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The First UK Exhibition of Art by Established & Emerging Artists from the United Arab Emirates
Abu Dhabi, UAE: 9th July 2013: Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation (ADMAF)is delighted to announce that from 23rd July – 9th August 2013, the first-ever group exhibition of UAE contemporary art will be held at Sotheby’s London. Curated by ADMAF,.‘Three Generations’ is held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative of the Western Region of Abu Dhabi (known in Arabic as ‘Al Dhafra’).
His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative of the Western Region of Abu Dhabi, said: "The visual arts has the power to transcend borders and boundaries. It ignites the imagination and encourages the pursuit of knowledge. The artists participating in the ‘Three Generations’ exhibition reflect a spirit of innovation that is rooted in the desert landscapes of Al Dhafra [the Western Region of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi]. Their creations resonate with the cultural heritage that they, as guardians, have inherited."
H.E. Hoda I. Al Khamis-Kanoo, Founder of Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation, said: “The exhibition ‘Three Generations’ provides a window into the cultural currents of the UAE through the eyes of some of its established and emerging creative minds. It is a reflection of where the UAE has come from, where it is now, and where it is going. I sincerely hope that the range of styles, approaches and mediums used excites and informs all those who visit. I am delighted that together with Sotheby’s – with whom we have worked closely in recent years – ADMAF is enabling new audiences to explore the development and practice of the UAE visual arts sector.”
The 12 works to be exhibited, by 12 different artists, highlight the creative practices of three generations of Emirati visual artists. Together, they use a wide range of media in expressing a dynamic cultural identity that is both rooted in the traditions of the past while firmly focusing on the present and the future. ‘Three Generations’ presents a snapshot of the breadth and depth of the creative expression in the United Arab Emirates rather than seeking to mount a comprehensive overview of Emirati visual arts practice.
Roxane Zand, Sotheby’s Deputy Chairman, Middle East and Gulf Region, said: “Sotheby’s is delighted to provide a platform for the first UK show of a selection of works that represents the remarkable talent amongst artists both new and established from the UAE. ADMAF has succeeded in creating an exciting programme of events and exhibitions that allows the international art world greater access to appreciate the vibrant and dynamic arts scene in the UAE region, and we are thrilled that this exhibition at Sotheby’s will enable a UK audience to share the experience and insight that this group of works offers.”
-ENDS-
Full list of artists featured in ‘Three Generations’
Mohammed Al Astad, ‘Midnight’
2012, iron, rust and acrylic on canvas (120 x 100cm)
Ebtisam Abdulaziz, ‘Autobiography 07’
2003-2007 (Edition 2/3), video installation. Image Courtesy of the artist and The Third Line, Dubai.
Maitha Demithan, ‘Rashid Bin Saeed’
2011, scanography (170 x 170cm)
Mattar Bin Lahej, ‘Depth & Speed’
Stainless steel (80 x 110 x 470cm)
Jalal Luqman, ‘The Hint of a Smile’
2008, mixed media (200 x 109 x 17cm)
Najat Makki, ‘Untitled’
2011, mixed media & acrylic on canvas (50 x 50cm)
Dana Al Mazrouei, ‘Reflection’
2012, acrylic 3D and acrylic paint (120 x 56cm)
Shamsa Al Omaira, ‘Diffused’
2012, graphite and acrylic on wood (91 x 112cm)
Azza Al Qubaisi, ‘Signature Chair 1’
2011, from the series ‘Objects With Functionality’, palm fronds (60 x 50 x 120cm)
Hamdan Buti Al Shamsi, ‘State of Mind’
2011, digital mixed media (100 x 95 cm)
Karima Al Shomaly, 'Emirati Burqa'
2012, acrylic on canvas (120 x 120 cm)
Sumayyah Al Suwaidi, ‘Feminine Delicacy’
2012, digital art (200 x 100cm)
About ADMAF
The Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation seeks to nurture the arts, education, culture and creativity for the benefit of society and the advancement of Abu Dhabi’s cultural vision. Established in 1996 by Her Excellency Hoda I. Al Khamis Kanoo, ADMAF Founder, the Foundation is a not-for-profit organisation under the presidency and patronage of His Excellency Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of Culture, Youth & Community Development.
Each year, ADMAF inspires and engages over 40,000 children, young people and adults in meaningful and memorable experiences across a wide range of art forms. Through year-round programmes in arts education and community arts, it nurtures the creativity of the UAE, often in partnership with leading national and international institutions. ADMAF also presents the internationally acclaimed Abu Dhabi Festival, which in 2013 staged 129 arts events in 44 venues across the 7 Emirates to mark the 10th anniversary edition. In addition, ADMAF supports independent artistic expression through its Grants Scheme and nurtures UAE visual arts practitioners through its professional development initiative, The Nationals’ Gallery, which seeks to encourage, advise, promote and create opportunities for established and emerging artists across the country.
Sotheby’s Galleries, 34-35 New Bond Street, London W1A 2AA
