H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed, Member of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Office, paid a visit to the Abu Dhabi Festival’s ‘Portrait of a Nation II: Beyond Narratives’ exhibition at Manarat al Saadiyat in Abu Dhabi.
Sheikh Khaled met with exhibition organizers from the Abu Dhabi Music and Arts Foundation during his visit and discussed works by artists who have contributed to the UAE’s rich artistic landscape’s dynamic evolution.
Huda Ibrahim Alkhamis-Kanoo, Founder of ADMAF and Artistic Director of the Abu Dhabi Festival says, “This exhibition brings us together to experience the UAE’s infinite creative energy.” The show, which is part of the 2022 Abu Dhabi Festival and is themed ‘Crafting the Emirates State of Mind: Creation, Innovation, and Joy,’ is a representation of the UAE’s cultural landmarks.
“‘Portrait of a Nation II’ is an unparalleled celebration of 50 years of visual art in the emirates, with more than 62 artists and 100 works of art, including 15 special commissions debuting for the first time.” It’s very amazing to watch the artists who have given life to our country’s everlasting story of innovation and partnership.”
The ‘Portrait of a Nation II’ show features a never-before-seen collection of artworks that spans the UAE’s visual art history spanning half a century. Abdul Qader Al Rais, Hassan Sharif and Hussein Sharif, Najat Makki, Mohammed Kazem, and Mohamed Ahmed Ibrahim are among the artists represented. The show includes a portion dedicated to the late artist Christo and his companion Jeanne-Claude, who were instrumental in cultivating and promoting creative talent in the UAE and beyond.
A number of discussions, workshops, and performances centered around the exhibition are taking place in addition to the paintings, photographs, 3D installations, and audio-visual works.