9 Dec 2023 to 26 April 2024
Visual arts group exhibition.
Gallery A
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"It seems to me that we all look at Nature too much and live with her too little." Oscar Wilde
Art can be considered sustainable, as its essence is based on the use of materials of every kind as well as in the production of various new art forms. However, the origin of what is described today as sustainable art can be traced back to the emergence of conceptual art in the late 1960s and early 1970s along with the emergence of a new awareness of global environmental and social issues.
And if the basic premise of all art – regardless of its material structure, theme, or nature – is to make us reflect and interact, then introducing ideas of sustainability is a logical step for institutions whose role is to capture, define and display the zeitgeist of an era.
Manarat Al Saadiyat adopts this idea – and being one of the cultural centers operating under the goals and strategies of the Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi, it finds itself acting as a part of society, where it participates in the development of individuals and where art is an important tool used to raise informed audiences and promote social progress.
About “Rooted”
The approach towards sustainability within the exhibition fosters an open-ended dialogue. The selected works showcased do not necessarily serve as direct representations of sustainability in themselves. Instead, the artists take varied approaches in depicting their natural surroundings. Some artists choose to delve into environmental discourses, addressing ecological concerns and raising awareness. Their works serve as a medium to initiate conversations and inspire contemplation about the environment. On the other hand, certain artists adopt a more subjective perspective, exploring their personal experiences and emotional connections in relation to their surroundings. Their works invite viewers to reflect on their own relationship with the natural world.
In addition to thematic exploration, the use of natural materials in the art becomes a manifest reflection of the surrounding environment. Artists consciously incorporate natural elements not only for their aesthetic qualities but also to establish a tangible connection with nature. This incorporation of natural materials not only aligns the artworks with the exhibition's sustainability ethos but also adds an element of authenticity and harmony with the natural world.
By presenting a diverse range of artistic approaches and materials, the exhibition stimulates a multidimensional understanding of sustainability. It encourages viewers to engage in meaningful discussions, contemplate their impact on the environment – and appreciate the interconnectedness between art, nature and human existence.
Exhibitors and Participants
The exhibition presents a group of artists whose work and artistic identity have emerged on the local and international scene through contemporary experiences and visions in art, conceptualism and photography, from the generation of the founding pioneers of the art movement in the United Arab Emirates to the emerging artists who have confidently passed the stage of experimentation and have come to represent the artistic schools and methods we present here.
Featured Artists:
Ali bin Thalith
Amna Almansoori
Azza Al Qubaisi
Chris Jordan
Maitha Al Omaira
Maitha Bughanoum
Maktoum Al Maktoum
Michael Rice
Mohamed Yousif
Mostafa Brayez
Noora Al Neyadi
Salmah Almansouri
Sara Al Haddad
Shamsa Al Omaira
Vidhyaa Chandramohan