The beginning of the quiet summer months ahead with fewer art events makes the current opportunities even more exciting. At Manarat al Saadiyat the Guggenheim is presenting a show of some of the pieces which will be housed in the museum once the Frank Gehry & associates designed building will be finished. “The creative act: Performance – Process – Presence” is a fitting title for the show. I had the pleasure of a guided tour and found it enlightening. The different rooms started with some of the first performance artists in Japan and Europe, moving to performance artists in the UAE and more recent art works relating to the Middle East. Some of them exploring videos and emotions about the current Syrian refugee crisis.
“The Breathing House” was of particular interest to me as it incorporated crochet in an installation combined with visual and audio effects: the noise of a wind blowing while walking through.
The mountain of discarded sneakers and flipflops by local, Dubai artist Hassan Sharif made the point of a one-way-and-discard society quite clear. But the one which stirred me the most was the large piece “Homeland” by Anish Kapoor. It was less the size or moving hammer changing the piece over time which evoked emotions, but the visceral, oxblood colour and texture of the wax which reminded me of blood, meat and death. A piece that definitely left me uneasy and I am not sure if those associations and feelings are what I wanted to connect with the word “Homeland”. I am sure it has a different meaning for each visitor and by doing so is considered to be true performance art. If you are visiting or live in town: the exhibit is open until July 29th at Manarat Al Saadiyat, daily 9 am – 8 pm. Free entrance, too!
At the same time the Art Gallery at NYUAD is hosting the “But we cannot see them” exhibit of the first performance artists of the UAE. It intersects with the Guggenheim show by displaying different pieces of two artists who were part of the Guggenheim at Manarat exhibit, in addition to younger, local artists influenced by the first generation. It is a great show to visit in conjunction with the Guggenheim and makes it relevant for the local arts community.
The part I enjoyed most was watching a video at the entrance where one artist was describing his artistic life throughout the years. Some funny stories to be heard. One can visit free of charge Monday to Saturday (closed Sundays) at the NYUAD art gallery : 12pm – 8pm until May 27th, 2017.
For a more traditional event we had the chance to see Yo-Yo Ma in concert with the Silk Road Ensemble on March 31st. We had listened to his classical concerts on radio and tv and were surprised by this eclectic mix of classic, modern and traditional pieces. A wonderful evening with great acoustics in the auditorium of the Emirates Palace Hotel.
Come visit and experience Abu Dhabi art and culture from September to April! There is a lot to explore…. Until next time! Maike
beecosydesign 
what an invitation to see abu dhabi! also such a surprise to see yo yo ma with such a vibrant varied group of musicians. must have been exciting to see live. then before that the crocheted hanging with all references to the breathing house – sort of lights a fire in one’s mind about how each of us might feel in thinking about one’s one living space breathing. i was surprised a few decades back when we read that DNA breathes. very colourful exciting bee cosy news this session, Maike. keep it up.
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Breathing DNA! How curious to learn abput it. I would have never thought about it… thank you, for sharing!
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