Art you ready for this one-of-a-kind takeover in the capital?
Abu Dhabi has a full calendar of events for the rest of the year. While concerts dominate the calendar, art and culture in the capital are thriving as well. The inaugural Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennial adds a new dimension to this.
Taking place until 30 April, the Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennial promises to delight art enthusiasts and curious visitors alike. This concept uses public spaces in the capital, including Al Ain, to display pieces of art – be it canvas work, live installations or performances.
Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennial’s theme, Public Matter, is about redefining public spaces and explores four key aspects: community, environment, indigeneity, and urbanity. Expect to see mesmerising pieces in spaces such as the Abu Dhabi Bus Terminal, Umm Al Emarat Park and much more. By situating art in such spaces, the Biennial sparks a dialogue about how public areas shape, and are shaped by, the people who use them. It also offers a glimpse of how a city’s growth can coexist with heritage.
This thought-provoking exhibition delves into the concept of “public” within the distinctive context of Abu Dhabi. Visitors can explore eight Biennial routes, showcasing works by over 70 artists from the UAE and around the globe. These artistic creations reflect how Abu Dhabi’s public life is influenced by its environmental conditions, communal living, indigenous heritage, architecture, and urban planning.
The Abu Dhabi Corniche Route is a one-hour walking route that includes works by Wael Al Awar, Oscar Murillo, Farah Al Qasimi, Bik Van der Pol, Tania Candiani, Sammy Baloji, UT-R Studio, and Nicholas Galanin.
The Abu Dhabi Public Parks Route offers a one-hour walking route through Urban Park, Formal Park, Lake Park, and Recreation Park. The artists exhibited here include Abdullah Al Saadi, Hashel Al Lamki, Lawrence Abu Hamdan, Kader Attia, Khalil Rabah, Seema Nusrat, Rami Kashou x Artisans of the UAE, Paweł Althamer, Nathan Coley, Athar Jaber, and Allora & Calzadilla.
Abu Dhabi Bus Terminal offers a 30-minute walking route showcasing works by Hussein Sharif, Zeinab Alhashemi, Henrique Oliveira, and Eko Nugroho. Downtown Abu Dhabi offers a one-hour walking route taking in works by Azza Al Qubaisi, SUPERFLEX, Lúcia Koch, Nathan Coley, Mohammed Al Hawajri, and Radhika Khimji.
The Carpet Souq Route is a 40-minute driving route featuring Christopher Joshua Benton, Khalil Rabah, Eddie Clemens, Yeesookyung, and guBuyoBand. The National Theatre Route is a 30-minute driving route that includes works from Afra Al Dhaheri and Kabir Mohanty, with works at Umm Al Emarat Park and the National Theatre. The Cultural Foundation Route is a quick 30-minute walking route exploring the works of Mohamed Al Astad, Ayesha Hadir, Wael Shawky, Mircea Cantor, Nnenna Okore, and Load na Dito.
In the garden city of Al Ain, a 45-minute driving route takes visitors to Al Jahili Fort and Hili Archaeological Park to explore the works of Rawdha Al Ketbi, Shaikha Al Ketbi, Alex Ayed, Nathan Coley, and Yeesookyung.
One of the Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennial’s missions is to make art more accessible — literally. By focusing on walkability, the event encourages people to experience the capital in a new light, fostering a sense of connection not only with the art but also with the environment.
So whether you’re an art lover or a casual observer, the Public Art Abu Dhabi Biennial offers something for all ages. Plus, the event is free for all, making it one to witness.
GO: Visit https://paad.ae/biennial for more information.
