NYUAD Art Gallery exhibition revisits UAE's overlooked 1988-2008 art community beyond 'the five'

Between March 2 and September 2, 2023, the NYUAD Art Gallery in Abu Dhabi hosted 'But We Cannot See Them: Tracing a UAE Art Community, 1988–2008', which aimed to challenge oversimplified views of Emirati art. This exhibition contested the narrative centered on Hassan Sharif and 'the five'—Hussain Sharif, Mohammed Kazem, Mohamed Ahmed Ibrahim, and Abdullah Al Saadi—who rose to prominence in the late 2000s. It showcased archival documents and oral histories, bringing attention to overlooked artists like Jos Clevers and Vivek Vilasini, alongside poets such as Nujoom Alghanem. Featured works included Sharif's consumer goods 'objects', Ibrahim's 1992 piece 'Lines', and Al Saadi's accordion book drawings. Curators highlighted the interdisciplinary spirit of the era, cautioning against nationalist narratives as major museums in Abu Dhabi emerge.