Manar Abu Dhabi 2023: Inaugural Light Art Exhibition Illuminates UAE Capital
The first edition of Manar Abu Dhabi, a light art exhibition overseen by curators Alia Zaal Lootah and Reem Fadda, has launched at various iconic sites in Abu Dhabi and will continue until 30 January 2024. This exhibition showcases 35 unique installations by both Emirati and global artists hailing from Argentina, Japan, Palestine, and the UK. Among the prominent commissioned pieces is 'Dawaran' (2023) by Ayesha Hadhir, Rawda Al Ketbi, and Shaikha Al Ketbi. Manar is part of the Public Art Abu Dhabi initiative, which was revealed in spring 2023, featuring an annual investment of USD 35 million and a biennial event planned for 2024. The overarching theme, 'Grounding Light,' delves into concepts of nature and community, with highlights such as Asma Belhamar's 'Chasing the Dance of Alfay' (2023) and Rafael Lozano-Hemmer's 'Translation Island' (2023).
Key facts
- Manar Abu Dhabi is the inaugural light art exhibition in Abu Dhabi.
- The exhibition runs until 30 January 2024.
- It features 35 site-specific light sculptures, projections, and immersive artworks.
- Artists include Ayesha Hadhir, Rawda Al Ketbi, Shaikha Al Ketbi, Asma Belhamar, Nujoom, Jumairy, Shezad Dawood, Carsten Höller, Jim Denevan, and Rafael Lozano-Hemmer.
- Manar is part of Public Art Abu Dhabi, announced in spring 2023 by the Department of Culture and Tourism.
- The annual public art investment is USD 35 million.
- A public art biennial is planned for 2024.
- The exhibition theme is 'Grounding Light'.
Entities
Artists
- Ayesha Hadhir
- Rawda Al Ketbi
- Shaikha Al Ketbi
- Asma Belhamar
- Nujoom
- Jumairy
- Shezad Dawood
- Carsten Höller
- Jim Denevan
- Rafael Lozano-Hemmer
- Alia Zaal Lootah
- Reem Fadda
- Ahmed Al Areef Al Dhaheri
- Alaa Edris
- Ayman Zedani
- Groupe F
- Latifa Saeed
- Luciana Abait
- Mohammed Kazem
- Nadia Kaabi-Linke
- Nujoom Alghanem
- Rain Wu
- Samia Halaby
- Rawdha Al Ketbi
- Shilpa Gupta
- teamLab
Institutions
- Public Art Abu Dhabi
- Department of Culture and Tourism (Abu Dhabi)
- Canvas
- Department of Cultural and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi)
- Abu Dhabi Culture Programming and Cultural Foundation
Locations
- Abu Dhabi
- United Arab Emirates
- Abu Dhabi Corniche
- Eastern Mangroves
- Al Lulu Island
- Argentina
- Japan
- Palestine
- United Kingdom
- Dubai
- Lulu Island
- Saadiyat Island
- Jubail Island
- Al Samaliyah Island
- Fahid Island
- Corniche Road
- Eastern mangroves