Louvre Abu Dhabi And Richard Mille Unveil Art Here 2024 Exhibition Featuring GCC And North African Artists

The Louvre Abu Dhabi, in collaboration with Richard Mille, has inaugurated the fourth edition of the Art Here exhibition. This event, running until 15th December 2024, showcases contemporary art from the GCC and North Africa. It aims to foster cultural dialogue and innovation by featuring diverse artworks that reflect the region's vibrant contemporary practices.

Under the iconic dome of the museum, Art Here 2024 presents five sculptures and installations vying for the Richard Mille Art Prize. Artists from the UAE, Tunisia, and Egypt have been shortlisted. The exhibition's theme revolves around three concepts: awakenings, overtures, and horizons, reflecting a journey from unconsciousness to awareness.

Manuel Rabaté, Director of Louvre Abu Dhabi, expressed gratitude for the ongoing partnership with Richard Mille. He stated that showcasing contemporary Arab artists is central to their mission. "Art Here offers them a unique opportunity to interact with us and share their perspectives with a global audience," he said.

Peter Harrison, CEO of Richard Mille for Europe, Middle East and Africa, highlighted the prize's expansion into North Africa this year. He noted that Art Here has become a dynamic art prize in the MENA region. "Art Here 2024 stands as a testament to this vision," he remarked.

The selected artists have created site-specific installations focusing on transitions from unconsciousness to consciousness. These works explore time's fluidity, inviting viewers to delve into layers of awareness and openness within an artistic narrative.

Exploring Time and Perception

Each artist interprets temporal concepts uniquely, offering insights into time and perception. The symbolic dome enhances this experience through shadows and light interplay. Guilhem André from Louvre Abu Dhabi noted this year's exhibition includes North African artists alongside those from the GCC.

Franco-Tunisian artist Férielle Doulain-Zouari’s 'Tilling the Soil' explores memory through installations and weavings. Her work captures sensory details and interactions between natural and artificial realms over time.

Emirati artist Lamya Gargash’s 'Debutante Ball' uses UAE sand to create a beach ball sculpture exploring Arab identity. This piece challenges stereotypes while fostering dialogue about cultural heritage.

Artistic Narratives of Strength

Egyptian artist Moataz Nasr’s 'The Brides of the Sky' reflects on women's courage during conflict through historical structures. This installation connects past strength with present resilience.

Tunisian artist Nicène Kossentini's 'Landscapes' examines disappearance through landscapes altered beneath wax. It invites contemplation on life's subtle transformations due to human actions.

Sarah Almehairi from Abu Dhabi presents 'Shared Motion', exploring movement within stillness using multiple languages for "wind". Her work highlights language's role in cultural evolution.

Simon Njami, Curator of Art Here 2024, emphasized expanding aesthetic confrontations by widening applicant scope. He noted that all works were created specifically for this prize at Louvre Abu Dhabi.

Over 200 submissions were received for this year's prize; five artworks were shortlisted. The winner will be announced in December 2024 at a ceremony where they will receive US$60,000 as recognition for their exceptional talent in contemporary art practices across these regions.

With inputs from WAM