ABU DHABI: The Louvre Abu Dhabi, in collaboration with Swiss watchmaker Richard Mille, has opened the fourth edition of the Louvre Abu Dhabi Art Here exhibition, which will be on display until 15th December 2024. This year’s exhibition focuses on contemporary art from the GCC and North Africa, highlighting both emerging and established artists.
Located under the museum’s iconic dome, Art Here 2024 features five shortlisted sculptures and installations competing for the 2024 Richard Mille Art Prize. The exhibition explores three themes inspired by the museum’s three official languages: “awakenings” (English), “overtures” (French), and “horizons” (Arabic). Each artist has created site-specific works that reflect a transition from unconsciousness to consciousness.
Manuel Rabaté, Director of Louvre Abu Dhabi, emphasized the museum’s commitment to showcasing contemporary Arab art. The exhibition, curated by Simon Njami, represents a significant evolution in both depth and scope. Peter Harrison, CEO of Richard Mille for Europe, Middle East, and Africa, praised the expansion of the prize into North Africa, noting its growth and increasing impact in the MENA region.
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Among the featured artists:
- Férielle Doulain-Zouari (Tunisian) presents ‘Tilling the Soil’, which explores memory and landscape through various mediums.
- Lamya Gargash (Emirati) showcases ‘Debutante Ball’, a large sculpture made of UAE sand that delves into Arab identity and cultural heritage.
- Moataz Nasr (Egyptian) offers ‘The Brides of the Sky’, reflecting on women’s bravery through historical symbols.
- Nicène Kossentini (Tunisian) creates ‘Landscapes’, a poetic exploration of environmental change beneath translucent wax.
- Sarah Almehairi (Emirati) presents ‘Shared Motion’, which examines movement and language in the context of cultural evolution.
The Richard Mille Art Prize winner will be announced in December 2024 and will receive US$60,000.
