Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation Launches Proximities Exhibition Featuring Emirati Artists In Seoul

The Abu Dhabi Music and Arts Foundation (ADMAF), in partnership with the Seoul Museum of Art (SeMA), is set to present "Proximities," a major exhibition of Emirati visual art in Seoul, South Korea. This event will run from 16th December 2025 to 29th February 2026. It will feature over 100 works by 47 artists, including 33 Emiratis, showcasing five decades of artistic evolution.

H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan highlighted the strong ties between the UAE and South Korea, emphasising their cultural collaboration through this exhibition. He stated, "The United Arab Emirates and the Republic of Korea share a deep and enduring bond, strengthened by a flourishing partnership across diverse sectors. Among these, culture and the arts serve as a shining example, beautifully embodied in the collaboration between the Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation (ADMAF) and Seoul Museum of Art (SeMA) as part of Abu Dhabi Festival."

The exhibition explores various themes through photography, video, painting, sculpture, performance, and installation art. It examines how meaning shifts across generations and geographies. The event aims to highlight how cultural proximity influences artistic transformations while preserving distinct identities.

Co-curated by Maya El Khalil and Eunju Kim, "Proximities" is divided into three thematic sections. Each section is developed with guest curators like Farah Al Qasimi and Mohammed Kazem. These themes offer unique perspectives on global experiences, inviting audiences to engage in reflection and dialogue.

Maya El Khalil explained that the exhibition involves multiple dynamics across different geographies and generations. She noted that collaborating with diverse artist-curators allowed for new perspectives without seeking equivalence. "Each section is a creative proposition for ways to experience a globalised world," she said.

Eunju Kim expressed that "Proximities" seeks to explore the contemporary resonance of artistic exchange between Korea and the UAE. She believes this initiative will foster nuanced dialogue and mutual understanding between both nations' cultural landscapes.

Huda Alkhamis-Kanoo, Founder of ADMAF, remarked on the significance of this collaboration in enhancing artistic exchange between the UAE and Korea. She stated that it strengthens Emirati artists' presence globally while promoting cultural dialogue through storytelling and identity embodiment.

She added that Emirati artists have contributed significantly to their country's cultural landscape while balancing tradition with modernity. Their works gain new dimensions in Seoul, reflecting a vision that builds civilisation and human connection.

Ongoing Collaborative Efforts

This exhibition marks the second phase of a three-year collaboration between ADMAF and SeMA. It follows "Layered Medium: We Are in Open Circuits," which explored media-based practices from Korea at Manarat Al Saadiyat in Abu Dhabi earlier in 2025.

The partnership also includes co-commissioned artworks, artist residencies, knowledge sharing, panel discussions, and performances in both cities. These efforts aim to deepen cultural ties while fostering creative dialogue between institutions.

The exhibition's focus on diverse forms of proximity highlights shared narratives without erasing differences. It encourages viewers to explore human connections through art linked to the UAE's evolving cultural landscape.

With inputs from WAM