ABU DHABI: A significant new GCC Art Quinquennial exhibition will open at the NYU Abu Dhabi (NYUAD) Art Gallery on 1st October, showcasing the dynamic artistic evolution within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region. Titled “Between the Tides: A Gulf Quinquennial,” this landmark exhibition will feature works from 21 artists and collectives across the GCC, including the UAE, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia.
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This quinquennial exhibition, held every five years, aims to capture key developments in the GCC’s art scene since 2019. It will present a diverse range of works, including paintings, videos, installations, and sculptures, reflecting the region’s rich cultural and environmental landscapes.
Running until 8th December, this exhibition also celebrates the 10th anniversary of the NYUAD Art Gallery. Since its opening in 2014, the gallery has established itself as a cultural hub on Saadiyat Island, promoting both emerging and established artists from the region and beyond. It has played a crucial role in fostering cultural dialogue within the Gulf and internationally.
The exhibition is co-curated by the gallery’s Executive Director and a Curator and Research Assistant Professor, alongside contributions from four regional curatorial interlocutors. Instead of presenting a comprehensive overview, “Between the Tides” highlights significant moments in the region’s visual art over the past five years.
Featured artists include Alia Ahmad, Abdulrahim Alkendi, and Sophia Al Maria, among others. The exhibition also includes collaborative works from notable groups and individuals.
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Commenting on the occasion, the Executive Director noted that the exhibition underscores the region’s vibrant, evolving art scene and the gallery’s role in showcasing it. The Curator added that the title “Between the Tides” reflects the Gulf’s deep connection to natural rhythms and explores themes such as urban growth, environmental change, and cultural identity.
