Abdullah Al Saadi's Studio Visit Reveals Biennale of Sydney Preparations

Abdullah Al Saadi, born in 1967 in Khor Fakkan, plays a pivotal role in the group known as "The Five," artists who significantly influenced the UAE's contemporary art during the 1980s and 1990s. He created a studio next to his childhood home in the Hajar Mountains, which serves as a personal treasure trove filled with painted chests, engraved stones, and a wealth of knowledge. Recently, Sheikha Hoor Al-Qasimi, who heads the Sharjah Art Foundation and oversees the 25th Biennale of Sydney, met with Bruce Johnson McLean, a curatorial fellow from Fondation Cartier, to discuss Al Saadi's contribution to the biennale. Now in his late 50s, Al Saadi greeted visitors at his gate, showcasing a blend of history and creativity in his unique space, which feels like a museum of memories and artifacts.