2016, annually highlights artistic talents through the vision of a guest curator. The 2023 edition, curated by Dr. Venetia Porter, introduced audiences to 'Maqam,' celebrating the innovative work of Hashel Al Lamki. Porter expressed her enthusiasm for bringing Al Lamki's work to new audiences in Kochi's Durbar Hall Art Gallery.

Dyala Nusseibeh, Director of Abu Dhabi Art, highlighted the organization's mission to extend opportunities for UAE artists to showcase their talent internationally. Nusseibeh applauded the collaboration with Shafeena Yusuff Ali and RAi for making this cultural journey to Kochi possible, emphasizing the significance of this moment in the careers of the participating artists.

This collaboration between Abu Dhabi Art and RAi, under the auspices of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, not only celebrates the rich cultural heritage of both the UAE and India but also marks a milestone in the international arts scene, promising an enriching cultural exchange for artists and audiences alike.