In the world of art, there’s never a dull moment, with everything from competitions for non-artists to Emirati artists lighting the way for inspiration. Here’s a summary of what’s new in the city’s cultural scene.
Unspoken boundaries
Abu Dhabi Art goes beyond the concept of a traditional art fair, focusing on a diverse public engagement program that includes art installations and exhibitions, discussions, and events held throughout the year in various places. They recently announced Emirati artist Farah Al Qasimi as the artist for their 2022 Visual Campaign. “Abu Dhabi is my home, and Abu Dhabi Art was one of the first major art events I attended when I moved back home after college, so it’s amazing to be picked for this year’s visual campaign,” Farah, who was recently featured in The New York Times, said. I’m glad to be able to share some of my work with and for the Emirates.
The photographs in her campaign are from a variety of projects, illustrating the breadth of her technique, which ranges from watching the actual world to creating still lives and collages in the studio. “There’s also a link between performance and gesture,” she continued. She investigates the unwritten societal conventions and values entrenched in a place, a time, or an object through her vivid and vibrant images. Her thought-provoking photographs invite viewers to sense the unwritten restrictions that control the settings they see. Farah’s art is now on display at the Cultural Foundation of Abu Dhabi in an exhibition called Farah Al Qasimi: General Behaviour, which features photographic and video-based works from 2012 through 2021.
Creative, chicken wings
You only have a few days until May 10, to participate in Wingstop’s worldwide #ArtisFlavor Challenge if you’re a gourmet who wants to let your creative side fly. The restaurant is regarded for serving one of the best-flavored chicken wings in the UAE. It’s an open invitation for artists to showcase their skills, with the winner earning a year’s worth of chicken wings. Create artwork that demonstrates how ‘ART = FLAVOR’ while also expressing Wingstop’s brand feelings—bold, dynamic, cool, and flavor-packed. “As the UAE develops as a worldwide hub for promoting art and culture, the contest will serve as a platform for new artists in the country to demonstrate their talents and be recognized for them,” said the organizer.
Best-selling book live on the stage
The internationally acclaimed children’s show Dear Zoo is coming to The Theatre, Mall of the Emirates (May 25-28). This event is another of Art For All’s attempts to focus on constructing an exceptional family theatre program, which begins at the earliest ages and lasts a lifetime. Dear Zoo, written by Rod Campbell, produced by Norwell Lapley Productions, and directed by Michael Gattrell, will feature child-friendly puppets, original music, and audience participation. The performance would be appealing to anyone who likes the book. Since its original publication in 1982, Dear Zoo has charmed generations of young readers and has sold over 8 million copies worldwide.